You've traveled a long road, from your initial breast cancer diagnosis, thru chemotherapy and other treatments, to eventual reconstructive breast surgery. Now, at long last, you want to return to a normal life, and nothing should stop you from it. Although things may be different now, especially your perspective on life and the value of it, you deserve to dress yourself up and show yourself off.
Don't Feel Like Everyone Is Looking At Your Breasts
Whether your breasts are larger, smaller or pretty much the same size as they were before cancer invaded your life, nobody is really going to pay close attention to them. The main difference is in your mind and the experience you went through, not in how anyone will view you now. Be proud of your fighting spirit and try not to be self-conscious.
Keep Some Sense Of Your Original Style
You'll probably feel more comfortable keeping the style that's suited you all of your life, but don't be afraid to stray from that, especially since you've good reason to celebrate. Your original style is part of who you are and wearing something outlandish may draw extra attention to you anyway, making you feel more self-conscious; however, switching to brighter colors and more vivid patterns or clothing with a little more flair should help you to feel more beautiful and vibrant. Take a little more risk in your fashion choices, while still staying true to yourself.
Wear Comfortable Clothes, Including Your Bra
Your breasts, arms, back and more may be particularly tender, especially right after surgery. Even later on, your body may still be fighting to recuperate, meaning you could be a little sore, making clothing feel restrictive, if not irritating. Keep it comfortable, with natural fabrics like cotton. You want your skin to be able to breathe and your muscles and skin to not be pulled or pinched. Any bra you wear should reflect your new bust size, and you should avoid any underwire, at least for now. Wider straps on the bra may be more comfortable than thinner ones that tend to pinch and if you've been told to stick with the compression garment for now, follow that medical advice.
Keep In Touch With Your Medical Team
Since breast reconstruction surgery involves different parts of your body, a number of complications could still arise, despite the fact that you've probably put the cancer behind you. From blood building up (hematoma) to fluids accumulating (seroma) underneath your skin, if you notice anything amiss or feel pain and/or discomfort, contact your medical team right away.
There are different specialists to help you through the transition back to "normalcy," especially following such complicated procedures. Infection and scarring can occur, and these are all things you should have addressed as soon as you observe them. Despite the fact that you probably don't want to return to a doctor's office anytime soon, sometimes, it's a necessary part of the healing process.
Getting your fashion mojo back will likely coincide with your overall healing, but everyone knows that great clothing can go a long way to boost both mood and self-esteem, so indulge yourself. Get frilly, lacy, frumpy, and as stylish as your heart desires, provided nothing interferes with doctor's orders, and don't forget that your most beautiful asset, no matter what's in your closet, is your amazing smile.