With something as dire as cancer, we've got to find some humour to survive.
Having had a double mastectomy, I purchased some swimming prostheses and a post mastectomy swimsuit, thinking that I was all set to get back in the water. As soon as I entered the water my prostheses appeared around my waist, as they were so heavy. I would love to have a picture of me coming out of the water that day, as I was too embarrassed to notice the reactions of people around me! Nothing deterred, I purchased lighter weight prostheses, but these filled up with air and water when I was in the pool and left my boobs floating under my chin and the prostheses trying to float out of my swimsuit. The woollen prostheses got so heavy when they were wet that I had to wring them out as surreptitiously as I could as I was getting out of the water. All was trial and some very embarrassing error! That was all 16 years ago and I'm pleased to say that I have finally found some prostheses which behave better when I'm swimming. Looking back now, I have to see the funny side of these antics.
Bet you didn't see it at the time but I really enjoyed your telling of it. I thought it would all be down hill after my diagnosis but I'm told I'm doing well. I'm not sure what that means but I'm happy to stick with that. It's a bit like getting a star for homework, but I have to say chemo, radio and immunotherapy are all tougher than any homework I've done. I haven't ventured into swimming yet but it's on my bucket list, relieved, from your tale that at least I have two boobs. On the down side I'm covered in bruises from the hundreds of blood tests, cannulas and blood transfusions I've had. In a swimming costume I'd look like I'd been in some terrible accident.
