30: “Lopsided”

Queens Medical Center gave me a post surgical camisole with poly-fil non-weighted breast forms. Although this was truly appreciated it just didn’t work for me. Prior to surgery I did purchase a couple of front closer bras that were soft and I thought would work well. However without having a weighted prostheses the absence of my left breast was obvious. I tried adjusting the size of the non weighted form to properly fill the left side of my bra. Yes, I was able to pull some of the poly-fil out and adjust the size of the form, it was actually quite comical! I put on one of the bras that I purchased prior to surgery and placed the adjusted breast form in the cup on the mastectomy side. Monique and I went to my physical therapy appointment, followed by a trip to TJMaxx. I found a couple of button front tops to try on, went to the dressing room, looked at myself and laughed!!!! I was Lopsided !!! Because the poly-fil breast form is non-weighted, the weight of my right breast was making the left side of my bra ride up! Hilarious!!!!!!

Monique was quick to call my surgeon to inquire about a proper prostheses. After many phone calls we found out that I could get fitted and measured for a prosthesis at Queens. I would have to pay out-of-pocket and bill my insurance on my own. The prostheses could cost as much as $400.00, not including the cost of the pocketed bras…..yikes!!! Well, it seems non practical to put out that kind of cash for a prostheses that I would only use for a short time till my reconstruction surgery was done.

Yesterday, Friday April 8th I had my Herceptin infusion after my appointment with my Medical Oncologist Dr. Chong. Again he was over the moon excited about my post surgery pathology results. He went on to tell me that has only had six patients in which the Chemo coctail which I received was used. All six patients had no sign of aggresive cancer cells in their pathology. With two patients having non aggresive cancer cells (insitu).  I am one of the two patients, which is why Radiation Treatment is important for me to have. The amazing part is, that I no longer have the aggresive cancer cells in my breast tissue or my lymph nodes!!!!!!!……can I get an AMEN!!!! The Herceptin infusion went well. My oncology nurses, Lynne and Bethany were excited to see me, as this was my first infusion post surgery. When they asked my how it went, I jokingly told them that I was GREAT, minus one breast, and that if I started walking around in a circle they new why!!!…we laughed. I was finished with my treatment by twelve, Monique suggested that we drive to Kailua to check out a lingerie store.

Monique found this Lingerie store that specialized in post surgical/mastectomy bras, however it was clear on the other side of the island. My daughter said we should check it out, if anything you can at least get a comfortable bra to wear. Amy, the owner of the store was so nice, her mother is a survivor and they opened up this lingerie store after her surgeries and her quest for nice lingerie to wear post surgery. Amy was quick to let me know that she could look up my insurance information to see what was covered, and that she would only charge me my portion plus Hawaii tax, she would file a claim for the balance!!!! Needless to say I was excited!!! With our insurance, I was responsible for 10% plus tax!!!! So, the prosthesis that was my size was $200, which meant that it was $20 for me plus tax…..SCORE!!!! I purchased three bras (my insurance permits 6/yr) and my prosthesis and paid just under a whopping $60.00! The bra was so comfortable, and what a differance a weighted prostheses makes, I asked Amy if I could walk out of the store with it on!!!

Monique and I went to a beach side restaurant called Buzz’s…….lunch was delisioso!!! After lunch we crossed the street and went for a walk on this gorgeous beach!! Picture below……taken at Kailua Beach.

The water was so warm, definitely will have to come back over here once I am cleared to get into the ocean!!!!

Thank you for reading my blog, and much mahalo for all the prayers and well wishes.

Pina