How is life with one boob?

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  • SoCalLisa
    SoCalLisa Member Posts: 13,961
    edited February 2017

    Wishing you a speedy recovery fluffy ...do your exercises, especially the pulley..hugs

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited March 2017

    I am happy to have found this thread as I am looking ahead to UMX on April 14th and have decided to not do reconstruction at this point, but am thinking of diep down the line if I realize I don't like living without reconstruction. Here's my blog about making that decision: https://psalm7326journey.wordpress.com/2017/03/06/...

    Now, I need to gear up for the UMX, and figure out how I want to live post UMX - what kind of prosthesis, how to swim, etc. I got my first knitted knocker in the mail and some coobie bras, but that's it at this point. I have a lot to learn.

  • jcpriest0469n
    jcpriest0469n Member Posts: 86
    edited March 2017
    • Hi First I learned something new today . I still have one good breast. I have a good artificial boob and one great bra. If I am dressing up I use that. The,knitted knocker are ok but mine always ride up. Sometimes I pin it in. I live alone so when there I use nothing. The small town I live in is mostly senior. I don't feel to embarrassed if I forget and leave the house without my boob. It has happen. My reason was pure fear of the operation and pain. All for nothing. If I could do it again I would have gone flat.I hope this helps.
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited March 2017

    thanks so much, jcpriest, it is helpful to hear your perspective!

  • SoCalLisa
    SoCalLisa Member Posts: 13,961
    edited March 2017

    joy..one step at a time. Don't worry about swimming after the surgery. Once you are healed and on PT the swimming comes back in no time.

  • mara51506
    mara51506 Member Posts: 5,088
    edited March 2017

    To be honest, I had a UMX and actually don't wear any prosthetic. I wear ahh bra or genie bra and the size seems to work well. No one appears to notice, even when out in public. Not sure about swimming, have not tackled that yet as far as what to wear in the pool. We'll see.

  • Freya244117
    Freya244117 Member Posts: 603
    edited March 2017

    I'm like Mara, I dont wear a prosthesis. I figure this is my normal now, and if anyone has a problem with it, well, that's their problem. I wear whatever clothing I like, mostly fitted, some not.

    I have not noticed anyone noticing or commenting, and after 8 years I don't even think about it.

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited March 2017

    thank you, Socalisa, I need the reminder to take things one day at a time.

  • glennie19
    glennie19 Member Posts: 6,398
    edited March 2017

    they make a swimming prosthetic, but I don't wear one in the pool. No one asks. If they did, I would just tell them I had breast cancer.

  • Jacklin
    Jacklin Member Posts: 162
    edited March 2017

    Hi Joy,

    I agree with SoCalLisa, take things one step at a time. It will all fall in place, at the appointed time.

    For swimming, you could use a "shower poofy", and if you sew (or someone you know would like to sew this for you), you can make yourself this microbead prosthesis: http://mastectomysolutions.com/sew-your-own-breast...

    Know that I'll be praying for you and your medical team on April 14.


  • SoCalLisa
    SoCalLisa Member Posts: 13,961
    edited March 2017

    I sewed an old mastectomy bra into a swimsuit and used my swimming prosthesis or use a shower poofy in a regular one


  • LM070917
    LM070917 Member Posts: 323
    edited March 2017

    I don't find my uni bad at all, I've got quite used to it for the past 1.5 year. I use a prosthesis for every day and swimming. I do have calcifications in my other breast, so have been advised to remove that also. For this reason I'm thinking recon because I don't think I could go totally flat at 36 years old. Damn other breast, otherwise oddly I'd be ok with the uni.

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited March 2017

    So appreciate these tips and the prayers. I'm also impressed at the creativity! I can sew a bit, but I have a full and busy home with little time for projects.

