Body Image after mastectomy and reconstructive surgeries

There may be a support group that would include women with a variety of experiences and feelings that would help with this adjustment.

Hello! I’m laying in a hospital bed after having diep flap surgery - feeling like I’ve been beaten, lol. (I lol but it’s true!:) I had my mastectomy in February. At home I just wear a compression type bra but when I go to work, or out, or to the beach, I have a bra with size c implants in it. It can get hot (I’m in Georgia so it’s hot:) but all in all I’ve been very happy with my boob bra. It doesn’t have the little thin cups, they are seriously like saline implants. They look real.
I have to say I’m so sorry about your husband. I’m proud of you for focusing on you!!

@ksmitty Hey there! I really appreciate your message and the kind words. I regret posting at a weak moment, and I've been working hard to take it down.
It seems like you're making excellent progress on your journey to feeling better! Thanks once more!

Glad you are focusing on you. I had left breast removed no reconstruction. I found a cotton prosthesis and got a custom prosthesis. I ordered a bra from Amazon that I could wear the cotton prosthesis. It looks good under clothes and its comfortable. Never forget how special you are and that you got thru treatment. I went thru counseling at the beginning of this crazy journey and it was helpful.
Sending a hug.

@cberge67 I think your previous message is honest and therefore valuable and may share experiences and feelings that others share. That said, you can click on Help Center at top of page to reach out for help removing your post if you would prefer.

@cberge67 If you want the original comment removed look at the three dots at the right bottom. You can then hit Report Comment and ask for it to be taken down.

@cberge67, I think many members experience these raw and vulnerable moments. I can remove the post (and as a consequence the replies will be removed as well) if you wish. However, I agree with @tillymack that your honesty led to a valuable conversation that will be appreciated by others experiencing a similar situation.

Let me know what you decide. 🙂
Contact form https://connect.mayoclinic.org/contact-a-community-moderator/

@cberge67 This board has really saved me! Some people won’t post and need others to post what they’re feeling so they understand that we’re all feeling so many of the same things. I had worries about my physical appearance and how my husband would handle it. It helps so much to have this place we can share. Thank you for your bravery. I know you have helped others. Praying for you!! ♥️

@colleenyoung I am grateful for the support. Let's maintain the post as is, and once more, I am thankful to each and every one of you!

There is a book I highly recommend that has a whole section on dealing with your body image and also for family members who need to understand what having breast cancer and surgery means. It was incredibly helpful to us. You can order it on Amazon. It helped us through the whole process. I hope you can get it and it helps you. Best of luck.
Judy C. Kneece
Breast Cancer Treatment Handbook, 10th Edition (2022): Understanding the Disease, Treatments, Emotions and Recovery from Breast Cancer