Is there anyone happy with using prosthesis?

Bettyboops · February 2013

I will be getting bi-lateral mastectomy in one week due to many spots of DCIS. Lumpectomies not an option. I am not a candidate for trans flap or any other of that type of surgery. I was signed up to do implants but I am feeling that implants may be too high maintenance for me. I'm not very hardy when it comes to surgery and drugs. Are there any prosthesis that are comfortable at least to wear outside the house? I usually don't wear a bra around the house anyway...

Thanks ...very troubled about decision. Trying to get in touch with doctor today about not doing any reconstruction.

kmpod · February 2013

Hi bc1,

I'm sorry that you've had to join us here on bco but you've found a wonderful source of information and support.

On this particular forum are many women, like me, who have actively (and happily) foregone reconstruction and there are others who have had their reconstruction gone awry and had to deconstruct. Some of the threads are dauntingly long, but the stories are worth perusing when you're at this stage in the process.

As well, I'd hightly recommend http://breastfree.org/. It's a wonderful site that has been created by one of the forum members here. It helped me tremendously when I was researching what it would be like to live without breasts.

Ultimately, it's a very personal decision; but do remember it is one that you don't have to make immediately. If, at this point, you decide against reconstruction you can change your mind at a later date and pursue reconstruction even years later.

Above all, make sure that the decision that you make is yours and yours alone. Don't be pressured into doing something that you don't want to do by well-meaning professionals, friends and family.

All my best wishes as you embark upon this journey.

Bettyboops · February 2013

Kathy,

Thanks for your reply! Do you use prosthesis or nothing. Did you have areola area also removed as well? I am 55 do I want to set myself up for success not for implant surgeries at age 65 -70 - 75!

Beth

kmpod · February 2013

Hi Beth,

I had my surgeries in July and October 2011 and I've never worn a prosthesis. It's very comfortable not to and I've sure never missed wearing a brassiere.

What I find is that people really don't notice - and if they do, well, that doesn't matter. The fact that I'm 62 may have something to do with that.

The biggest step is to be comfortable with yourself. If you aren't self-conscious about your "condition" then other people likely won't be conscious of it either.

My personal reason for not having reconstruction is that I was unwilling to undergo any more than the essential medical procedures required to treat the cancer. Less surgery = less risk.

I do have to say that my surgeon was very surprised about my refusal of reconstruction. She gave me any number of opportunities to change my mind. In the end, I think she learned that not reconstructing is a legitimate and healthy choice for some women. I think that she'll be less likely to dismiss it as an option with her future patients.

I did not have nipple sparing surgery. I'm not sure if it's even an option with no reconstruction. Perhaps someone else can help you with that.

All the best.

cowpower · February 2013

Bc1 so sorry youhave to be facing these choices. I am glad you came here for support, however. In the end, you will only have to consider your own opinion. I will share my experience. Contrary to what you may think, I am very happy with my prosthesis. I had a long (2hour) session with a professional fitter to find the proper size and shape for both breast form and bras. I am large breasted and went with an ameona silicone form. It is very comfortable and looks great in clothes. I can move it to different positions in the bra to make it look the best for whatever I am wearing. I only wish I could do it with my natural breast too For me, it is comfortable enough and looks good enough that I would never consider more surgery at this time. Good luck and please let us know how you are doing.

cinnamonsmiles · February 2013

Hi bc1:

I had DCIS in a few places, as well as precancer. I had a BMX without reconstruction. I enjoy not having to wear a bra. I have very comfortable cotton, sports-like bra that I wear for lymphedema on my chest. I have very soft, lightweight forms that I can wear in them as well (I still have a lot of pain from the nerve damage from my surgery). It is nice that I can choose when I want to wear the forms or not.

If you do choose to not reconstruct, don't let anyone try and persuade you otherwise!!

I wish you the best and a speedy recovery!

Momine · February 2013

I wear very small fakes when I go out. At home I don't bother. I also don't bother if I am going out with the dogs early or late and aren't wearing them anyway. So far, it works very well for me 95% of the time.

As time goes on, I care less and less if anyone notices or is bothered. In the beginning I thought I might want recon down the road, but now I am more leaning towards not bothering and if anything changes it will most likely be that I ditch the fakes at some point.

Erica3681 · February 2013

I like wearing breast forms and I don't anticipate giving them up. I considered reconstruction before my bilateral mastectomy but quickly rejected the idea as I didn't want the risks of extra surgery, foreign objects in my body (implants) or flaps taken from another part of my body. I asked my surgeon to make my chest as smooth and flat as possible and the inicisions symmetrical. She did a great job and I don't feel disfigured at all. Also, not having extra skin on my chest makes it particularly easy to wear breast forms comfortably. I felt that if I left extra skin, I would be depressed about how it looked and not feel as good about not reconstructing. However, even without the extra skin, reconstruction would still be possible if I changed my mind.

