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Single mastectomy

Mammaof4
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I have invasive carcinoma in my left breast and the mass is pretty large, measuring 8cm x 5cm x 12cm. I am to be getting a mastectomy in a couple of weeks time. Thing is, although I'm not a particularly large lady, I have enormous boobs - 36H. I'm not going for reconstruction because I just don't want to, but I am terrified that I'm going to be left ridiculously lop sided, almost comedic. Cancer nurse assures me they can do me a prosthesis this size, but I'm thinking it will be heavy and massively uncomfortable. Does anyone else have a single prosthesis this size ??

I'd heard of women getting their 'good boob' reduced to make it less obvious, but apparently this can't be done at the same time as the mastectomy and is have to be referred to plastic surgery further down the line for this.

Any experiences much appreciated xx

  • Offline in reply to Jolamine

    Hi Jolemine 

    Thanks for your comment. It's reassuring to know that you can get pockets to fit in a normal bra. I'm sure once i have a good chat with my surgeon and know all the options and process I'll feel better. 

    I love the support there is on here, it's so comforting.

    Thanks I'll let you know how I get on xxxx

  • Offline in reply to annief

    Hi Annief. Thanks for your reply. 

    That's great you get the prosthetic from the NHS. I was looking at the price of some and thinking I best start saving! Lol

    It's also lovely to hear your story, I'm so anxious about everything that I haven't considered things might actually be OK.

    Xxxxx

  • Offline in reply to LJ1979

     

    Hi LJ,

    You'll also find that the weight of the Silicone prosthesis provided by the NHS is comparable to the weight of your other breast. I couldn't have reconstruction due to other medical constraints, but managed well with these. I have since decided that they are too heavy for everyday use (I was a 46C) and have downsized to a lighter and smaller prosthesis. I still use the silicone prostheses for dress wear, as they look more natural.

    Admittedly, it was easy for me to do this, as I had the double mastectomy, but there are options. Chances are that your prosthesis provider could also source a bra for you in the right size. I get some provided via the Lymphoedema clinic that I attend. They're not the prettiest, but they are very comfortable and come in large sizes.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

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