Five years, no reconstruction...

rianne2580 · May 2016

It's been 5 years since unilateral MX without reconstruction. I wear bras with really light (stuffed animal stuffing ). Since I have one breast (A cup) the bra stays in place pretty well. I'm interested in feedback regarding faux breast options. I still have very mild nerve and muscle aches-I tread water 3 times a week for an hour or more and strengthen arms and shoulders. I don't think aches ever really go away after MX. After my reconstruction consult, it took me 5 minutes to know I would not be getting reconstruction. A permanent alien object under my chest muscle freaked me out. And the nurse told me there would be minor pain with tissue expansion. Really? I was not in the mood to be bamboozled! Nor was I interested in depending on pain killers for months and months. So, I said no way and I'm happy I did. So is my husband.

Getting back to looking great with one boob...I stuff my bras ahead of time so I can go bigger or smaller depending on clothes. Tight T-shirts I go pretty small and more flowing blouses or dresses, I go a little bigger. I'm always thinking about the awesome women out there who are doing the same thing. I decided to re-enter the blog and get some suggestions about comfort and style. MX bras are so easy to add or subtract stuffing, but I know there are great ideas out there and hope to get some feedback regarding this issue. Thanks in advance for any suggestions or advice.

rvgirl2016 · June 2016

Hi rianne2580! Have you heard of Knitted Knockers? Someone mentioned them in a post I was reading one day, so I checked it out. If you're on Facbook, they have a page with the same name. I go in Tuesday the 6th for my mastectomy and I already requested one to try out after healing Smile Best part is they're free! These wonderful groups of knitters make them to be given away! Oh, and you can request ones made with different yarn for swimming that dry well Happy

rianne2580 · June 2016

Ahhh! Thank you RVgirl! I will look into knitted knockers, that sounds so comfortable. I went to a "confidentially yours" type mastectomy bra store. Even the light rubber pre-made inserts, and I'm talking $350 (with insurance...but still) were so uncomfortable. I would not last 2 hours with one of those. And they sag so unnaturally. Granted, I am an A cup. I certainly cannot speak for larger breasted women.

Great info, thanks again ))

Wishing you good thoughts and smooth healing. My surgeon had me doing gentle exercises the day after my surgery. She sent a PT into my hospital room who explained frozen shoulder and why it's important to move the arms and encourage blood flow. I was afraid of lymphedema, after 5 years and bouts of poison ivy, cuts and bruises (I have 2 yellow labs that jump all over me) and I garden, not a sign of it. Had 10 nodes removed. Stay positive, keep moving and wishing you the very best in a difficult situation!

rianne2580 · August 2016

I received my knitted knockers in June and posted regarding them. I'm almost crying at how comfortable and awesome they are. We went to Italy for 3 weeks in July and I took them with me. I have four, two were knitted a little smaller. I did not once feel my clothes looked "uneven." We traveled all over, walking constantly and eating out. My clothes were comfortable and some tight fitting but looked natural the whole time. I kept asking my husband "do they look ok?" They looked great the whole time. Blessed ladies who do this for us, you are angels in every way. Cannot thank you enough.

rvgirl2016 · August 2016

So glad to hear you tried and loved them! I love mine too! I'm not even sure I'm going to bother getting fitted for a mastectomy bra. My KK fits and stays perfectly in my old bras Smile When I'm out and about I honestly forget most of the time I'm wearing it! My sister tells me all the time that she can't believe how real they look in clothing.

Five years, no reconstruction...

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