To have breast reconstruction surgery or remain flat?

Facing a breast cancer diagnosis
that requires a mastectomy is difficult enough, but following it comes
the question of reconstruction.  Sometimes it is possible to do the
two procedures at the same time, sometimes not, and sometimes a
decision takes a while.  Not every woman wants a reconstruction and
for those who decide to live without one there is a support group, Flat Friends, which offers a closed group on its
Facebook page, online support and group meetings.

Flat Friends was founded by Gilly Cant after she researched
reconstruction options but found that none were right for her.  She
also searched for the specialised advice needed for living flat –
choosing comfortable clothes, in particular, is tricky. Gill is also
involved with Brighton University’s study SHORE-C, part
of which involves looking at what type of surgery is offered and
whether the pendulum has swung too far in favour of reconstruction.

As Sarah Cretch, who chose not to have a reconstruction, says in her blog on the Flat Friends site: “it is a
complex and difficult decision to make.” “This group has been
invaluable in helping me come to terms with my post-surgery body,” she
continues. “I am not anti-reconstruction but I am firmly pro-choice.”

The prosthesis problem

If reconstruction is not for you but neither is living flat, there
is the prosthesis problem.  Finding something comfortable but shapely,
whether it is a full prosthesis or just a chicken fillet, can prove
difficult – and that is just the start.  Following on comes the
question of a bra which is gentle on the post-operative,
post-radiotherapy sensitive area.

Prostheses are usually made from silicone or foam, but one which
caught my eye is the ‘Been-A-Boob’.  This was designed by a breast
cancer survivor who struggled to find the perfect prosthesis.  It is
made from lightweight beads inside a soft outer material which moulds
into a natural breast shape when placed in a bra.  The beads allow the
air to circulate and “keep the wearer cool and comfortable”. It is
sold by Nicola Jane – shops can be found in London and Chichester. 

Even more unusual are the prostheses made by a wonderful group of
ladies in Scotland.  These ‘Knitted
Knockers’ are made from pure cotton yarn with a special ‘aqua
knocker’, made from “soft acrylic yarn and stuffed with shower
scrunchies” for swimming.  Knitted Knockers UK Ltd is a charity and
the ‘knockers’ are made by authorised knitters and provided free of
charge.  They are all tried and tested and this year, so far, they
have fulfilled an amazing 1,669 requests.

Post surgery bras – ‘functional with a healthy splash of gorgeousness’

At one time post-surgery bras were ugly and uncomfortable but now
women look for something “functionally suitable combined with a
healthy splash of gorgeousness”.  So writes Nottingham-based Sue
Pringle, who has had breast cancer twice, about her Kickstarter-funded
lingerie line, Millie Lingerie, for post-operative women. Her
first design will be ready next month and will be called The Millie Bra.

Meanwhile, other shops where mastectomy bras can also be found
include MS, where the range has been designed with
the help of Breast Cancer Now; John Lewis and ASDA.

Advice on bra fitting can be found at The Breast Cancer
Havens, who offer 30 minute sessions. These are held in London on
the fourth Thursday of each month. Please check with Reception – 020
7384 0099 – and for their other Havens call 01432 361061 (Hereford)
and 0113 284 7829 (Leeds).  The Wessex Haven opens at the end of this
month and another in Worcester early next year. 

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