Being totally flat is extremely comfortable, more comfortable than going without a bra before surgery (I was a large B/small C), so I often don't wear forms at home, but I prefer to have the appearance of breasts when I go out. I agree with other women that most people don't notice, but I notice when I look in the mirror and I actually like the way I look much better with breast forms. I tend to wear unweighted forms in a mastectomy camisole (by Still You) a lot during the day, or sometimes weighted foam or creme forms (Amoena 132s or Still You Illusions) with an unwired unstructured bralette. If I go out in the evening, I have silicone forms with a microfiber fabric backing (Anita TriTex) that I can wear in a regular bra. I also have some pocketed bras that I use sometimes with the Anita forms or with a pair of Amoena forms.

I'm someone who refuses to be uncomfortable just to look as if I have breasts, so I've managed to find comfortable solutions that enable me to appear as if I have natural breasts. I'm slim so have been able to size down a cup and mostly wear forms that give me the look of a 34A, but sometimes I wear my larger silicone forms if I'm feeling in the mood. (I had my surgery over six years ago, so I've accumulated several pairs of silicone forms during that time).

Good luck with your decision.

Barbara

Nel138281 · February 2013

bc1

I had my UMX almost a year ago and due to DX was highly encouraged not to do any reconstruction for a year or so out. But I was pretty sure at the time and am now definite, no reconstruction, no unnecessary surgery for me. I was fitted for a prosthetic and initially used for most everything except being at home. A year later I hardly ever where use it. I have learned how to dress and mostly just don't care what others think. Prior to dx Iused to go braless most of the time, I am a product of the 70's! So to have to wear one now was just annoying. You will find your way and what works for you. There is much support here for whatever your choice may be. Check the thread here "I look for other flat chested women"

Be well

Nel

beacon800 · February 2013

Me! I'm happy. I had bilaterals for LCIS. It went very well. I use many different types of forms depending on my mood and outfit.

When you are post surgery there is a healing period when you might not want to wear any forms, or only little cotton fluff ones. This will be 6-8 weeks. Then you can start to do what pleases you. I use the microbead forms a lot. These are from TLC on line catalog. Cheap and utterly weightless. I use them in regular bras and I just sew a bit of soft fabric over the inside cup to make a holder for the micro bead form. By far the most comfortable bra I have ever used, including pre surgery.

For sports I use the foam forms, also from TLC. They are very lightweight but hold their shape stronger than the microbead forms. I use these in a nylon Hanes bra that does not mind getting sweaty.

If I want to look like a big boobed girl I have some standard silicone forms and also, a neat trick, some swim forms that use in front of the micro bead forms (less weight that all silicone and the swim form gives heft and shape to the micro bead form.

I am 5'6" pretty slim and my figure looks better than before surgery. I really enjoy the forms. At home in the evenings though I often just go flat. My DH doesn't mind all the changes. I think he enjoys it

Anonymous · February 2013

I had to have my tissue expanders removed during chemo due to problems, and I have been very happy with the Amoena light silicone forms that I have (I can't remember the exact number on them). I sometimes go without at home,but I wear them anytime that I am out. They look very natural to me. At this point, I don't plan to attempt reconstruction again because as a stage 4, I don't want to waste more time with surgeries when I don't mind wearing the forms. That might change down the road, but I don't think it will.

iamstillhere · February 2013

I had a lumpectomy with node removal and 6 wks radiation back in 98; 10-1/2 yrs later dcis was found in the same breast leading to a mastectomy and i opted to have bilateral. never considered recon due to wanting the shortest possible recovery and as little surgery as possible. doc still asks at my annual exams. not real pleased with the surgical scar's appearance and the "dog ears" others have mentioned BUT couldn't care less abouat not having the recon. initially went flat; only started with prothetics after my wardrobe needed upgrading - for my age (60 now) lots of clothes just fall better with foobs . I'm fairly small, so it was just easier to find clothes wearing prosthetics. tend to take them off as soon as i get home - like i used to do with a bra; and depending on the clothing, sometimes don't bother at all. might be different for someone very young - more because of clothing options than anything else. go with your gut - most people are so preoccupied with their own problems, they're not going to notice or care about the flatness of your chest!

