Returning to Work Before Having a Prosthesis

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tbjames
tbjames Member Posts: 7
edited June 2014 in Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy

I had a mastectomy of my left breast on 2/5/13.  I am cleared to return to work on 2/25/13.  It's too soon, however, to be fitted for a prosthesis.  Other than wrapping myself in an ace bandage, do any of you have suggestions for how I can deal with having one large breast and being flat on one side as I return to work?  Thanks for any help you can provide.

Theresa

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  • Ariom
    Ariom Member Posts: 6,197
    edited February 2013

    Hi Theresa, I bought some of the cheap department store knit Ahh Bras. They have a pocket in them and come with little insert that I removed and just put in a softee that has the removable stuffing that you can adjust to your size. You can purchase the softees online. It works well and feels comfortable against the chest.

    I have been fitted for, and have bought my Prosthesis, but I still go back to the little cheap Ahh Bra option quite often because it is so comfy.

    I hope this helps, and good luck!

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  • sundermom
    sundermom Member Posts: 463
    edited February 2013

    I wore one of my old bras and stuffed the other side with a foam falsie. My situation was a little different in that I had a recon gone bad so I had one side perfectly reconstructed with the other side being flat for about 4 months. Scarfs also work wonders for concealing any disparities!

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  • Nel138281
    Nel138281 Member Posts: 2,124
    edited February 2013

    Scarves,lose fitting tops and the ahh bra all work wonders.  I was given a camisole for the drains with the soft puff when I was discharged, used them often.  Check out the thread about living flat, many of us do, lopsided as well.  It really has most ot do with your comfort and not what others thinks

    Be well

    Nel

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  • crystalphm
    crystalphm Member Posts: 1,138
    edited February 2013

    Scarves and the ahh bra are your answer. The fuller the scarf, the more you can drape it on the missing side.

    There are even light weight Velvet burnout scarves with fringe that hide just about everything.

    Wishing you the best!

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  • LanaM
    LanaM Member Posts: 142
    edited June 2013

    I'm also wondering about this..... I had a lateral MRM last Wed. And am wondering how I can go back to work without prothesis and mastectomy bra. I am overweight and very large breasted (at least my remaining breast is LOL). Have an annual conference I'm supposed to speak at..... Also wondering how painful having drain and stitches/staples removed is???

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  • JAN69
    JAN69 Member Posts: 947
    edited June 2013

    Lana - I was a uniboober for about a year.  I wore tank tops and loose jackets, or shirts unbuttoned.  Drains are annoying for sure, but I don't remember too much pain as they were removed.  Good luck and enjoy your conference.  J

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  • Ariom
    Ariom Member Posts: 6,197
    edited June 2013

    Hi Lana, another Uniboober here, and I agree with crystalpm, the Ahh Bra type knitted bra with a softee foob, or a fairly tight shape wear tank under a shirt with a scarf that takes the eye away from the shirt front.

    I didn't have any removeable staples or stitches, all internal. Just steri strips, so no problem. My drain was a bit uncomfortable coming out, but it was super quick with no pain or discomfort afterward.

    You'll be fine!

    take care and enjoy our conference!

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  • Denise-G
    Denise-G Member Posts: 1,777
    edited June 2013

    LanaM - I had a single MX and was a Size 42DD so remaining breast was/is large.  I used a camisole from tlcdirect.org  that comes with  2 foam boobs that you can make bigger or smaller.  It has pockets on both side - wear one or none.

    I wore this home from surgery.  Never hurt surgery sight a bit.  I wore jackets and vests with ruffled tops. 

    It's all expensive, isn't it?  GOOD LUCK to you!

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