Coping with one breast

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NaniAlice
NaniAlice Member Posts: 49
edited June 2014 in Mental Health: Because Cancer Doesn't Just Affect Your Breasts

I'm looking for advice on dealing with one breast.  I had a modified radical mastectomy of the right breast.  I may or may not have reconstruction in the future.  First I am scheduled to have radiation.  It will now doubt be at least 6 months before any reconstruction.

I am a large breasted woman.  So I have one DD.  It's only been two weeks since my surgery so I do not have a prostheses yet.  All I have is a foam form.  I just can't get comfortable and get the two sides balance.  In additon I find I have anxiety about being out in public.

Any thoughts on coping?

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  • flash
    flash Member Posts: 1,685
    edited October 2009

    I am also a single breast.  I found that initially, tailored, collared shirts had a tendency to puff out and make it less noticable that there was any difference.  I eventually became comfortable with being mono boobed and now have no thoughts of recon. 

     I hope it all goes well for you whatever you decide to do.  You have already done a lot and you are a strong person.

    good luck Good luck through radiation.

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  • Renata
    Renata Member Posts: 172
    edited October 2009

    I used the foam form for a whole year until I had my reconstruction, only I am small breasted. I sewed the form into my bra so it wouldn't move and it really worked well, my right breast anchored the bra and it stayed put. I could wear all my clothes, I was selfconscious though about being out in public too, especially when I went back to work I noticed my coworkers glanced at my chest and it made me feel so uncomfortable...This summer I had finally the expander filled and could wear even low cut shirts so the curiosity is almost gone. This journey is a hard one nonetheless, and I still feel anxious at times...

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  • kel1
    kel1 Member Posts: 30
    edited October 2009

    I am a mono boob, 40 D.  Wanted reconst. but had to wait until after radiation.  After that, I was so sick & tired of being sick & tired, the thought of more surgery left me...literally.  It's been 2 years this month and I STILL haven't decided about reconst.  Clothes are an issue, as well as an arm 1 1/2 in. larger than the other (but not bad lymphedema & I wear a compression sleeve every day.)  My prosthesis is so heavy, but helps me stay balanced.  Bottom line, if I could have a do over, I'd have them both off...I still freak every mammogram & breast MRI, which missed the stage III tumor I ended up with.

    As for family & friends, I encourage them to guess which side, and even let them feel the foob.  Might as well laugh, crying didn't change a thing!  The wost thing...having to see my fat belly without a boob to distract from it!

    Make your decision when you're ready...and not a second before.  You'll know what's right for you.  Only you can decide what's right for your body.

    Hugs & Happy Shopping (buy lots of button ups with patterns....)

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  • SoCalLisa
    SoCalLisa Member Posts: 13,961
    edited October 2009

    I have had a prosthesis now for over 8 years and frankly now I sometimes even forget I have it...

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  • NaniAlice
    NaniAlice Member Posts: 49
    edited October 2009

    Kelli,  Thanks for reply.  Question since your are large breasted like me, did you have issues with a fat bulge on the back near your armpit.  I had auxillary nodes removed and now have this bulge the size of a B cup boob.  The doctor is going back in to remove it before my radiation since it causes discomfort.

    I;m OK with being boobless but I wish I had done both.  I think it would have been less trouble.

    I know what you mean about being sick and tired and not wanting more surgery.  I feel like that already.   If I descide to have reconstruction it will not be for a year or more.

    Hay maybe I'll be better at golf now.  My right boob always got in my way before!

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  • NaniAlice
    NaniAlice Member Posts: 49
    edited October 2009

    Lisa, Love your quote!

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  • Sociologist
    Sociologist Member Posts: 237
    edited October 2009

    Hi NaniAlice,

    I'm a one tit wonder too! I originally did have an implant but it caused me so much pain I finally had it removed in June. When I originaly had the mast (July 07), the ps did another reduction on the right side (went from a D to B; he also removed the back fat!. Originally was an HHH but had the girls lopped down to DD in 1995). I don't mind the one boob as there are perks: No bras to wash or buy because I don't wear a prosthetic or form which saves me money; less body wash because again, no boob; and I can buy a size smaller t-shirt because with 2 boobs, bigger shirt size. Being a one tit wonder rocks! 

    Hugs,

    Margaret

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  • kel1
    kel1 Member Posts: 30
    edited October 2009

    NaniAlice,  Yep...if I could just move that 'thing' around front about 5 inches...sigh.  It's called a dog ear and my breast surgeon left it because I originally was planning on reconst and that extra skin & fat was for the plastic surgeon to work with.  Clothing wise, try a really good cami with lots of spandex...that helps hold the 'thing' in.  My bigggest challenge was a bathing suit...be sure and get one with a high back or racer back...they work best.  And while I detest my prothesis bra, because it's a 5 - yes 5 hooker!!! Us bigger gals just have to work a little harder to get things in place.

    After the first year, I started experimenting with certain bra brands and would just slit the cup for my foob & sew the cut to keep from raveling.  I'm no seamstress but this is only about a 10 min, whip stitch job.  And the fit made me feel less like 'Helga" in the industrial strength prost. bra.

    You sound like a cup half full gal...keep up the golf game!

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