Ladyhoo · February 2013

It is such a hard decision, I also got what felt like a lot of pressure from surgeon and others. But I have not regretted it at all! My focus is getting rid of cancer. I did not want the extra recovery time, or risk of infection or other health problems. I wear the prosthesis for work or exercise, I do find that it helps me feel more balanced (UMX) but with a BMX I might not use them at all. It's nice to have choices, it's an accessory.

Good luck and take care!

MMSS · February 2013

I chose not to have reconstruction because when I was young and dumb I had implants for over 30 years and then had them removed about 5 years ago. It was a clear case of been there done that. Because there is so little breast tissue left when implants are removed I had been wearing foobs for years and was used to them. I had to use the swim forms because there was just enough tissue left that I needed a form that was concave and the swim form was all that I could find. Now I am looking forward to getting some better quality forms.

The other big factor to me was not wanting more surgery and pain. I had a knee replacement last May and I figure I have contributed enough to the surgical economy for one year. When I see how much trouble so many of the girls in our surgical group are having with their TEs I am more that grateful for my decision. The recovery after a plain BMX is much shorter and easier. I am leaving for 6 weeks in Florida just 3 weeks after my BMX and the doctor says I am good to go. There is no way that I could do that with reconstruction.

Faithroad · February 2013

Hi everyone, I haven't been to bc.org in about a year. Found this thread so I'm chiming in.

I'm happy with my prosthetics. I had imediate reconstruction after my bilateral mastectomy, but I was not comfortable with the implants at all, so nine months later I had deconstruction. I'm much happier without the implants. I too, did not want any maintenace surgeries down the road. I just wanted to be done with it all. For prosthetics I use Trulife - Harmony Silk triangles, Naturalwear. They are comfy and very light weight. They can get hot sometimes and are too hot to wear when I exersice. But I'm still happy with my decision to deconstruct. I always wear them in public, but I often go flat on weekends and evenings. That's very comfortable.

A lady in my town volunteers to make prosthetic bras from regular bras, for ladies who need them. She made some for me becasue I couldn't find a comfortable prosthetic bra. She makes a prosthetic lining by using nylon panties. She buys them big and then cuts them to fit, using the stretching leg and waist bands as pre-finished edges. It's hard to describe, but it works great!

Pkmcctx · February 2013

I had reconstruction done but weeks later had to have it removed due to infection. Now I can't have implants and I am quite disfigured. It is uncomfortable for me to wear bras because I have extra skin. Hard to describe but I feel butchered. I got some prosthetics from the American cancer society but they are heavy and uncomfortable. When you lean over you can see right down my shirt. I have just gone flat and have to wear loose shirts with high collars to feel comfortable. I also find that my breast bone protrudes as well. Been dealing with this since 2007. Always looking for something better but don't really know what to do

Ariom · February 2013

I had a UMx seven weeks ago and had no desire to have a reconstruction.

I went to be fitted for a prosthsesis last week and discovered a great range of lingerie, bras and camisoles.

I have an Amoena natural form and several bras made by the same company. They also make a fantastic camisole that has a bra inside with the pockets for the form. It hs been cut in such a way that it sits flat against the chest and even when you bend over it doesn't fall away. It is sumer here so I have had lots of wear out of this item, and have ordered more. I wore this to a BC meeting, and the other women actually thought I hadn't had my surgery, that's how good it looks, and fits. I have also found that with the right form in the right bra, you can avoid that view straight down to your waist when you bend forward.

I must say that I don't wear this, or the other soft forms I have collected, and I have collected a few, all the time. I have no problem going bra-less at home. I think if I had had a double I would have found it easy to go out completely flat, it is just a bit weird with one reasonably obvious "D" cup which is going south!LOL

I found "Breastfree" to be a great site for information, thank you again Erica, and for photos. I felt so much better when I saw others like me. It is really worth looking at, and gaining information from.

Anne888 · February 2013

Ariom, is the Amoena Valetta camisole the one you like? I think I'd like to try it, but want to make sure I'm ordering the right one. Thanks!

Ariom · February 2013

Yes Anne, that is the one. I went up a size in it because I wanted it to drape a little over jeans, rather than be too fitted.

Anne888 · February 2013

Hmmm. I don't think that's going to be a problem. I wear a size 4 blouse (remaining boob is an A cup) and I see that the smallest size for this camisole is an 8. I really like the "lies flat against the chest" part, and if it's too big it won't hug my chest. I may ask the kind people at Women'sPersonalHealth.com to compare the size 8 Valetta to the Still You camisole I've purchased from them in the past. I'm happy with my Still You cami, but it costs more than the Valetta and has single straps. So the Valetta would give me a little variety, which is always a good thing. Thanks for the recommendation!

