Feelings on going “flat”.

I just noticed that Irchaparro asked what to do in a swimsuit. Lands End has some really cute mastectomy bathing suits. I bought a black one and in the mastectomy pockets I use "knitted knockers". Yes that is really the name of them! I bought mine on Etsy. They are knitted prostheses that are filled with fiberfill and they are great for swimming. The water just kind of run through them. They have a little opening in the back that you can pull some of the stuffing out if you think they are too large for you. I did remove some of the stuffing in mine to get my desired size. They are really nice. You can machine wash and dry too! After wearing I usually lay them on a hand towel and they are dry the next day. I machine wash every few earrings. I have heard that some gals make knitted knockers and donate them to Breast Cancer survivors. Not sure how you can get them that way. They were pretty reasonable on Etsy. There are "official" swim prostheses where you buy your regular official prostheses. Nice but heavy and not great for travel cause you have to keep them in their case. Knitted knockers are so lightweight and you can fit them easily in your suitcase. For me Athleta soft prostheses for daily wear and knitted knockers are both great options!

I just noticed that Irchaparro asked what to do in a swimsuit. Lands End has some really cute mastectomy bathing suits. I bought a black one and in the mastectomy pockets I use "knitted knockers". Yes that is really the name of them! I bought mine on Etsy. They are knitted prostheses that are filled with fiberfill and they are great for swimming. The water just kind of run through them. They have a little opening in the back that you can pull some of the stuffing out if you think they are too large for you. I did remove some of the stuffing in mine to get my desired size. They are really nice. You can machine wash and dry too! After wearing I usually lay them on a hand towel and they are dry the next day. I machine wash every few earrings. I have heard that some gals make knitted knockers and donate them to Breast Cancer survivors. Not sure how you can get them that way. They were pretty reasonable on Etsy. There are "official" swim prostheses where you buy your regular official prostheses. Nice but heavy and not great for travel cause you have to keep them in their case. Knitted knockers are so lightweight and you can fit them easily in your suitcase. For me Athleta soft prostheses for daily wear and knitted knockers are both great options!

I had ILC in one breast and I also had IDC in the other breast. That was in 2022 when I was 70. I have had both surgical and needle biopsies over the years that turned out ok but I always felt that if I was diagnosed with breast cancer I would opt for a double mastectomy. Yes there is a possibility that it can come back in other parts of your body but I feel more secure knowing the breast tissue is gone. I did not choose to have reconstruction because I know 2 other gals who had many problems with their reconstructions. I went flat and my new body was hard to look at for me just right at first but I got used to it fairly quickly. I think I look kind of like a pear cause my stomach is not flat. That's ok, I feel better knowing that my diseased breasts are no longer a part of me. My husband has been wonderful about everything thankfully. I do wear the soft type of prostheses that are very comfortable because a flat chest does not look great with my tummy which is sure not flat! I have the Athleta Empower Pads. They are soft breast forms that you can buy online at athleta.com They are machine washable and very reasonably priced. You get 2 Left forms or 2 Right forms in a little zipper bag for the wash for $10. At least that was the price they were last year. So it was $20 for the complete set. Then you have an extra set for the wash which works out nicely. I wear them in a super comfy mastectomy camisole by Amoena. I purchased the camisoles on the Kohl's website and Amazon has them too. I believe they are called Valletta by Amoena. I also have the "official" prostheses that look really nice when you wear them, but they are heavy and are hot in the summer. I wear them sometimes when I'm dressed up and they look better in a certain dress etc. But I prefer the comfy Empower soft pads for daily wear.
I know you will be happy with whatever decision you make, you will know what is best for you. I am a great believer in Prayer and also what I call optimistic self talk. Everyday this is what I do. I start with a prayer then I say " Love, Light, Optimism, Wellness and Healing. I am free of cancer, I am free of rogue cancer cells. I am a breast cancer survivor, and I will stay a breast cancer survivor. Thank you for my healing and healthy body. " I find time each day to repeat that several times and I do it each and every day. I really think it helps me! Sending Love and Light to you and to all on this site. ❤️

Thank you for that advise. How long before you were able to use the prosthesis? Do they seem heavy on your chest or irritate your incessions? What do you do in a swimsuit?

I got fitted for bras that hold the prosthesis at a Mayo store. I tried different sizes until I was comfortable with a specific size. The prosthesis fits in an insert in the mastectomy bra so it never rubs against your skin. I ordered swimsuits that hold them too. They are not too heavy. My insurance covered them once I met my deductible. They last around five years. I got them around 5-6 months post surgery.I don’t recall having pain with them. I like my lightly padded bras or wearing nothing too. Hope this helps.

Thank you for sharing. So during the 5-6 months post surgery did you just wear a padded bra or nothing?

I had ILC in one breast and I also had IDC in the other breast. That was in 2022 when I was 70. I have had both surgical and needle biopsies over the years that turned out ok but I always felt that if I was diagnosed with breast cancer I would opt for a double mastectomy. Yes there is a possibility that it can come back in other parts of your body but I feel more secure knowing the breast tissue is gone. I did not choose to have reconstruction because I know 2 other gals who had many problems with their reconstructions. I went flat and my new body was hard to look at for me just right at first but I got used to it fairly quickly. I think I look kind of like a pear cause my stomach is not flat. That's ok, I feel better knowing that my diseased breasts are no longer a part of me. My husband has been wonderful about everything thankfully. I do wear the soft type of prostheses that are very comfortable because a flat chest does not look great with my tummy which is sure not flat! I have the Athleta Empower Pads. They are soft breast forms that you can buy online at athleta.com They are machine washable and very reasonably priced. You get 2 Left forms or 2 Right forms in a little zipper bag for the wash for $10. At least that was the price they were last year. So it was $20 for the complete set. Then you have an extra set for the wash which works out nicely. I wear them in a super comfy mastectomy camisole by Amoena. I purchased the camisoles on the Kohl's website and Amazon has them too. I believe they are called Valletta by Amoena. I also have the "official" prostheses that look really nice when you wear them, but they are heavy and are hot in the summer. I wear them sometimes when I'm dressed up and they look better in a certain dress etc. But I prefer the comfy Empower soft pads for daily wear.
I know you will be happy with whatever decision you make, you will know what is best for you. I am a great believer in Prayer and also what I call optimistic self talk. Everyday this is what I do. I start with a prayer then I say " Love, Light, Optimism, Wellness and Healing. I am free of cancer, I am free of rogue cancer cells. I am a breast cancer survivor, and I will stay a breast cancer survivor. Thank you for my healing and healthy body. " I find time each day to repeat that several times and I do it each and every day. I really think it helps me! Sending Love and Light to you and to all on this site. ❤️