Bi Lateral Mastectomy 2 weeks ago

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Nenny02
Nenny02 Member Posts: 6
edited June 2014 in Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy

I had told my surgeon that I was not going to have reconstruction surgery but he said he left extra skin in case I changed my mind. It's only been 2 weeks since the surgery I am still very sore especially on the left side where they took out 4 lymph nodes. Someone posted on here they bought something on ebay they wear could u tell me what it is. I'm also looking for a bathingsuits for the summer. Any suggestions?

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  • badger
    badger Member Posts: 34,614
    edited May 2014

    hi Nenny02, I had bmx no recon in Feb 2010.  I also told my surgeon I wasn't having recon but he left a little extra tissue because he thought it would 'help me out'.  Mine's along the mammary ridge so I have a tiny false cleavage.  It used to annoy me but I didn't want any more surgery so let it go. Haven't worn a swimsuit for years so no advice but lots of people recommend Lands End mastectomy suits.

    A great resource is breastfree.org, it's a non-profit website started by a long-time member here, that has lots of reliable info including swimwear options.  http://www.breastfree.org/

    Best wishes and ((gentle hugs)). ♥ 

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  • Nenny02
    Nenny02 Member Posts: 6
    edited May 2014

    I have been looking at the lands end mastectomy suits and just ordered two today and thought I'd try one that said lined no cups. 

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  • Morgans_Mom
    Morgans_Mom Member Posts: 4
    edited May 2014

    Hi, Nenny02.

    I had my bilateral mastectomy in October 2014.  I told my surgeon that I did not want reconstruction surgery.  He, too, left a little something just in case I change my mind.

    I found that wearing compression bras and camisoles helped relieve the post-surgery soreness.  I still wear these today for bed and when I do yoga.  I find the prices on metromedical.com and thepinkbra.com to be more reasonable.  These sites usually have discounted prices.

    Best wishes to you.  Be happy.  Get well soon.

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  • Nenny02
    Nenny02 Member Posts: 6
    edited May 2014

    when looking at the compression bras they look just like sports bras r there any difference. 

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  • coraleliz
    coraleliz Member Posts: 1,523
    edited May 2014

    I use sports bras. it's trail & error to find the right compression. Be careful trying them on. Taking several on & off can cause soreness. But I've gotten to the point where I can look at them & test them by how much they stretch. This narrows down how many I try on. 

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  • Ariom
    Ariom Member Posts: 6,197
    edited May 2014

    Hi Nenny, as you can see by the posts, there are many options available. Two weeks out is very early days and it is normal to still feel sore, there is a lot of nerve regeneration and internal healing going on. I think most here will tell you that the node removal side is the most uncomfortable part of this surgery.

    I had a Umx, no recon at Christmas 2012 and I have researched and found lots of foobs and Prosthesis, Camis, Sports Crop Tops,Tanks and Shape wear. Genie bras work very well with soft forms in the early months before being fitted for Mx bras and Prosthesis, if that's what you decide to do. Swimwear by Amoena and Lands End have suits that are higher at the front. I also have a Speedo racing swim suit,  for water aerobics, going half flat was not something I thought I would do, but it isn't a problem to me now. It depends on whether you have decided to go flat all the time, or if you choose to wear forms of some sort, that will define what kind of suit you buy. (pockets or no pockets).

    I also had some tissue left at the end of my incision line, which is often called a "Dog Ear". I found it annoying, because it would sneak out over the side of my bra and it also had a lot of nerve discomfort too. Although I didn't think I would ever want to have any more surgery, I decided about a year down the track, which was a couple of months ago, to have it removed. For me, it was the best thing ever. It is smooth and flat and I no longer have the feeling of live nerves zinging away in it. There are some pictures on Breastfree, the website  badger mentioned. It has lots of information. which I also found invaluable, when I was researching what was available. when I was new to this.

    There are so many options, I have bought everything from foobs, to bras, to swimwear, on Ebay, so I am not sure which item that you're referring to.

    Let us know if we can help any further.

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