  • Hanging_in_there
    Hanging_in_there Member Posts: 226
    edited March 2017

    Hi Joy45Gen,

    Thank you for reviving this thread. I have surgery scheduled for late April and I'm in the decision stage. I originally wanted autologous reconstruction and then I was not a candidate for the ones I was willing to do, or thought I was willing to do. Plastic surgeon says I barely have enough in my belly for one Diep. He drew on my belly what they would take and after looking at it for a day or two, I just couldn't see taking that much of my belly, which is pretty flat, so I felt like I would be leaning over if they took that much tissue. I have lots of fat, just not in the places where they do autologous recon. I have enough fat un my upper butt, but no way I would do 9-12 hours of surgery. And no way would I take muscle from my lat. dorsi.

    So now I'm down to implants. I have yet to talk to a plastic surgeon about implants, (that is next week). But just doing a little reading the idea of extra surgery for maintenance is unappealing. And a breast lift for the non-involved side --- just more surgery. So I'm trying to get used to having a prothesis. But I definitely like the idea of not having prolonged and several extra surgeries. I have made no decisions and right now I have a plastic surgeon scheduled to give me a tissue expander on my surgery date, but I can call it off.

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited March 2017

    Hanging in,

    I can relate to the difficulty of making the decision. I didn't want to feel an implant inside me, and I didn't want the upkeep of an implant (MRI's to be sure it's not leaking, and replacing every 10 yrs). So many have gotten them though, so those issues must not be deal-breakers for others.

    The reason I finally have peace about not doing reconstruction is that I know it doesn't have to be a final decision. I can pursue diep later if I choose. I am also thin, but after 5 pregnancies I do have just enough abdominal fat for one side.

    I know if diep were not an option it would make the decision even more difficult. I will pray for clarity for you. I hope you are able to talk to the ps about implants and that it helps.

  • Hanging_in_there
    Hanging_in_there Member Posts: 226
    edited March 2017

    Thank you Joy45Gen,

    The funny thing is I'm not thin, that is what kills me. I have lost 22 lbs during chemo and have about 20 lbs more to lose. I just don't have much fat on my belly. I have not given birth, so perhaps if I had, I would have the fat I need. But I'm in the same situation with people who are actually thin. I have a lot of muscle, and that may be the problem in areas, is that the fat in thin and the muscle is big. If they could take it from the outside of my upper thighs, I've got enough fat for some pretty big breasts (which I would not want). But plenty of fat in all the wrong places.

  • HoneyBeaw
    HoneyBeaw Member Posts: 212
    edited March 2017

    Hi all

    Left mx on 12-26-16 and right now I have no plans for any sort of reconstruction. I'm small busted to begin with so I got a couple of them light weight breast inserts and they work great. , Reconstruction is just not even on my radar at this time , I just want to get healthy and get threw treatment. Im 54 married 36 years, hubby is totally on board with waiting to see how I feel about it later , Like others I just do not want implants or the upkeep of having them . While I have enough belly fat to do the diep, its a long surgery and not sure I up for that and the long healing,

  • msphil
    msphil Member Posts: 1,536
    edited March 2017

    hello all i had a Lmast with reconstruction but my body rejected it soon after it hardened n had high fever rushes to hosp it was immediately removed the expander. i went flat sided for awhile then wearing prothesis n sooo glad n comfortable with it. Am now been wearing for 23yrs this yr Praise God i am 23yr Survivor.msphil idc stage2 Lmast 0\3nodes chemo and rads and 5yrs on tamoxifen

  • msphil
    msphil Member Posts: 1,536
    edited March 2017

    hello all i had a Lmast with reconstruction but my body rejected it soon after it hardened n had high fever rushes to hosp it was immediately removed the expander. i went flat sided for awhile then wearing prothesis n sooo glad n comfortable with it. Am now been wearing for 23yrs this yr Praise God i am 23yr Survivor.msphil idc stage2 Lmast 0\3nodes chemo and rads and 5yrs on tamoxifen

  • Lomquiche
    Lomquiche Member Posts: 1
    edited April 2017

    I was diagnosed whilst pregnant so perhaps that made it easier for me to accept body changes generally. I had right breast mastectomy at c 26 weeks, then 10 weeks later had son by elective C-section before chemo & radiotherapy.

    Never wanted reconstruction & it was impossible at time of mastectomy because of risk to baby if under general anaesthetic for many hours.

