Donate to Breastcancer.org when you checkout at Walgreens in October. Learn more about our Walgreens collaboration.
Join us for a Special Meetup: The Benefits of Exercise for Anyone With Breast Cancer, Oct. 16, 2024 at 2pm ET. Learn more and register here.

Unilateral Mastectomy without Reconstruction - Mobility and Clothing

Hi everyone,

I am a new member and was diagnosed with DCIS on the left breast couple weeks ago. I am still slowly digesting the "fact". Doctor suggested mastectomy, which is completely fine to me. I am 90% not going with reconstruction. So mostly likely I will be living with ONE breast.

My main question is whether I will feel imbalanced with only 1 breast (small breasts, cup A). I am a daily jogger and hope to continue my daily jogging routine after I recover. Anyone in this community has gone through a similar situation and have experience to share?

Another question is related to clothing. I read many posts here and hear challenges on finding a comfortable bra to wear. I have not wore a bra for a long time. For work, I wear shirts with built-in bra (uniqlo AIRIsm) and work clothes on top. I am hoping to do the same after surgery. Just wondering if anyone has tried the same option. Is that reasonable choice?

Thanks a lot for reading my question! Appreciate your time!

Comments

  • moderators
    moderators Posts: 8,526

    Hi @jt24 and welcome to our community!

    We're sorry for the reasons that bring you here, but we're really glad you've found us. You're sure to find our community a wonderful source of advice, information, encouragement, and support — we're all here for you!

    We're sure others will be by shortly to welcome you. In the meantime, our Let's Post Our Daily Exercise discussion might have some insight on jogging after unilateral mastectomy, if you want to post there to see who would like to share.

    As for the bra question, you might want to check out this discussion on All Things Bras and Prostheses.

    We hope this helps get you started. Let us know if there's anything else we can do to help!

    —The Mods

  • bennybear
    bennybear Member Posts: 245

    I was in the same boat for five years, and I was a D. So very lopsided, but I got used to it with a good form. Unfortunately the cancer returned in the other breast so I am going to discover what that’s like. I in some ways think it might be easier.
    Whatever you choose to do you will get used to it, I ordered some things from the busted tank and that is a good option. I also liked the Amoena adapt air and their bras.

  • lw422
    lw422 Member Posts: 1,414

    There are many, many "uniboobers" on the forum, including me. I'm similar to BennyBear—one "D" cup. IMO a small-breasted woman should have a much easier time dealing with a single breast. If you don't wear bras now, there shouldn't be any reason to wear one in the future. Good luck.

  • jt24
    jt24 Member Posts: 7

    bennybear and lw422, thanks a lot for getting back!

    Bennybear - so sorry to hear cancer is found in your other breast. I wish you the best of luck during this challenging time.