question about prosthesis

I was wondering how long it takes to get used to wearing a breast prosthesis.  Any of you women who have worn them, I would appreciate your input - particularly if you are a large breasted women (or were).  How soon after surgery did you start to wear one?  Did you wear a soft insert before that?  I actually made my own soft one to use temporarily.  It's not the best, but it's cheap!  LOL 

 

I have found out more details about my particular cancer.  I got all the copies of the reports from the doctor.  It's an infiltrating Duct Carcinoma, 6cm, T3, N1, M0, stage IIIA(AJCC) with extensive vascular space invasion.  It is poorly differentiated.  One lymph node was involved and it measured 3.8cm.  The tumor extended beyond the lymph node capsule.  There is no indication about the hormone receptor factor.  The oncologist is looking into that.

 

Anyway, I see the onc. on the 17th and will probably figure out my chemo schedule.  He said once every 3 weeks for 6 months.  I will most likely start soon after Thanksgiving.  What a thing to be thankful for!  No, I am thankful that I am here and it's not the worst case scenario!  Have to be positive!!!

 

I hope everyone has a marvelous weekend!  I'll be checking in for any responses.

 

L & H,

 

 

 

 

HI Kathy,
I wore a prosthesis after my first mastectomy. It was a silicone gel one and I was a DD. It was too heavy for me as I have lympedema in my right arm, under arm and chest. I about killed me. After the 2nd mastectomy I went to a smaller size, about a C. They were also the silicone gel kind and with two of them they still would hurt before long and I couldn't wait to get them off. I know there are some lighter ones out there. The only problem is if they are really light, they don't always stay down. There has got to be a happy meduim out there. Of course if I had had one breast it may have helped? I have mild lymphedema under my left arm also, so any bra etc hurts. I don't wear anything if I can get away with it. I guess that is one good thing about winter clothes! LOL!
I think it was about 4-6 weeks after surgery before I wore a prosthesis, other than the "fluff ball" one they gave meat first.
Well good luck and sending hugs to you!
L&H, Gail

Kathy

Wish I could help you with that but I never worn anything after my intial surgery.  But I do know that JC Penney and Dillards have great dept. when it comes to this. 

BUT DO NOT STICK PINS IN THEM! 

Story.. I knew a great woman who used to post on this board.  Every couple of months there was four of us from Cincinnnati that would meet for lunch, dinner, drinks, etc.  Jo-Annie lost her battle two years ago.  I remember her telling us this story that happened at her job.  Jo Annie was a smart ass. God love her she was.  She was given a memo at work and was told not to loose it that is was important.  She stuck the post it note on her prothesis and then proceeded to stick a thumb tack in it.  Then the looked at the guy who gave it to her and said... " I won't loose it now".... I never laughed so hard.  darn she was funny and I still miss her.  

After doing this stunt several times one day her "boob' exploded on her so she had to purchase another one.  That story was even funnier.

Best of luck to you.  Sometimes getting used to something is mind over matter.  I remember crying when I saw scarred up chest after my mast.  And two weeks later I was wearing my Tony's "wife beater" t-shirts. 

Hi Kathy, I had lumpectomy first, then a recurrence with 3 tumors, the largest at 5 cm.  I had one node and the vascular invasion also.  I found the mastectomy  very easy.  I have no problem looking at the scar.  I wear a prosthesis every day and it feels quite normal.  I believe the size I have is a 7 which is large.  My bra size is 36C, so I think we are quite the same size.  Once you have your bra on with the prosthesis tucked into the pocket, it feels normal; at least it does for me.  Good luck with treatments.  Any other questions, just ask.