    I have a prosthetic (part gel, part foam) I sometimes wear but usually I just put on a bra & tough if anyone feels I'm odd. I swim without prosthesis.

    New breast consultant tried persuading me that my sporadic flipped rib feeling could be lessened by having reconstruction but I don't like idea of implant. We have agreed he will no longer raise the topic ;)

    I adapt wired bras which often rub scar area, by taking out wires by cutting hole in channel between cups (rather than under arm) & pulling out wire. Gives me wider choice of funkier colour bras, but would horrify bra specialists.

    Like some other respondents, I use the void to store things like house keys, when fetching son.

    I miss a "proper" cleavage but as I was never a Playboy Bunny type, I suppose I have been less traumatised. Husband, son and I just happy I am alive

  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited April 2017

    Lomquiche-

    What an inspiring story! Thank you for sharing what your life is like without reconstruction; we can't imagine the stress of undergoing a mastectomy while pregnant and then undergoing treatment with a new baby, but we share your sentiments about being alive! Looking forward to seeing you on the boards!

    The Mods

  • MexicoHeather
    MexicoHeather Member Posts: 365
    edited April 2017

    I was always small chested and thin, so I tend to go around in only a camisole. I bought a prosthetic breast - nice, but I was talked in to going to a 3 rather than a size 2. I wore it out and it got sweaty (I am in Fla.)

    Being Uni, I feel very lop-sided and a little boy like now that I have no hair. I can see that over time, there will be very little fat to cover the rib cage..

    I have to go LD flap to rebuild. I am mentally preparing for another surgery, date unknown.

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited April 2017

    Another happy uniboober here!

    I experienced a lot of grief when contemplating losing my right breast to mastectomy. I had been single for 5 years since my divorce, and I could not bear the thought that I would never again have the wonderful sensation of a man touching my breast(s). I did not do reconstruction for two reasons 1) I wanted to move on with my very active life without the possibility of complications and multiple surgeries; 2) I couldn't see the point of having a breast with absolutely no feeling. I kept my left breast and have found the most wonderful man who loves me and my uni-boob and doesn't care at all that I am lopsided! I still get to enjoy the sexual sensations that I always enjoyed! I am a B-C cup! I have silicone foobs that are a perfect match that I wear most days to work, etc.... When I want something lighter I have a foam foob that I wear at home or in my sports bra!!! It would be nice to be able to go braless and not be so lopsided, but this is the only downside I have found to my decision. Good luck deciding! There are a lot of things to consider and we each have to follow our own values and preferences!!!!


  • Lily55
    Lily55 Member Posts: 3,534
    edited April 2017

    Lack of symmetry plus plus plus - for me "life" with one "boob" is hell, I feel so ashamed and embarassed and totally uncomfortable in my own skin

  • jcpriest0469n
    jcpriest0469n Member Posts: 86
    edited April 2017

    Hi to all, I am glad I didn't have reconstruction. My doctor kept asking me if I wanted it. I was too overwhelmed with the idea of cancer. I try to think of the general pubic when I go out and wear a fake one. It helps that I am retired and not so concern about fashion.

  • tessu
    tessu Member Posts: 1,564
    edited April 2017

    Uni here too. And finally ok with it. I have done a complete 180 regarding my feelings about wanting the healthy breast off.

    When diagnosed summer of 2015, I desperately wanted the healthy breast removed because I was scared of getting breast cancer in that, too. The surgeon said I was too thin for own-tissue recon; unfortunately she delayed surgery a week because she would not believe I did not want any recon at all if the only option involved having an implant. (All the women in my local bc group have had recon, so it's "normal" here). The delay freaked me out because of the very aggressive pathology in my biopsy. The surgeon left extra tissue because "of course you will change your mind later"; I wish she had not, because it rubs on the armhole part of bras (when I wear them) and that hurts.

