Need Support

Hi, kathyblonde - congrats on your 7 year anniversary - I hope you have been doing well! I also had a double mastectomy without reconstruction. Mine was last July. I thought it was odd that the thing that some people seemed to latch onto when I was diagnosed and making decisions was the fact that I was not doing reconstruction. There was so much surprise and, well, shock displayed that I wasn't doing it. Luckily, I did also have people close to me who were supportive so that was helpful along with the fact that I just knew what I wanted and was firm in my decision. I'm glad that you are also firm in your decision. Try not to let the negativity about it shake your confidence. I'm sorry you are still having trouble with people staring - is this just your family that is doing that? I have noticed a few people do the whole, look down at the chest thing but, so far it hasn't been too bad. For a while I wore the foam prosthetics that came with my camisole and then in December I got some Amoena silicon prosthetics. I actually find them rather comfortable, but...it has been winter! I have been thinking lately about summer and swimsuits and sweating, and I am wondering what I will do. Unfortunately, the middle of my chest is a little raised and then there is some concaveness (if that is a word) where my breasts were, so I am not sure how I will do in just a t-shirt when outside in the heat of summer, so that is what I am brainstorming now. I also don't have any ideas yet about the sweating issue...I'm not sure what I will do about that either. I might try a tank top under another lightweight shirt. I'm thinking the tank could absorb the sweat and then the lightweight shirt could hide it some. Any thoughts from you on a bathing suit? I'm not sure where to look. I'm feeling like I will want to go without the prosthetics for that, too, but I know I don't want a Speedo type one-piece one...I prefer wearing swim shorts or a swim skirt to anything else so I wouldn't be comfortable in the one piece, but I don't know where to find a Tankini top that is made for a non reconstructed lady. I have been clearing out my closet this weekend. I have decided it was easier to have no boobs in the winter than it will be in the summer! I put most of my v-necks in giveaway bags, but did save a few to wear under other things. I've decided I want to buy a few more of the super lightweight zip up hoodies from Old Navy. I bought a few last year to wear during recovery. I like that I can control how high or low I do the v-neck and I think I look better in a v-neck than a crew neck. I also like the cut that I think is called a boatneck cut, so I am going to look for some of those, too. I suppose I need to get busy since the weather is warming up. Take care and hang in there! I will let you know if I think of any other ideas, but I'll bet some ladies who have been at this much longer than I have will have something to share.

Thanks! I will check out that site. The deodorant idea on the chest is a good idea - if it works for the underarms, maybe it will work there, too!