Having traveled the breast cancer journey, I want to share that a mastectomy may not always be necessary.  A second opinion can give you a different perspective.  A lumpectomy may be all that is required.

When I went in for my surgery, we discussed a lumpectomy as my lump was small.  In my research, I had learned that it was possible to have a clause written into the Surgical Release Form that you wanted to be woken up and informed if they felt a mastectomy was required.  I did this.

In the end, my surgeon would have performed a mastectomy which would have necessitated wearing mastectomy bras with inserts unless I chose reconstructive surgery.  He felt he didn’t get clear margins.  A follow up and second opinion with the cancer team indicated that my continuing treatment – radiation and chemotherapy – would get whatever was left.  So, I never had a mastectomy even though my small lump had spread to 13 out of 22 lymph nodes – and I’m still here with no recurrence – 23 years later and counting.

It pays to be informed and be assertive with your own treatment plan.  You can also find out more at our sister site – www.cancerhelphub.com.

Having a mastectomy is never simple.  The surgery itself takes time for recovery, but often longer is the recovery from a  change in your body image.  We women are attached to our bosoms.  They nourish our children.  They matter in how we dress.  They can be an expression of our sexuality.

With an adjusted body, comes an emotional adjustment to losing part of us that was important.  For some, this is easier than for others.  Some women even have mastectomies to prevent a cancer risk depending on their genetic profile.

But for all  women who have undergone a mastectomy, there is the need to find comfortable, functional, yet feminine mastectomy bras.  This is a viable solution for many women. With proper fitting, body image and self esteem can co-exist with your new you.

For those whom these mastectomy bras is not workable, reconstructive surgery is a viable option.  Another topic for another day.

Several issues arise after a mastectomy which are not always apparent in the moment.  I’ve heard a few variations of similar themes among my ladies when they get chatting in class.  Here is the gist of some of these conversations.

1. It rides up.  When the band around your chest under the bra is too narrow, the bra tends to ride up on the side of your mastectomy.  Having a wide band or better yet a torso band will help keep your bra in place.
2. Hurts on the side.  Often an envelope of skin or skin tags are just where the bra side seam sits.  It hurts and rubs.  Look for bras that have no side seams.
3. Can’t reach around the back anymore.  This happens when shoulder mobility is compromised.  There are lovely front closure bras for this situation.
4. They don’t breathe.  Menopause happens after chemotherapy, so finding bras in cotton or an absorbent material is critical to absorb sweat.

Finding mastectomy bras that feel comfortable, look good, and are functional will help your self-esteem.  You will feel and look great knowing that your underpinnings are in place and will stay in place.

How do we think of ourselves?  Do we often focus on our body – our image that presents to the world?  In this day and age, there is a great focus on looking good, being fit, staying slim, etc.

We all come in different sizes and shapes, colors and nationalities.  With that come different ways to look at our body – what it symbolizes.  Can we be okay with who we are inside?  Can we celebrate who we are on the outside – no one has the perfect body, even models.

For women with breast cancer, this can become an issue after a mastectomy.  I’ve heard that this surgery has shifted relationships, creates decisions about whether to have reconstructive surgery or be content wearing mastectomy bras.  A lot of the decision depends on lifestyle.  For those who are involved in active sports, reconstructive surgery is their choice.  For others, not.

Regardless, the saying holds true – you are more than your body.  Truly, what counts is who you are inside.  Beauty starts within.  That energy creates a wonderful aura around you.  Here’s to magnificent you.

Absolutely – is what I’m sure I’m hearing.  Just because you’ve had a mastectomy does not diminish your femininity and desire to look attractive and sexy to your partner.  Well, for that matter, looking fabulous does wonders for any woman’s self-esteem.

Thank goodness there are wonderful bras available for you to choose from – mastectomy bras for every occasion, whether it’s for sports, everyday or a special occasion.

When you’re looking, make sure that the design allows for comfort and utility.  This means looking for mastectomy bras that:

• have a wide under band so they don’t ride up
• no side seams to rub on scars
• allow for your prosthesis to be well anchored so it doesn’t slide around
• and most important, are comfortable.

Even though you want sexy and beautiful, you still need to feel comfortable – it will show in your demeanor if you are not.