Hi Louise,

I had a bilateral mastectomy 10 years ago. My advice would be to have nightwear that opens at the front for hospital. It is also helpful to have a small heart shaped cushion to put under your arm at first. I bought 2, but found that I could only use one at a time. Are you planning on reconstruction? 

Unfortunately, I couldn't have any as a result of previous non-cancer related surgery and complications, but I have managed well with an assortment of prostheses for different occasions. I can still manage to swim, go to the gym, etc.

I have found that I need to place a modesty panel at the front of some of my lower cut dresses to hide some scarring - one of my breasts doesn't look too pretty because I had a lumpectomy a year prior to my mastectomies and have more scarring on that side.

I wear good supportive post-surgery bras and the pockets on either side of these hold my prostheses securely. These are stocked by larger Marks and Spencer, Debenhams Stores, Selfridges, John Lewis, House of Fraser and from Asda, Sainsbury, Tesco, Matalan and Primark online. There are also a number of different companies which can supply on line or mail order. Nicola Jane, Amoena, Anita, Royce, Silima, Betty & Belle & Prima to srart with.

You can also buy pockets in most haberdashery shops to sew into your clothing. Has your consultant advised you to wear a soft bra 24/7 for a few weeks after surgery? I had a large breast and found it difficult to find something soft to wear initially post-surgery. These bras have improved now and should be available from most of the suppliers I've mentioned. There are lots of other suppliers too. Having some support post-surgery helps to reduce the swelling you will have post-surgery. The company which supplies my prostheses also supplies a small selecton of bras and swimsuits and there are some specialist shops locally.

You will probably be glad to have all of your clothing opening at the front to start with, as it can be difficult to lift clothing over your head. I also invested in 2 prs of seat belt covers for young children. I put one pair of these over each seat belt to give me the coverage I needed for protection.

I alo had to supply 2 bags to hold my drains post-surgery. I understand that these are now supplied by most hospitals, but ask your breast care nurse just to be sure. You will get new prostheses every 2 years if you need them. These are made of Silicone, which I find too heavy. M & S sell a breast form made of foam, which comes in 3 sizes and I find this more comfortable for everyday.

Have you had any treatment yet or do you have any plans for some post-surgery? Whatever you do, make sure that you do your exercises religiously after your operation. This should help you to recover quickly and avoid any complications.

Try not to worry about your operation. I found it so much easier than I'd ever imagined.

I hope that all goes well for you.

Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. I am always here if you have any further questions.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi 

thank you for your reply 

that was really helpful 

I'm undecided about a reconstruction this is the second time I have had cancer the first time I had a lumpectomy Chemo and radiation this time they haven't said yet. I'm expecting chemo as it's a grade 3 again but don't think I will have radiotherapy 

I just want the op over and done with it will be 6 weeks from diagnosis to op and I'm worrying about it 

it was good to speak to you 

Hi Louise,

This must be a worrying time for you. Six weeks is a long time to wait when you are feeling scared and upset. A lot of this has to do with fear of the unknown - you will feel better once it is all over and you start any treatment.

How long is it since you had your first bout and what type of breast cancer do you have? I was only grade 1 pure mucioous carcinoma, so was very surprised when I had a second bout within a year.

I actually found my bilateral mastectomy easier to deal with than my lumpectomy. I was told that I didn't need chemo or radiation after my last surgery, so took Letrozole for 6 years. I had a number of side-effects from this, some of which I'm still dealing with, three and a half years after stopping treatment. 

I now also have bilateral lymphoedema, which has been a challenge and, this was despite doing all of my exercises religiously.

I don't know what age you are. I was 60 when diagnosed and I probably would have had a reconstruction if it was a viable option, but I cope well with my prostheses. That's not to say that I haven't had a few embarrassing experiences along the way, but you learn from these.

Have you got a date for your surgery yet? Try to keep yourself busy for the next 2 weeks. This will help the time to pass until you get your operation.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Louise,

What rotten luck at such an early age. Here's hoping that this lump has been caught early. I imagine that you're not looking forward to more chemo, but hope that it does what it's supposed to this time.
Kind regards,

Jolamine xx.