Ariom · February 2013

OK Anne, you are much smaller than me. I don't know what to tell you. I think you'd have to try one on to see if you get the "chest hug" that I do from that camisole. It does have the adjustable straps at the back so you can raise the front that little bit higher.

Hope it works for you, it is a lovely top to wear. I wore it to a BC Luncheon yesterday with a fine knit long cardigan over it. Most of the ladies there had not seen one before, it was quite a "hit", so they were all taking the details to follow up on it.

Take care!

brcapooh · February 2013

Hi bc1,

I wear the Amoena Natura breast forms size 2 (http://www.amoena.com/ca-en/Products/Breastforms/Natura/), smaller than my regular B-cup before bmx, so not too big. They feel very natural on my 5'3" frame and not too heavy. I often don't remember they're not real!

I also found that the Amoena leisure forms (http://www.amoena.com/ca-en/Products/Postoperative/Priform/Leisure-Form.htm) with a Coobie bra (http://shopcoobie.com/) is both light and very comfortable.

I am happy with my decision not to reconstruct. And these prosthesis and leisure forms have been a lifesaver.

Hope everything goes well with your surgery and recovery.

Take care :-)

Ariom · February 2013

It's amazing how many people have the same prosthesis. I wonder how many of these are sold worldwide.

I have the Natura too, but I am looking forward to getting a bit further along with the healing so I can get one of the new Contact ones. I really like the sound of that.

I found a site in the US where I can buy all the things I need at a much better price than here in Australia. I have bought another Amoena prosthesis, and a lightweight one with bead filling for swimming. They also have the Camis I like at a much better price than here.

I am getting quite a collection of "foobs" and recently found a seller on Ebay who has all the bras I have researched, and like, so I ordered a few from her that arrived yeaterday.

All in all this has been a really easy transition. I can wear that prosthesis all day now and I don't even notice it, and that is during the Aussie Summer which is quite a test.

Anonymous · February 2013

Ariom - I've been reading this thread, but thought I'd jump in when you mentioned the contact form. I got the Amoena contact light forms a couple of weeks ago, and I love them! The stickiness is only guaranteed for 12-16 months so I don't wear them attached if it is not an outfit that really needs it, but they work really well for any type of top or dress that needed a strapless bra. I plan to wear them with my swimsuits too, or at least the ones that don't already have a pocket in them. I have a bead filled one for those like what you mentioned. Do those work well for you?

I initially did reconstruction, but due to problems had to have them removed. I've been happy enough with using the prostheses that I don't plan to put myself through surgeries again.

Ariom · February 2013

nbnotes, Thanks so much for the response!

I haven't spoken to anyone who has the contact forms so I really appreciate you letting me know your opinion.

Do you mind me asking how long you had to wait to be able to attach them? I was told that I had to wait at least 6 months for all the healing and attachment to the chest to be complete, and then only to wear it for short intervals. Is that correct?

I was told about the "life" of the stickyness, and I am prepared for that because, like you, I wouldn't wear it that way every day.

I think if they had had my size at the store on the day I went in for my fitting, I would have bought the contact and just used it with the cover as a normal form in a pocket bra, but since they didn't have one there and patience isn't one of my virtues, I bought the one they did have which was the Natura. I am happy with it, wear it most days, and really don't notice it is there most of the time. That's saying something because we are in Aussie Summer, and it gets really hot where I live.

The bead form, and the other Prosthesis I ordered from the US haven't arrived yet, so I haven't had a chance to get into the water yet. Not surprising though, my surgery was at Christmas and I wanted to make sure everything was good and healed before getting into the water. I live on a lake fed by river and the sea so brackish/ salt water.

So sorry to hear you had problems after your reconstruction. I totally agree with you about having more surgery, it isn't on my agenda if I can help it either. Take care, and thanks for the information.

Galsal · February 2013

This week I had my one year post BMX check. We discussed various options for reconstruction, pros and cons, etc. Since a Diep was attempted this past July and aborted mid-surgery due to serious complications, I'm no longer willing to undergo any reconstruction. Yes, I could go for one-step implants but am just not up for undergoing the pain involved nor the potential problems that come with implants, let alone needing to be replaced in the future, etc. After the last surgery, I've learned that for me personally, surgery involving the muscles isn't the best choice considering the Fibromyalgia I have had for years. I learned this the hard way after the Diep attempt.

Remember - Every one has different outcome and pain is subjective. This is MY opinion and why I'm not going to pursue any reconstruction.

I've met with two entirely different PS than those that worked on my Diep. Both feel that I would be a good candidate for ATF, Lat Flap, or One-Step Implants.

