Returning to work without prosthetics

I would think you’d be able to wear a cami with the knitted knockers in it. You can often get them for free from various centers/organizations where caring ladies knit them and donate them. Here’s a link to what they look like and a great article about them. My mom actually is one of the volunteer knitters.

https://www.goodthingsguy.com/lifestyle/knitted-knockers-mastectomy-sa/

It's funny how every dr is different. I woke up from surgery with a bra on and was told to wear it or a front closure sports bra for the first month. There's a soft camisole with no elastic that I think you might like, called the Softee Roo

It's step in, easy to put on, has pockets for your drains and pockets for the included fiberfill puffs to give you some "bumps". You'll look fine, no one will notice a thing.

I'm not the kind of person who shares personal stuff about myself so I told very few people about my diagnosis and I really wish I had told even fewer. I found most people didn't care, they're busy with their own lives and concerns. It's up to you how much you need to share with people but be selective in the beginning because you can't "untell"

Best of luck with your surgery. Mine was much easier than I expected. I was fairly uncomfortable for the first few days but got back to my old routine pretty quickly.

Lucky

PinkProud,

I am so sorry that you have to go through this again! I know reality setting in can be the hard part. If you need to talk we are here to listen and support you in anyway we can. Do you have a support system at home family/friends who will be able to help surround you with love after your BMX?

Is the emotional part more difficult this time around then the first? How do you feel overall?

Sending you good thoughts and lots of Love and Hugs!

Hi Pinkproud,

I have been thinking of you this weekend. I hope all goes well with your BMX. I know what you mean about the emotional part getting to you. The only advice I can give is to allow yourself to feel all the feeling. I thought losing my breast was like losing a part of my family and I needed to grieve, and that involved a lot of crying before and after surgery. The interesting part was that the day after my MX I didn't cry at all I was so happy that the tumor was gone, however, that could also be the drugs talking I was so drugged up and tired from the surgery I think my emotions took a back seat. It wasn't until a week after surgery when I started to let the water works start again.

As for your students they might not notice anything depending on the kind of clothing you wear if it is lose enough you might not have to say anything to your students. I remember one of my Early Childhood college instructor's gave us an assignment and that was to write about a time in our lives that was stressful and what we did to help work through this stressful time. I found it to be very helpful because at the time I felt that school was my biggest stress. Maybe you could ask your students what are stressful situations in their lives and depending how open they are you can decide on weather to tell them about your health issues or not.

Wishing you well and take it easy when you go back to work.

Hugs

PinkProud,

It is your choice whether to wear prosthetic i.e. fake boobs. You don't have to special order them, you can buy a sports bra with inserts, and temporarily put in some foam or such.

With or without fake boobs, if you wear loose, fluffy clothing, or a jacket, it's highly unlikely anyone will notice (unless you mention it, in which case, expect some unintended stares).You don't owe it to anyone at school to tell them, unless it will affect them. if you tell students, you'll have to tell colleagues first.

The surgeons office should give you post surgery instructions asap. You will not be allowed to raise arms above shoulders level, so you may need overhead projector and transparencies, else slides.

This was the only surgery I ever had. I dreaded the moment of first glimpse at new chest. So, I didn't look, I got used to the new state proprioceptively and via touch, and the follow day, I looked and it wasn't so bad. Truth is, when I woke up from surgery, first thought was: I made it!

Whatever you decide about surgery, best wishes to you.

PinkProud,

Regarding the practical matters you just raised, each surgeon seems to be different based on the number of different instructions I've seen on this website! With each of my surgeries, the instructions were largely no driving with drains or narcotics; no lifting more that 10 pounds, take it easy for the first two weeks then ease back into regular activities; four weeks before running. Mastectomy and today's surgery included "wear this post surgical bra for two weeks; no underwire bra for at least 4 weeks." (My DIEP reconstruction was no bra for 4 weeks.)

Regarding who knows what - totally your call. My current circle of friends knew; my immediate work colleagues knew; and word spread over the past two years. I did not post on Facebook and everyone respected my request to keep it off Facebook. Having people who knew made it easier to ask for help (not my normal). My husband was ill and couldn't drive or do much around the house. My adult children have had to be the "person" with me at surgeries and for the big ones, a friend showed up to sit with them. Food was delivered to our home whenever needed which is super helpful. I have found that people want to help you; let them as it gives them an outlet and gives your children a break.

Good luck on Wednesday.

I was in an office a few months ago and mentioned I was diagnosed with breast cancer. The receptionist told me she had both breasts removed and didn't have reconstruction surgery. I didn't even notice she had no breasts until she stood up, pulled her shirt tight around her chest. Because of the type of blouse she wore, I would not have known unless she showed me.

I'm a very private person and would probably not tell students about the specifics of my surgery, though I might tell them I was out from work because of surgery...if they asked. Your students are young adults so consider leaving it up to them to ask further questions.

After my surgery, I had extreme fatigue for three weeks. I'm sure the time varies for each of us so, should you have fatigue, you may be over it by the time you go back to work. sm627 gave you some very good suggestions how to deal with that in class.

This forum is a wonderful place to get support, encouragement and advice from others that have breast cancer. Pinkproud, I wish you the very best!

Hi PinkProud,

So glad that your BMX went well and that you have clear lymph nodes and no Chemo is wonderful! Were you able to get a hold of your doctor about the possible drain clog? When is your next follow up appointment?

How are you holding up emotionally?

Sending you good thoughts for a smooth recovery.

Hugs

I know it's difficult not to care about what your students think, but I've spent a lot of time in a college setting, and whatever is going on with your body isn't something you owe your students answers about if you don't want to give them answers. They might notice you look different and might wonder why but they probably won't ask you about it or talk much about it among themselves. The term keeps going and they are busy worrying more about their grades and assignments, finding funding, housing situations, and thinking about what they are going to do with their lives. And I hate to say it, but these days, a lot of them aren't paying as much attention in class as they should.

Alor of women don't know nor did I that if your doctor writes you a prescription for Ameona camisoles with drain holders, 2 recovery bra one is a recovery brobe. The camisoles comes with breast forms but also ask for a prescription of Ameona breat forms. They are soft and very natural looking! I looked for a breast cancer medical supply store, I went with The Pink Boutique & my insurance covered every single item. It would have been 696.00$ so definitely ask your insurance or your doctor. Is it part of the women's mx act that went into effect many years ago!!! Best wishes SA

You are VERY aware of what you are going through.....as you should. Truth is probably near no one will notice your flat chest. Blousey blouses, layers and scarves will be there for you more than anyone else but help you feel more confident. I actually enjoyed being flat in cloths while my TEs were being slowly filled. It's slimming and kind of like trying on a costume for awhile. When you are healed enough at home I found wearing pretty camisoles and bralettes even when you are flat helped with the mirror 'drive byes' at home. It can be exhausting to see the scars.