I look for other flat chested women. A rant.
Comments
-
you look wonderful in both pics!
0 -
deleted0
-
Flat and Free from cancer
0 -
Looking good, Chloesmom!!
Merry Christmas to all!!!
0 -
chloesmom, my BS says the compression bras help with the healing. I know its been awhile since you posted that, but maybe it will he useful for someone else. Mine had me wrear it for about 4 weeks. He thinks it really helps it stay flatter and smoother. My scar is nice and flat, so I guess oit worked.
0 -
Not too late to post Linda. Thank you! I'm alternating between the compression bra and a Genie cami top. Feels sooo much better to have that hug of the fabric. I take them off to do deep breathing and arm range.and that seems to work well to get full mobility too
0 -
BTW went to neighbors house the first time last night. The ladies said they loved my look and I shouldn't bother with foobs in the future unless needed for a fitted dress that needs to be filled out. I'm 18 days post BMX so all this is new to me. Flat and free! Bagged up all those underwire torture devices for the clothing bank
0 -
hi all,
I am a new flat sistah! I am getting very delayed recon, however......the thought of any more torture right now is too much. I am not able to have it since doing rads soon. I read my poor sistahs struggling with TEs, etc., and feel fortunate not to be still suffering. Just the drains and staples drove me insane. I want time to heal and do fun things! Frankly, I really am leaning towards NO recon right now, not sure I can do it.
Gettin my foobs soon, pickin up an rx at docs in a few days. saved a few non underwire bras that have nice coverage on chest, hope they can be used.
0 -
I got my foobs and bras this weekend. Wow...I can't believe how different I felt wearing them!! For me it does make a big difference in how I look and feel, so I still haven't ruled out recon in the future. However, one thing that is bothersome is that I can't reach back on my own and close the bra. My range of motion is bad on my cancer side....is this normal??
0 -
Tang, Sounds like a few physical therapy appointments would be a good idea. You don't want permanent loss of range of motion. I had shoulder problems and PT straightened me out.
I tried traveling with the foob box and needed an extra bag because it's so big and awkward. So I took an old bra (was a D before I lost weight) and pinned the straps to one cup in a criss cross pattern. Now I take it when I travel. At night I put the foob into the cup and hang the straps over a hanger. Works fine and takes up no room.
0 -
Tang, I agree with Wrenn about the PT, you don't want ROM to be an issue and the stretching exercises and massage will help a lot. Why not get yourself a front opening Mx bra, till you have better ROM, Target does one, in a stretch cotton or depending on your size there is a $9.00 sale at metromedicalonline.com where they have the Amoena Greta 2124, usually around $60.00 at $9.00 with a10% off coupon. I don't know how many of these may be left, because I have given this link many times, on this thread for the sale. There is also the sports bra or crop top with pockets that you can either step into, or put over your head.
0 -
I've had dh help with the bra
I was just really shocked at I literally could not stretch my arm that far back. I'm gonna look into PT again. I went to one session and had to stop due to ride problems. I hope to have the car situation resolved soon and won't have to rely on rides to appointments. 0 -
PT will be helpful, you want to regain as much of the ROM as possible. In the interim, I have for a long time, hooked my bra on in the front and then spun it around to the back and pulled it up. Reverse the process when taking it off
Best of luck
0 -
Here is my latest contribution to living the flat life. This is a 7+ minute audio interview. Please stop by and give a listen.
If you would like to share it, please feel free.
0 -
deleted0
-
Hi,
Thanks for that MT1. I have been thinking about reconstruction looking for different points of view.
Barbie
0 -
Hi Melanie,
I really enjoyed hearing your voice. And, like you, I feel fortunate in that I always knew what I wanted -- a flat result. I never cringed from it, in fact I've always thought I look just fine. Unlike you, though, I mostly choose to wear breast forms in public, but that doesn't mean I'm not comfortable with my body shape. I appreciate this very articulate presentation of your choices and why you made them.
0 -
Thank you Melanie, that was really succinct, really moving and something that should be out there and available to everyone, who has to make this decision.
I'd really like to see the surgeons listening to your voice and perhaps getting some understanding of how we actually process and decide, what is best for us. Being sent to a psychiatrist, because we made this decision, is absolutely obscene!
I will be sharing this with my support group too. You may find it interesting that, of the 23 members, most had Mx and only 1 has had reconstruction, which was a decision she made years after her UMX. I had my 2 year follow up with my surgeon a couple of weeks ago and he told me that since he has been practicing in Australia, he has done about 200 Mx surgeries and of that 200, only 2 of those women chose to reconstruct.
I am not certain of the figures for the whole of the country, but I think it is fair to assume that the numbers opting for recon here are lower than in the US and possibly Canada too? We have a public health system, which does pay for everything and there is also Private Health cover, where you choose your own Doctor/ Surgeon and can have it done in a Private hospital, there is some co pay, but it would not be a decision which had to made, due to large cost considerations. Thanks again!
0 -
MT1Excellent.0 -
Thanks folks. I am glad the interview hit a good note.
Erica, we all need to listen to and follow our own needs. Wearing breast forms would not be easy for me. You welcome them. That is what makes us all unique.
Ariom, you are not my first encounter with a woman from Australia who has made similar comments. Here in the U.S., the media would have us believe that women more often than not choose reconstruction and are happier and move on more quickly as a result. Though the numbers don't pan out on that story.
0 -
Stupid media!! I am happy w/o recon,,,,, now if I could just get rid of the lymphedema,, I'd be really happy!!!!0 -
Last Friday, I went to preregister for my surgery. After reading my dx, the administrator commented that her cancer was in her left breast as well. I lost it, started crying, and so thankful that she was doing my paperwork. She had a mx, no reconstruction, and is very happy with her decision. Once I got my dx, I knew I would choose mx if needed, without reconstruction. My doctor suggested I see a plastic surgeon (twice) and I'm just not interested. My mom keeps telling me I'll change my mind and want it. So over and over I read and do research; still the reconstruction does not interest me. I am giving my surgeon one chance to get clean margins and will have my re-excision on Feb 3. If not successful, I will have a mx. on left side and spare the right until it shows it has no further need of my body. I appreciate all the honest stories for uni, bi, reconstruction or not, lump as it has helped my overcome some anxiety and fear we all face in regard to this and gives me peace with my decision.
0 -
Hello Jeeper4, hugs to you! No one has to live with this choice, but you, it has to be your choice, from your heart. It can never be to please someone else and their idea, of what they think, you should do.
One thing I have learned from this, is that no one, can ever know what decision they would make in this situation, till they are right here facing it and having to make that decision.
It sounds like you have a very good plan, stick with what you feel is right for you! Hopefully you won't be having to go down the road of any Mx, fingers crossed for you!
0 -
deleted0
-
Oncowarrior! Thank you so much! It was a nice day here, not too hot, there were celebrations in my little town, lots of boats on the water with Aussie flags!
0 -
deleted
0 -
Very well said Melanie!
0 -
Thanks again, my fella flatties.
Wait till you see the next thing on my Flat Agenda! Who knew anyone, let alone me, would have a Flat Agenda. We will release it on Saturday, Valentine's Day. More to come on that one.
0 -
deleted0
-
