Hi Radley,

I am so sorry to hear that having already had a lumpectomy you now need a mastectomy. You must have been very disappointed when you were told this. I also have mucinous cancer and had a lumpectomy 9 years ago. The following year I found another lump in the same breast and had a double mastectomy.

I coulldn't have straightforward reconstruction for 3 reasons. The fiirst was that I had previously had my gall bladder removed and  it was a full open cholecystectomy, which left scar tissue that could not be used . Because it was a double mastectomy that I had, this wasn't ideal for taking tissue from my back either as, it would have to be taken from both sides and could prove problematic. I have also stopped breathing under anaesthetic in the past, so I didn't want to risk an operation which could take several hours. I had always thought that I might get a reconstruction at a later date. I cope fairly well with my selection of prostheses and have since decided not to risk reconstruction.

I have silicone prosthesis, which feel too heavy for everyday, but give a better shape if I want to be dressed up. I wear a polystyrene bead prosthesis, which is super lightweight for every day. I also use one of Marks and Spencer foam breast forms, which are also light weight, but give a better shape than the polystyrene beads, but feel a little firmer than a normal breast. For swimming I found that the polystyrene prosthesis used to float up to my neck when I was in the water and this never looked natural. The Silicone prosthesis was too heavy and ended down at my waist - not  a good look i can assure you.!

The foam prosthesis was not too bad in the water, but held the water when I was coming out of the water and, I had to squeeze the water out of the foam as I came out of the pool. I then discovered knitted knockers, a charity for people who have had breast surgery. These are hand knitted by volunteers and filled with bath scrunchies and, are fabulous in the pool, as they don't retain too much water.

You can order these for everyday or swimming. They are free of charge, although you are welcome to make a donation. I have sewn a pair of these intoo my swimsuit and find them fantastic - none of the aforementioned problems and, they dry much quicker than any other type of prosthesis. They come beautifully packaged, with a packet of love hearts and a personal message from the person who knitted them. It is really very touching.

I also find that some dresses and tops are too low cut and have to use modesty panels for this. Some of these clip around my bra strap and others just use poppers to adhere to the material of the dress or top.

I am entitled to get two bras pocketed every year. If I want any more I have to pay an aditional £8.00 per pocket, but I can get this done at the same place as I get my NHS pockets. If you are adding pockets to a bra, you need a bra with good support. It is 9 years since I had my lumpectomy and 8 years since I had my double mastectomy and I have mostly used Marks and Spencer Total Support Bras.

Like you, I have always had a big breast and had a lot of underwired bras. I discarded all of these to my regret and, still cannot wear anything underwired. Marks and Spencer do supply some post-surgery bras, which are already pocketed. These work out to be much cheaper than having to pay for the bra and then pay to get them pocketed. The bras are also much more fashionable.

There are other companies such as Amoena, Simply Be, Nicola Jayne, Royce, Anita and Asda, Debenhams, which also supply post-surgery bras and swimwear.

I always had a supply of underwear that I was proud of  and, do miss my special matching sets. However, I have gradually discovered where to get some sexier items and, have slowly built up a reasonable selection of bras. I don't have to use any particular make of bra, but need someting with good support and no wire.

If you go for specialist post-surgery bras, they tend to come in 3 colours, black, white or nude and are by no means what you could describe as pretty. I have developed bilateral lymphoedema since I had my double mastectomy and, have had bras prescriped for me through my Lymphoedema clinic. These are real body binders and, only really suitable for someone over the age of 90!

Just because we've lost our breasts doesn't meant that we don't still want to look pretty. In fact we really want something that can make us feel more feminine and, boost our morale.

If I can be of any further help ,please let me know.

Please keeep us updated on your cancer journey and , remember that we are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx