Feeling Like Cinderella Again After Cancer

As a breast cancer survivor who endured a mastectomy, I’ve done my time wearing prosthesis. I wore them for years until I couldn’t wear them anymore. They were hot and heavy, and I didn’t really like the way they looked. Did I really want to be that big?So, I threw them all away and decided to go au naturel.

For a while, I went without anything — no bra, nothing. Then, about five years ago, I found some “over-the-counter” bras that I could stand. I’ve been wearing those and feeling OK about it.

But recently, I’ve rethought the whole thing because I’m going to a special wedding in September — my niece is getting married in Rhode Island — and I want to look my best. I found the perfect dress which would be even more perfect if my “breasts” were a touch larger than the double A that they are now.

So today, I went to the store that caters to breast cancer survivors. They sell prosthetics and bras, bathing suits, dresses — everything a cancer survivor could want. I could get lost in their supply of pink jewelry and motivational charms that speak to those of the cancer world. I couldn’t believe I was back. The salesladies remembered me, and my fitting experience was actually pleasant.

“We’ve got some terrific cotton bras that your insurance will cover.”

“Sounds good. I love cotton. It’s so much better than spandex,” I said.

First the fitter put me in an A-cup bra with size A prostheses. I liked the look, but then I thought if I was going through the trouble to get fitted and purchase these items, I might as well go with the B cup bra and size B prostheses. The fitter measured and adjusted the bra until it was at its optimal position. I looked in the mirror and let’s just say, I liked what I saw. I had decent breasts again.

I drove home wearing the new bra and breasts. I texted my dear friend, Louise, and told her what I’d done. She approved and sent me a darling gif of Cinderella going from rags to a beautiful princess gown —and that really captured how I felt. I was Cinderella again, and the whole world was a ball that I was attending.

Actually, the only party I was going to be the wedding in September. I could hardly wait. Now, all I have to do is drop those extra ten pounds and I will be at my best.

That shouldn’t be that hard. Should it?

Until they find a cure for cancer, a mastectomy is often part of the treatment, and because of this, so is the prosthesis.

And don’t get me started with implants. I did my time in those too. Implants ultimately cramped my style, so I had them removed.I didn’t like the idea of foreign objects in my body.

Call me fickle. I’ve done it all. But if I had to be pinned down, falsies are the best for me.

I feel so much more attractive. Who would have guessed that my cup size would make so much difference?

Just call me Cinderella.

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