Robin Arzón once said, “Put your crown back on your head and remember who you are.”
Sometimes when you’re in the lows of self-doubt and uncertainty, it can be scary to go back to the person you used to be. You were full of hope, optimistic and happy. Now, that feels like a lifetime ago.
And then came the breast cancer diagnosis. Your life changed in the blink of an eye. There’s probably little comfort in the fact that you’re not alone. The latest stats from Brigham and Women’s Hospital show that more than 100,000 women in the U.S. undergo some form of mastectomy every year.
Living with one or no breasts is your new reality. But it doesn’t define you. It doesn’t lessen your womanhood or femininity. With that said, we’re not denying that a mastectomy can break down your confidence.
Thankfully, we’re here to help put your crown back on and rebuild your confidence with a few (breast) suggestions.
#1 Bra Inserts
Mastectomy bra inserts have come a long way since those awkward bra pads resembling raw chicken breasts.
Innovative techniques ensure optimal post-surgery comfort. The feather-like fabric is soothing on your wound and the surrounding area.
For women just coming to terms with their loss, bra inserts are a more gentle option, easing them into their new normal.
The design gives the appearance of more natural-looking breasts so you won’t have to deal with unwanted attention.
When shopping for inserts, search for designs with seamless molded cups for a discreet appearance, suggests Honey Cloudz.
#2 Mastectomy Bras
Mastectomy bras aren’t only for breast cancer survivors. Many women have taken to wearing them because of the comfort and support they offer. The fabric pockets inside the cups hold breast pads or prosthetics in place.
Reconstructive surgeon Dr Waqqas Jalil tells Yahoo Canada to always invest in a bra made from breathable fabric. This won’t agitate surgical scars and incisions. This is especially important during summer when sweat can build up. Another suggestion is to purchase a wireless bra or gel padding to accompany the bra.
Go for professional bra measurements as you won’t be the same size following your surgery. Also, take into consideration if you’ve only had a mastectomy on one breast.
Some brands are fast becoming “chest inclusive” and advocate for all shapes with confidence-inducing bras. Examples are stylish one-cup bras and post-op lingerie.
A certain reality TV star even went as far as adding a nipple bra to her underwear line. While others were poking fun at the marketing ploy, breast cancer survivors who lost nipples during surgery found the move empowering.
#3 Prosthetic Breasts
Prosthetic breasts, also called breast forms, do come with their advantages. They’re the next best thing if opting out of breast reconstruction surgery.
Prosthetic breasts can be worn inside your bra or attached directly to the body. Certified mastectomy fitter Tracy Corey says this option is particularly favored by women who have undergone a single mastectomy.
Having prosthetic breasts fitted isn’t like buying a new bra. Corey suggests getting in touch with a certified mastectomy fitter (CMF). If time allows, schedule a meeting with a CMF before your surgery so they can examine your breasts as a pair.
Not everyone can afford a CMF or customized prosthetic breasts. Ready-made breast prostheses are another viable choice. They’re found online or in pharmacies, and are available in different types, from silicone to foam to fiberfill.
Some women admit wearing a breast prosthesis takes some getting used to. When Fay Cobbett chose this option following her mastectomy, she complained about the lack of comfort.
Her partner Tim Carr used 3D printing to create a custom-made breast prosthesis. That was several years ago, and now the couple are the co-founders of myReflection. The company harnessed 3D technology to revolutionize breast prostheses, making them more affordable and customizable.
You might consider breast reconstructive surgery, but following one invasive operation with another can take an emotional toll.
Many women feel shame in having their breasts removed. Give yourself the space and time to heal. While deciding your next step, these three options will do wonders in rebuilding your confidence.
You might not consider taking any of these routes and choose to live a life fully or half flat. Embrace the new you and wear your confidence as a crown. Breasts or no breasts, you will always be a queen.
