As Is

Brazos Thank You!  It is amazing the support you feel reading about someone else going through the same thing.  I think building up a tolerance as you say is the idea.  Have clothes that I'm comfortable in when I don't feel like wearing them and wear them when I do.  Love the thought of messing with peoples minds, that just made me laugh.

Brazos it was nice to realise that we had had our operations in the same month, felt like we were on the same page, I cannot tell you how much I got from your opening words!

I have occasional tightness/nerve tingling with my scar but not much sensitivity, if anything when I touch mine it feels kinda numb.  I did not do much stretching after my operation, even though I was given the exercises, just freaked me out doing them, felt like I was going to rip something.  But in the last couple of months I have been stretching every morning, took ages for me to feel like I was getting somewhere but in the last few weeks I have really noticed a big difference.  I was also recommended Calendula Cream which I use every morning before stretching.  I do not know if this has helped but it feels nice to put on, I can rub it in now without feeling nauseous, ha never thought that would happen!

Totally agree, Recon is not for me, but my heart goes out to those who do decide to do it, I did think long and hard about it before my operation and I am happy with my decision, that is all you can hope for eh.

Hi ladies...I had my BMX in January, so I'm about five months ahead of you.  I have two different kinds of bumps, but I usually don't wear them.  I find they make me more numb, and causes fluid to build up on my chest.  Occasionally, I will wear them if an outfit "needs" them....some outfits just need a little more filling out, you know?  But most of the time, I go flat, flat, flat.  I even went to a water park in my flat swim suit top.  Well, it's not a REAL swim suit ...it's actually a running/yoga top, made out of the same fabric as swimsuits.  I wear it with my tankini bottoms, and it looks like a swim suit.  One top has horizontal stripes, another has crazy like designs.  No one even did a second glance - I watched. 

A fitter tried to tell me it was important I wear my forms and a bra because it was better for my posture, but I can't see why.  I stand erect just as well without the bra/forms as I do with...and besides, I'm MUCH more comfortable without.  I also developed a mild case of lymphedema, and wearing the forms causes more swelling!!!  (my lymphedema is on the side where I lost only ONE node...go figure!!)

so, Ladies....more power to you!!  Keep it up.  And I'm with you! 

blessings...robin

Call me a cynic but as I always say: "Follow the money."    Someone whose job is to sell breastforms is NOT going to tell a customer that she really doesn't physically NEED them.  Much more effective to use the old "posture" argument to everybody, whether it is true for that customer or not.

Btw, the fitter at the mastectomy shop I first went to in the beginning (before I wised up about foobs in general, and discovered that I prefer going flat!) used the same b.s. on me as well. And yes, I'm a BMX too.

Anyone who is supposedly a certified mastectomy fitter knows darn well that BMX patients do not "need" foobs to "prevent posture problems". If she doesn't know that, then she has no business being a fitter. So yet again, it was your basic "say anything to make the sale."

robin said, "A fitter tried to tell me it was important I wear my forms and a bra because it was better for my posture, but I can't see why."

The cynic in me thought this:  It's not necessarily better for your posture, but it's certainly better for the fitter's pocketbook!

otter

Had my implant removed last Tuesday and must say that I like my chest so much better in it's natural (though still bruised and bandaged) state, even though I'm a uni.  I'll probably get a breast form to wear when I go out, but doubt if I'll wear it all the time.

I had a BMX in 2008,and after i was totally healed was sent to the place where they fit you(sorry chemo brain,can't remember what it's called) Anyway they fitted me for the prosthesis,and ordered them for me.I went back a week or so later  for the final fitting,and i wore them home.I've had them on once since then,my choice,now they just sit in a box in my room with the box collecting dust.

Last week i got a card from the place that made them telling me i could come in again for new ones.Told her i don't wear the ones i have,so wouldn't be coming in.I also asked her if there was someplace i could donate them to,she said i could bring them in there,and some church picks them up and takes them to Mexico.Not sure i want to go that route,i'd rather donate them to someone here in the states that can't afford them.Don't get me wrong,i have nothing against mexico,but i'd rather take care of the home front first.JMO

Kathi

Lovegolf

I was interested in reading that you have had surgery to clean up your scar and dog ears (great name for it).  I go back to the surgeon at the end of January and I have to decide whether to have my scar tidied up and the dog ears removed, my scar is very puckered in the centre.  It's odd cause no one really sees it except me and my hubby but I hate lifting it up to dry it after my shower and I think it looks gross.  Are you happy with your decision and how long did you have off work, would like to hear how it went??

Robin... thank you! I am having my coffee and the thoughts of whatever Foobage I have on and wanting to rip it off the minute I go out the door....well thats me. Thanks for my first Snarf! of the day.

I have just been wearing the post op cami's with fluffs.....just when I go out for chest protection as in for Concerts, big crowds..., moreso for even bumps. I keep pulling the fluff out of these forms to get them thin enuff that they wont bother my LE.

So I wore the cami with fluffs for a concert..... they sit 2 stories above where my old self resided....and I am having to pull the cami DOWN.  I feel like I need suspenders.

I was really glad to take it off and go Free....and its only been 4 months and I am starting to get used to it. Just a little.

Happy Saturday!

It is a problem. My surgeon explains that they have to stop somewhere, so it's easiest to do that under the arms. Think about it if they went further into your back and stopped. You'd have a groove into your back. But, they shouldn't be volcanoes under your arms, but little tiny mountains....

You won't find many low-armed tanks that will work. Or big cut arms....

B R A V O    B R A Z O !!!!  hi all i am new to this room.  my chexst looks like dr  frakenstein operated on me with before the hangover yet set in.   i have a lopsided smile that tinle and spasms and has a "bubble" at the aup near my armpit     i am so happy to hear from y'all.  the other rooms i found were swell, but everyone chose for recosnstruction.  i was out of place.  i could not wrap my headd around that and their lives and issues were very diff.  my scar is ugly, but i dont go outside without clothes.  i DO get to wear all the little stappy numbers i couldnt befsore.  i dont have to be encumbered by a bra.  and my chest doesnt get all weaty.   maybe they're all young enought to have t!    yey youhat prob ? (joke)    v havent read all the posts yet    just feeling ecstace at finding affinitive voives

Hey nc, I met you on another thread! I a happy strappy flat one!

Hey Brazos!!!

oh man!  re reading my own thread today, i would be surpruzed if anyone can reda what is in my head.  !!  if you looked at my bio, you

'll see that what I  looks fine   till later

so kudos and a fresh chrismas turkey to all who deciphered me!  including me  !  i entertain myself endlessly !  so here you have it....a boonless, uterous/ovary less, and brainless silly woman. what ele ihere but to laugha  big one!!! 

I am looking forward to going "As Is" I am not looking forward to seeing my belly once my boobs have gone,  lets just say with 44DD girls its been awhile since I have seen my belly.. I fear it is going to look very large after the surgery, I think I may look like a "weeble" for a while.  My Surgery is booked for March 18th so I am trying to trim the belly before then, but as it took a few year to put on I dont think its going to disapear in a few weeks..

Kezzie