I have always been happy with my breasts; a fine size and shape.
However, I didn’t think I would mind an amputation as long as the cancer was gone. But when I look in the mirror now and see that my operated breast is almost as beautiful as before, I am very happy that I still have it. Without having more risk than with an amputation!
My surgeon did a good job. I could choose whether she would operate together with the plastic surgeon. The scar would go around the nipple, leaving it barely visible. I’m a wuss and the idea horrified me. I said: just give me the shortest route to the tumor. And in my mind I imagined that would leave a small scar.
I should have inquired about that… I have two large gashes in my left breast. One for the tumor of approximately 6.5 cm and one for the sentinel node of 4 cm.
The latter is exactly where all the bra edges fall over, regardless of the bra. Also the special bra with front closure that I bought for directly after the operation. It doesn’t matter how soft the fabric is, it just fits like shit.
Silicone patches
My sister gave me a good tip for silicone plasters, for nice and good healing of the wound. They also soothed the irritation of the bra edge. They are very expensive plasters, but you only have to purchase them once because you can wash them with soap and use them again. I had to see it to believe it, but it works great.
The wounds healed well and the radiation did leave my skin very sensitive, but I took good care of it with a special cannabis ointment (Vaseline with cannabis oil, I believe), which I got from a friend. I gently massaged the skin, making everything supple and remaining supple. It made my nightgown very greasy, but like I care.
So I haven’t worn a bra for a long time since the ends of the braces poked right into my scars. However, moving without this support was uncomfortable for the operated area and after a long search I found the Comfort Bra. You have to put it on over your head and that will be a disadvantage for some women after breast cancer. I’m fortunate that I don’t have any problems with edema or a sore arm or shoulder.
My scars, which look neat and will probably become even less visible, are not a painful memory. I wear them with pride. They are a visible reminder of what I have survived.