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I imagine most people don't realize a mastectomy also involves removal of the nipple. At first the fact I had only one nipple didn’t bother me, but as my mastectomy and reconstruction began to heal, and I started wearing Lycra tops with built-in bras to the gym, it became obvious to others.
You can tell when someone, usually a guy, is looking at your breasts. One day I was aware a guy at the gym had locked onto my breasts like radar. I watched as his eyes darted back and forth from one breast to the other. Then he stopped in mid-lift, barbell suspended overhead, with a startled expression like he’d just seen Bigfoot, and I knew... It had finally dawned on him. “She’s only got one nipple.” Of course I thought it was hilarious and began to laugh, which made him forget what he was doing and drop the barbell on his foot. After that I decided it would be a good idea to look for a nipple substitute. <PREVIEWEND>
A friend told me about a website that sells rubber nipples that stick on your breasts with small suction cups. You have your choice of pink or brown. I chose pink and placed my order. When they arrived, I opened them, eager to “stick” one over my nipple-less breast and see how it looked through my clothes. Oh, my stars! I don’t think so! First of all, their idea of pink was a neon pink suitable for use as a ‘Flamingo Crossing’ sign. And second, it stuck way out, like a landing site on a hummingbird feeder. I threw the rubber nipples away and began what I called my ‘nipple collection.’
Desperate times call for desperate measures. One evening I really needed a nipple to wear with a certain outfit and pondered possible substitutes. The solution was found in an old box of raisins in the refrigerator. Don’t laugh. It was great. Even I couldn’t tell the difference. From there I moved on to dried cranberries and rocks. Yes, rocks.
One day I was halfway down the driveway when I realized I had forgotten my raisin, so I hopped out of the car and found a small piece of gravel. Looking at my reflection in the car window, I put the rock in place, adjusted it until it was even with my real nipple, then got in the car and drove away. Problem solved.
FYI, my plastic surgeon subsequently constructed a nipple from the surrounding breast skin and later tattooed it. What an amazing procedure. It looks so real. I have since discarded my nipple collection, except for the raisins. My dog, Goldie, ate them.
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Previous Comments
Jill commented on 15-Mar-2010 08:22 PM Too funny, but so true. You don't think about these things unless you've experienced them. You're far more creative than I was.
Claudia commented on 16-Mar-2010 12:33 AM Last post didn't work so will try again. Bottom line, we all have scars, breast, appendix, acne, that affect us in different ways, but we choose how to react to them and view ourselves. If you're alive you've got hope and I want to know others who go out and look for hope and experience life like I do. This was the best laugh. Raisins!:)
Diana commented on 18-Mar-2010 02:32 PM I love how you take something that could be such a difficult situation and approach it with such a positive and innovative attitude.
Diana commented on 20-Mar-2010 02:49 AM You know, I vaguely remember something about that when my mama had her mastectomy... I was only 12 at the time, but I can still hear her and grandma talking about "the missing nipple" when mama was trying to fit for after-surgery bras. Reading your post, I now realise how big of a deal that probably was for her back then.
By the way, thank you for visiting my blog yesterday (from Lynnette's)... so glad you could stop by! :-)
♥
By the way, thank you for visiting my blog yesterday (from Lynnette's)... so glad you could stop by! :-)
♥
Maura commented on 21-Mar-2010 07:37 AM Hi Brenda, just wanted to spread the word and hope that you will as well! There is a new device that has been release called Breast Health GPS. It is a FREE application for iphones. You download from itunes and, along with other features, it can locate any site to receive a mammogram in the country. Pretty amazing! The app is part of the Pink Virus Project which strives to answer the question: Does a virus cause breast cancer? For more information view this site: http://iphoneapps.bz/content/new-breast-health-gps-medical.html. And thank you for continually bringing a smile and hope to those in need!
Vera Viner commented on 21-Mar-2010 12:39 PM Breast Health and Healing has come up with the Breast Health GPS! This is a mammogram locator and will be an iPhone application dedicated to the Pink Virus Project. This GPS can be used to locate the nearest certified mammogram screening center, will have a link to the Theresa Quilt, a link to all the social networking sites, a link to the foundation, and a main page centering on the Pink Virus Project. Best of all, this application is completely free! It just came out yesterday. Please take advantage of it, especially since there is nothing of its kind out there.
The Breast Health GPS is very easy to use. An ITunes account is necessary. It can be downloaded through the App Store. It will allow you to look up medical facilities near your closest location and it has links to the website, the blog, and all other social networking sites promoting this organization. Please get this GPS; it may save your life.
The Breast Health GPS is very easy to use. An ITunes account is necessary. It can be downloaded through the App Store. It will allow you to look up medical facilities near your closest location and it has links to the website, the blog, and all other social networking sites promoting this organization. Please get this GPS; it may save your life.
Lrknette commented on 18-Sep-2010 07:45 PM Thanks for sharing this email. I have a friend in California that is going through reconstructive surgery. She has a good sense of humor about the procedures. I will share your experience about nipples, rocks and raisins.
Have a great week!
Lynette Kennedy
Have a great week!
Lynette Kennedy
Terry commented on 18-Sep-2010 07:46 PM Brenda
I create the areolas for my clients here in Houston. Do you find if I share this link on my site? This information will really help others.
Thanks,
houstonlacebrows.com
I create the areolas for my clients here in Houston. Do you find if I share this link on my site? This information will really help others.
Thanks,
houstonlacebrows.com
Sally commented on 18-Sep-2010 07:47 PM Thank you this is great I have 2 nieces who have had reconstruction I have to send this to them thank you Sally
Tammy Guerra commented on 18-Sep-2010 07:48 PM Brenda...just wanted you to know I sooooo enjoy your blog...this one was indeed hilarious!! I love the fact that you can put another spin on things...I know it hasn't been easy. Anyway, keep 'em coming. I know everyone who receives your blog loves it!!
Blessings,
Tammy
Blessings,
Tammy
Kathy McEvoy commented on 18-Sep-2010 07:49 PM Hi Brenda, We follow each other on twitter...I'm a survivor too. Your blog is great and informative, nice job! Our unique collection of pink ribbon partyware would be a perfect match, would you like to become one of our affilates? We support women who need financial assistance while undergoing treatment. Thanks and look forward to hearing from you soon...Kathy
Lee C commented on 18-Sep-2010 07:51 PM This was particularly humorous. I remember you talking about the raisin. It is so good you can laugh and help others to do the same.
Just got back from a 7 day cruise with Mom and sisters. It was fun but it is so good to be home.
Love,
LLP
Just got back from a 7 day cruise with Mom and sisters. It was fun but it is so good to be home.
Love,
LLP
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