Trying to mix Sun, Fun and a Mastectomy

When we hit the summer months, I am so grateful for having had reconstruction surgery. The logistics of living with prosthetic breasts can only be learned by those who have lost a breast or two.  Most people can’t imagine all the problems that crop up when you try to compensate for the missing body part.    The first summer after chemotherapy ended was a lesson in the difficulty of trying to hide a mastectomy.  I had battled all winter and spring just trying to keep a foam insert in my bra. I did eventually get a rubber prosthetic breast that worked great in a bra under a shirt or sweater, but I soon learned that real boobs float and the rubber makeshift boob doesn’t, while a foam insert rises to the top. Going without anything wasn’t a great idea since I couldn’t fix the gaping swimsuit top.  I lived without reconstruction for two years after treatment. Mostly I avoided swimming unless with Sister or my husband and only then when no one else was around. It really took the fun out of summer. The year I had reconstructive surgery gave me the freedom to have fun in the sun once again.  Women choose reconstruction for a number of different reasons. For most it is a way to feel whole and like a woman again. Breasts are an important part of feeling feminine and I truly admire those women who flaunt their mastectomy scar and show a boldness and femininity without them. From many of the photos I have seen of women who have found creative ways to cover their scar and a...
Source: Life with Breast Cancer - Category: Cancer Authors: Tags: Breast Cancer Source Type: blogs