    Although thank heavens I've gotten the LE on my mastectomy side (hand, arm, chest wall) under pretty good control, I'm not willing to risk getting LE on the other side, too, from surgery to remove the healthy breast. So that one stays unless it cancer shows up there, too. Even fairly well-controlled LE sucks. Also, I read recently that removing the healthy breast would does not prolong survival (except in certain types of bc, not mine).

    I'm only a B-C cup but the silicone protheses for the mastectomy bra are too heavy and hurt. And the nerve pain in the scar hasn't yet completely gone away, so all bras hurt, even with a soft fluffy foob. And cancer treatment and all the suffering from its side effects has made me "a bit" selfish --- so if I don't feel like wearing an uncomfortable bra/prothesis (most of the time LOL), I simply don't, and if that shocks anyone, that's their problem, not mine. Yes, I've ditched most of my tighter tops, and yes I use scarves etc, and yes, for special functions (going to a wedding the end of this month) I'll wear the foob to not draw extra attention to myself. But actually nobody seems to have noticed at all when I go out lopsided. Or maybe they just don't care :)

    If you're reading this thread you're probably trying to decide what's right for you. As many have posted above, you can always change your mind, and possibly do recon later -- or not. One thing I did not know at the start is that a lot of recon styles involve multiple surgeries --- do you really want to soend that uch time recovering from operations? --- make sure you get all the information before you decide!

    I hope whatever you choose, that your surgery goes very well and that you're happy with the final results :)

  • 4happygirl
    4happygirl Member Posts: 39
    edited April 2017

    The one thing no one has mentioned is problems with balance. I had a left mx in 2015 with an immediate TE placed. Long story short, I developed an infection, had the TE removed and replaced 3 months later, then had DIEP in Feb. 2016. Because of the infection, the TE couldn't be expanded much. So, I've seen both sides. I went flat on one side for 4 months and then had a mostly flat tissue expander for 7 months. Before I had the DIEP, my sense of balance was constantly off, unless I was wearing the prosthetic that was designed to weigh the same as my natural breast. When I put it on, I felt an almost audible click in my brain and I would get my balance back. I think my brain would've adjusted to the asymmetry, but only if I never wore a prosthetic, which I wasn't willing to do outside my home. I made my decision to reconstruct before the MX because I wanted to end up with a body that looked and felt as close to my natural body as I could. But, as an athletic, active person, in retrospect I would say that having my natural grace and balance restored was just as important. Finally, I hated the depression under my collarbone, and the ropy tendon under my arm. I live in a hot climate and I am so relieved to feel comfortable in my clothes without needing to completely cover my upper arms, shoulders, and chest. Lastly, I would say that women are correct be hesitant about DIEP surgery. It was debilitating, and I hope I never have to go through anything like that again. I waited to do it until I was 100% certain I wouldn't need radiation (clean margins after MX), I wasn't going to have chemo, and I had recovered strength. It still took every day of 12 weeks for me to recover to the point where I could exercise gently and lift anything heavier than a gallon of milk.

  • PickMoreWildflowers
    PickMoreWildflowers Member Posts: 12
    edited April 2017

    Hi All,

    I had a uni on the right side and selected prepectorial placement. I'm 6-weeks out from the exchange. I'm starting to experience shoulder pain. I tried a spin class today but could not hold the handlebar on the right side for extended periods of time. Has anyone experienced this? Did you find out what caused it or exercises to minimize the pain? How long before I pop out of being in a funk?

  • rianne2580
    rianne2580 Member Posts: 191
    edited April 2017

    I am so happy I chose no reconstruction after R mastectomy in 2011. I swim 2-3 times a week, lift weights, run and with a prosthetic look even and normal in clothes. The pain, extra surgeries and feeling of a foreign object under my chest muscle seemed horrifying to me. I also learned recon needed much pain relievers, I'm not a fan. Thankfully, my husband encouraged no recon.

  • Hop3ful
    Hop3ful Member Posts: 6
    edited April 2017

    hi...this might be out of topic but i would realt like to ask. I had a full mastevtomy in march 2017 and also decided on being flat on one side. It has been 6 weeks already since my surgery and my surgery area/chest feels numbes or has less sensation. Will my sensation come back?

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