Here is what I wish I knew before I had a mastectomy.
Tweet On February 20, 2018 I had a double mastectomy to treat invasive lobular breast cancer. My surgery involved immediate reconstruction, so it was an involved procedure. I spent one night in the hospital. Right now, I am almost 4 weeks out from surgery & I’m doing SO well! This is a BIG week for […]
After my double mastectomy, bra shopping became really hard for the first time in my life. After lots of shopping and try-ons, I give you - the best double mastectomy bras to wear after surgery!
This is Rachel's story of how the Sleep Again Pillow was created as a result of a double mastectomy & the desire to sleep again with comfort.
Choosing post-mastectomy bras can seem overwhelming. These guidelines will help you find the right fit and feel confident in your new bras.
...and then getting reconstruction.
Choosing post-mastectomy bras can seem overwhelming. These guidelines will help you find the right fit and feel confident in your new bras.
While top surgery and a mastectomy seem similar, they involve different techniques and aesthetic outcomes. Here's your trans-affirming guide to top surgery terminology, aftercare, finding the right surgeon, and more.
Before having a mastectomy we can't even imagine what it is going to be like. Here are some things you likely haven't heard from your doctors.
Check-in time, 6am, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), 4/11/17 Me and mom pre-surgery 🙂 Trying to be oh so fashionable while also trying to forget the nerves. I reallyyy disliked these compression socks! My mom was making fun of the hat. It wasn’t my best look… Dr. Denham is the Fellow of my breast […]
Tweet On February 20, 2018 I had a double mastectomy to treat invasive lobular breast cancer. My surgery involved immediate reconstruction, so it was an involved procedure. I spent one night in the hospital. Right now, I am almost 4 weeks out from surgery & I’m doing SO well! This is a BIG week for […]
It is overwhelming to prepare for a mastectomy. This post outlines what you NEED to have for recovery and what is NICE to have for recovery.
Before having a mastectomy we can't even imagine what it is going to be like. Here are some things you likely haven't heard from your doctors.
Check-in time, 6am, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), 4/11/17 Me and mom pre-surgery 🙂 Trying to be oh so fashionable while also trying to forget the nerves. I reallyyy disliked these compression socks! My mom was making fun of the hat. It wasn’t my best look… Dr. Denham is the Fellow of my breast […]
Choosing post-mastectomy bras can seem overwhelming. These guidelines will help you find the right fit and feel confident in your new bras.
'This is what true love looks like.'
It's been almost four weeks since my preventive double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. It feels a lot longer than that some days, but I also know 4 weeks really isn't that much time. The process of healing has been a lot better than I anticipated in most ways, but some things that I didn't ex
It's been almost four weeks since my preventive double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. It feels a lot longer than that some days, but I also know 4 weeks really isn't that much time. The process of healing has been a lot better than I anticipated in most ways, but some things that I didn't ex
In this blog post we have discovered the best swimwear for post-surgery breast cancer survivors to wear for summer.
Check-in time, 6am, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), 4/11/17 Me and mom pre-surgery 🙂 Trying to be oh so fashionable while also trying to forget the nerves. I reallyyy disliked these compression socks! My mom was making fun of the hat. It wasn’t my best look… Dr. Denham is the Fellow of my breast […]
Check-in time, 6am, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), 4/11/17 Me and mom pre-surgery 🙂 Trying to be oh so fashionable while also trying to forget the nerves. I reallyyy disliked these compression socks! My mom was making fun of the hat. It wasn’t my best look… Dr. Denham is the Fellow of my breast […]
Choosing the right breast forms is a challenge. Here are our tips on choosing a prosthesis after mastectomy surgery.
This snap front bra is so comfortable after your mastectomy surgery when you can’t lift your arms. It is made of a nylon spandex blend and is so soft, stretchy and seamless you will still want to wear if after your recovery. The padding is removable and a breast prosthetic can but put in its place. The snaps are easy to snap after surgery. Order your normal shirt size for a comfortable fit. Size up if between sizes. Keep in mind that your cup size will not be the same after surgery. This bra is so stretchy it will stretch to most cup sizes. 75% Nylon/25% Spandex
Choosing post-mastectomy bras can seem overwhelming. These guidelines will help you find the right fit and feel confident in your new bras.
