Hi Caroline,

A very warm welcome to our forum. 

I am sorry to hear that you need a mastectomy and understand your concerns. I had a lumpectomy first time around, but needed a double mastectomy a year later. I was not a suitable candidate for reconstruction, due to previous, non-cancer related surgery. I manage well with an assortment of various prostheses for different activities. The surgery has left me with a little scarring, so I have to be careful with low fronted or 'V' shaped fronts. In most cases I can usually sew the openings up a bit further or I use some pins with gem tops which attach with an earring clip. These work well. I had an 'interesting' time when I started to go swimming and it took some time to find a prosthesis that didn't either float up to my face or drop down to my waist. Thankfully, I've overcome these problems now, as I swim twice a week.

The problem for most people who have a single mastectomy is in getting a prosthesis to match the remaining breast. There are many different prostheses available, so this shouldn't be a problem. I previously had large breasts and my initial prostheses were very heavy and my shoulders were sore when I wore them. Although they gave me a better shape, I now rely on Marks and Spencer's foam breast forms, which come in 4 sizes. These are much lighter and more comfortable to wear. I only wear the ones supplied by the NHS for special occasions. 

If you change your mind after surgery, you can still have reconstruction then, although there may be a waiting time before you get it. I can't wear wired bras now and find the choice of mastectomy bras somewhat limited and matronly in the shops. There are nicer bras available online, but they tend to be pricier. I find that I need a sturdier more supportive bra now to hold my prostheses, but I still manage to wear reasonably fashionable ones.

I shall be thinking of you in 2 weeks and hope that all goes well. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx