Some women decide not to have reconstructive surgery after a mastectomy, the thought of more time in hospital and further surgery is something they would rather not contemplate. Making the decision can be very tough and there are many factors that need taking into consideration. Of course there is the physical and practical side of things, mastectomy operations without reconstruction could have less complications. However dealing with your emotions after such an operation can be an extremely daunting and traumatic task.
Losing a breast can affect how attractive and feminine you feel, so it’s important to try and deal with your emotions. Talk to other women who have gone through the same experience, they may be able to offer you advice on how they dealt with it. Talking to someone who really understands how you feel should help to speed up your emotional recovery. Your doctor should be able to put you in touch with local support groups who may be able to help. There is also a very useful site www.breastfree.org, which delivers both practical and emotional advice on living breast free. In addition to this, they publish a blog where women living ‘breast free’ can share their experiences.
So if you have decided not to have reconstruction after your mastectomy or are unable to for medical reasons, it’s clear you are going to feel different and you will need to prepare yourself for your new body. Some women cannot look at themselves straightaway and find the first look in the mirror a very difficult experience. Just remember that these scars make you a survivor and have saved your life.
After your surgery, you may want to start looking into wearing a prosthesis. This may make you feel more comfortable with your new body. Your clothes should hang better, helping to restore your confidence. There are some available on the NHS and your doctor should be able to tell you more about them. There are alternatives and many retailers specialise in providing prosthesis, underwear and swimwear for women that have undergone a mastectomy.
In addition to this the Charity ‘Breast Cancer Care’ offer a free prosthesis fitting service. Follow this link for further information - http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/about-us/our-services/local-support/prosthesis-fitting/. There are many types of prosthesis available in various materials, shapes, sizes, weights and consistencies. They vary in feel from soft to firm, helping you to match your other breast if you’ve had a single mastectomy.
Start looking into buying lingerie and swimwear. If you feel uncomfortable going into a store, there are plenty of retailers who sell online and most of them will allow you to return them if they don’t fit. You will find there are plenty of choices available in the latest styles and are suitable for all types of breast surgery. Simply google ‘mastectomy bras’ and you will find a wide choice of companies and styles to choose from. There are sexy choices available which should help you feel feminine again and regain your confidence.
Remember that losing a breast is extremely hard, but it has saved your life. Talk it through with your family, friends and partners, but if that’s too difficult get in touch with a support group. Sharing your feelings with others that have undergone a similar experience, really should aid you on your road to recovery; both physically and emotionally.