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  • Annette BC
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    • Prostheses
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    Flattops has moved to:

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    GeoCities will be closing, so this move is necessary and it's important to update your bookmark(s) and link(s). All the same content is on the new site.
    Twenty-three years ago, after my first mastectomy, I was sent home from the hospital with a cotton form and some polyester stuffing. After I was able, I bought a silicone prosthesis similar in size and weight to the remaining breast.

    I continued using my same bras, but I did sew in a strip of material on the top side, so I wouldn't lose my "falsie." (I once had a friend tell me she dropped hers in the garden while gardening with one of her students!)

    About ten years ago, I had a mastectomy on the other side. I am now a "double mastectomite." Believe it or not, I much prefer being a "flattop" than half of one!

    I think I bought an identical prosthesis for the other side. These do not last forever, and there was a splitting problem and they had to be replaced. I decided to go bigger. I normally was a small B. In my opinion, bigger is not necessarily better! I also bought mastectomy bras with pockets. The whole situation was very uncomfortable. Mastectomy bras are costly, maybe $30 (U.S.) or more, and, in my opinion, not comfy to wear.

    I decided smaller was better. I bought two new silicone prostheses, size 4, probably equivalent to a B. Trying to find a comfortable bra (why be uncomfortable wearing something that in reality I could go without?), I bought a Hanes Sports bra, the kind that has hooks in the front. The cups are double material, so I put a small slit in the inside piece and I had pockets for the prostheses. The manufacturers of the prostheses might say such a bra is not good for longevity of their product. They warn about tight cups and underwire bras, but this has worked very well for me.

    I wear prostheses (except with PJs) and can basically wear what I wore before surgery. I never was one to show cleavage, anyway. I can wear sweaters, T-shirts, somewhat low necks, etc. I know there are lingerie, bathing suits, etc. for people who have had matectomies. I have not purchased any of these products. I do have lymphedema, and this influences what I wear much more than the prostheses.

    However, there is a lot more to me than the fact that I wear prostheses!

    I am married with two grown children. I am fortunate because my husband has always been supportive of me with my various health concerns.

    I enjoy working in the activity department of a retirement facility. I feel that I have many "parents!" Music, singing, and playing the piano are some of my joys in life. My daughter is very creative and is always coming up with something we can do. This summer we are enjoying a small pond that we made.

    Having a bilateral mastectomy is just part of who I am. What happens to us helps form who we are. I thank the Lord for always being with me and helping me through.

    Carol
    Hosted by www.Geocities.ws

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