A consultation is being scheduled back at the VA to discuss removing the excess skin that had been left for the ease of reconstruction. Considering I was a 42DD/DDD and had a skin sparing BMX, there is a LOT of skin left. Constantly I have to lift skin folds out of the way to check and clean. Frequently, there are problems from sweating where it wants to rash up. There's enough skin left that I could handle a B one-step implant. Go figure!

My son is a Nurse and will attend the consult with me, since the family is scared for me to have ANY non-life saving surgeries after the results of the last one. They don't entirely get it WHY I need this. I just can't keep living in a state of limbo - either it needs to be all gone or something in it's place and since no reconstruction for me, it needs to be gone. I feel that I can't get to a healing place if I'm constantly reminded with the excess skin. For that matter, bras and forms don't fit well on one side and get quite uncomfortable after a while. Even with microbead forms.

So these are my reasons for not going with reconstruction any more.

Anonymous · February 2013

Ariom - When I first wore them, it had been 6 months from my original BMX, but only about 2 1/2 from the removal of the expanders. My plastic surgeon had said it would be okay as long as it was for a shorter amount of time than all day. Being in Florida, I completely understand the heat aspect (even though it is supposedly our winter it has still been 80 degrees pretty regularly), and with both the Amoena contact light & essential light forms that I have, I haven't really had any problems with heat/sweating so far. I hope it stays that way in our summer.

Galsal - I'm glad that you made a decision that you are comfortable with to not do reconstruction and to remove the excess skin. I remember you talking about the prostheses not sitting right b/c of the skin, and I think that will be a lot better once the excess skin is removed.

lostinmo · February 2013

Reconstruction was never on my agenda. The thought of more surgery was just not on my list of things to do. I am quite happy throwing my foob on everyday, I am almost to the point that I don't even realize I am wearing it until the end of the day when I just want the whole bra off.

Ariom · February 2013

Thanks nbnotes. I am definitely going to get one of these. I will just wait till I am past the 6 month mark before wearing it.

I went on a big walk with the dog today. I wore the Natura Light in a sports bra with a tank over it. It was quite warm and after 45 minutes I was really hot, but the form wasn't uncomfortable at all. In fact, I didn't even think about it, just really enjoyed the walk.

This decision to stay "au naturel" has proven to be much easier than even I expected.

I agree with lostinmo, I am getting to the point of not noticing that I am wearing a "foob".

Galsal, I can understand your decision to remove the excess skin, but I am sorry you have to undergo more surgery after your previous bad experience. Fortunately, this won't be a really invasive op, still surgery, I know, but I bet the results will be great for you. A smooth flat surface will mean you can wear a set of prosthesis in any size you choose, or go flat "au naturel". I wish you all the very best.

46andsingle · February 2013

Ariom,

I am still in my deciding stages about reconstruction. I was dead set against it and quite at peace about my decision, until my MRI showed a possible issue with the OTHER breast. Now I must rethink the situation. I was wondering if I may ask your age and how the decision not to reconstruct has effected dating/men/relationships/etc.

Ariom · February 2013

Hi 46andsingle, I don't mind at all, ask away!

I will be 60 next birthday, so much older than you, and in a very different situation.

I can't say what I'd have done if I was single and in my 40's, but I still think it would have been a struggle for me to reconstruct. My Mother had a Radical Mastectomy in '94, just four months after my Dad passed away. I was so used to seeing her scar, and hearing her humour about it that seeing myself like that wasn't as big an issue as it could be for some.

When I got my Dx, one of the first things I said was that I wouldn't be reconstructing, so could I have the best scar possible. When I woke after surgery, my Surgeon was there to tell me he done "The straightest scar, he'd checked it with a spirit level!"LOL

I was told, however, that the door wasn't closed, if I decided to do a reconstruction later it would be possible. I must admit I liked that, I don't like being told that I "can't do" something.

My husband is a C5/6 Quadraplegic from a hang gliding accident 35 years ago. He has been a rock for me and has absolutely no issue with me being a "Uniboober". His reaction to seeing me on day one was to say "Oh Wow! that will heal beautifully!" and "You don't need two boobs to be gorgeous!" The truth is he wouldn't have a problem if the other one had to go the way of the first, but I didn't feel the need to have a BMX when there wasn't a problem with the other breast.

You've got so much to think about, it is so hard when huge decisions have to be made so quickly. I really feel for you!

I am sure there are others here, closer to your age, who are single and have been faced with the same decision you're facing right now. I am sure they will come along and try to help you with their experiences. Please ask anything you wish, we are all willing to share our experiences.

I wish you all the very best with whatever you choose for you, please stay around and let us know what you decide, and then how you are doing.

Is there anyone happy with using prosthesis?

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