Little nervous..... Most of you who know me, know that I am a planner and research almost everything. Due to the research and planning I did I felt prepared but a little nervous. Honestly, the surgery part didn’t scare me at all. Its all the treatments (chemo & radiation) after that I fear most. Nipple Delay Surgery Prior to my bilateral mastectomy w/reconstruction, I had a separate surgery in preparation to this one on August 20, 2019. The first surgery, known as nipple delay, allowed two things to happen. First, it prepared my breast and nipples to learn new blood flow patterns. That way when the mastectomy surgery came they could test my blood flow and insert an implant rather than expanders. It also allowed them to test the skin behind my nipple for cancerous cells. The results of that test determined if I could keep my nipples or not. Thankfully, there were no cancerous cells behind my nipples so I was able to keep them. My incisions were under my breast which is very different from a standard bilateral mastectomy. After the surgery, I felt fine. This was an outpatient procedure done by my breast surgeon. Within two days or so, I practically felt normal. This surgery was a breeze when compared to the bilateral mastectomy. You can learn more about the nipple delay procedure here. Bilateral Mastectomy w/reconstruction Surgery My bilateral mastectomy w/reconstruction surgery was on the morning of September 6, 2019. After my surgery, I remember waking up to seeing the clock say 2:30pm. I freaked out because surgery was only supposed to last 5 hours. Well in the end it did but I had been in the recovery room for almost 2 hours. For some reason the nurse had put a large blood pressure cuff on my small little arm. When they took my blood pressure, it was reading low. Now they know to use a teenager cuff. Anyhow, I finally got to a room where my mom, husband and two sisters were waiting for me. As much as I loved that they were there, I couldn’t keep my eyes open. Throughout the rest of that day and night, I was in and out due to all the medications. Because of this, I told my husband to go home so he could get some rest. I stayed one night in the hospital and went home early Saturday morning. What was the most difficult was reaching for things, picking up things or just doing things with my arms. The simplest things like reaching for a cup were very hard to do. To give you some perspective, I was using my fingers to crawl towards a cup because moving my arm too fast.....just couldn’t happen. After a few days, I was able to get around much better and move my arms more. Of course, the snow angel exercises that my doctor gave me helped that too. Without the few things listed below I would not have been prepared for my mastectomy surgery: Borrowed a recliner Wedge Pillow for bed I was able to sleep in "My Bed" by having this. Even the day I got home, I slept in my bed but couldn’t have without this. Mastectomy pillow This was a lifesaver when sitting in recliner, car and even the bed. It supports under the arms as well which was nice. Button up shirts with pockets for drain tubes Without this, I wouldn't have been able to function. The drain tubes were the worst part of the entire process. I had mine in for a week and was so happy when they came out! Fruit of the loom button up sports bras The post surgical bra they put me in was Super tight and uncomfortable. My plastic surgeon suggested these specifically. They were super comfortable and I was able to leave it unbuttoned at the bottom.
Is Swimming Safe After a Mastectomy After undergoing mastectomy surgery, it's natural to have questions about what physical activities are safe and
Breast Cancer Surgery “What are the surgery options for breast cancer?” “Should I Conserve my breast or remove?” “Do I need Chemoport?” Breast Cancer Surgery What is it? What is Breast Conservation Surgery? What is Modified Radical Mastectomy? What is Oncoplastic Surgery? What is Breast Reconstruction Surgery? What is Hidden Scar Breast Surgery? What is […]
Check-in time, 6am, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), 4/11/17 Me and mom pre-surgery 🙂 Trying to be oh so fashionable while also trying to forget the nerves. I reallyyy disliked these compression socks! My mom was making fun of the hat. It wasn’t my best look… Dr. Denham is the Fellow of my breast […]
Check-in time, 6am, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), 4/11/17 Me and mom pre-surgery 🙂 Trying to be oh so fashionable while also trying to forget the nerves. I reallyyy disliked these compression socks! My mom was making fun of the hat. It wasn’t my best look… Dr. Denham is the Fellow of my breast […]
Introducing Our New Women's Wireless Front Closure Post-Surgery Compression Everyday Bra:Designed for Comfort and Support After MastectomyFeatures Adjustable Straps for a Personalized FitFront Closure for Easy Wear and RemovalProvides Gentle Compression for Everyday ComfortPerfect for Daily Wear and Post-Surgery RecoveryFabric type: 95% Cotton, 5% SpandexUnderwire type: Wire FreeStrap type: Adjustable
Tweet On February 20, 2018 I had a double mastectomy to treat invasive lobular breast cancer. My surgery involved immediate reconstruction, so it was an involved procedure. I spent one night in the hospital. Right now, I am almost 4 weeks out from surgery & I’m doing SO well! This is a BIG week for […]
Choosing post-mastectomy bras can seem overwhelming. These guidelines will help you find the right fit and feel confident in your new bras.
Breast Augmentation Surgery Recovery Breast augmentation is one of the most common cosmetic procedures in the United States today. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgery and its most recent 2020 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report, breast augmentation was among the top 5 cosmetic surgical procedures perform
Our breast health services offer an opportunity to fast track breast screening, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and support services.
"Losing my breasts gave me a strength I wasn't aware of. And the strangers on my chest now remind me daily how resilient I can be."
mastectomy photos without reconstruction - bilateral
