Discover what Carol did when doctors told her that reconstruction wasn’t possible without extra surgery.
Each day, we speak with women who have battled cancer and are continuing to thrive. This survivor spotlight has a unique story not only because she had a rare form of breast cancer, but because she refused to settle.
Discover Carol Lee’s story of survival and learn why she chose not to receive a breast reconstruction after her mastectomy.
How It All Started
Carol lives in New Jersey, and spent her life working as a school custodian before she got breast cancer. When her cancer appeared she simply thought it was a bruise from work, and so did a doctor. After the “bruise” didn’t go away, Carol decided to go to the doctor again. After two weeks, the purple spot had grown from the size of a quarter, to covering over half of her breast.
The Diagnosis
A test showed that it was a large lump, and that Carol already had stage three cancer. She was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer, which is a rare cancer that is actually more common in men.
After six months of chemo treatments and 37 visits to a radiologist, Carol was finally cancer free. But her journey didn’t stop there.
Issues with Off-the-Shelf Forms
Carol was told that reconstruction couldn’t be done to match the size of her existing breast, and she would have to have a reduction if she wanted the reconstruction. She chose not to have the reconstruction at all, and searched for breast inserts instead.
Carol was given an off the shelf form which was too small for her, but it was the biggest one that was provided off the shelf and the size difference was extremely noticeable.
The insert was heavy and caused her severe pain after wearing it for even a short amount of time, and eventually caused fluid buildup on her chest wall.
The Difference that Custom Breast Forms Make
Because of her uncomfortable insert, Carol started going out less and became very self conscious. After four years of this, Carol was promised by her insurance that she would receive a custom-made breast form from ContourMed.
A ContourMed representative came to her home to explain the Symmetry Scan process, and answered Carol’s questions. After the initial scan was done and modifications were made so that the form contoured to Carol’s surgical site, Carol received her breast form.
When she tried it on, all she could say was, “I can now feel and look like a real woman again!” Suddenly she was going out more with her friends without feeling the pain and self-consciousness that her off-the-shelf form caused.
How Can You Get Your Own Custom Breast Forms?
Carol’s life was changed for the best, and she can finally live a happy, cancer-free life with her custom breast form. If you are wondering about your options after a mastectomy, visiting with a consultant at ContourMed is a great way to discover which custom breast forms are suitable for your lifestyle.
If you are interested in learning more about your custom breast form options, please contact ContourMed today at 501-214-6080. We want to provide you with the best breast forms on the market as you continue life as a breast cancer survivor!