u/TalaDrama

Hi everyone. I’m 42 and was recently diagnosed with early-stage invasive ductal carcinoma in my left breast. My tumor is around 2–3 cm, ER+/PR+, HER2-, grade 2, with Ki-67 around 30%. Imaging so far looks clear for lymph nodes and metastasis, but I’ll have a sentinel lymph node biopsy during surgery to know for sure.

Im terrified…

My surgeons are recommending a single mastectomy because the tumor is central/close to the nipple. I already have a large chest tattoo and I’m currently leaning toward staying flat rather than reconstruction because i want to be functional as soon as possible for my kiddo.
I’m a 36D and feeling overwhelmed about bras, asymmetry, prosthetics, clothing, and especially things like strapless bras after surgery since i basically only wear “nap” dresses.

I would really appreciate advice from anyone who has had a single mastectomy without reconstruction:
What bras ended up working best?
Did you use a prosthetic full-time or only sometimes?
Were you able to wear normal or strapless bras eventually?
Thank you. This subreddit has been the best for my mental health these past weeks.

I (42F) have recently been diagnosed with Invasive ductal cancer, measuring around 2.5cm with no obvious lymph node involvement so far but i read you can only tell during surgery. (ER+/PR+) and HER2-negative, Ki-67 of 30% My doctors recommended a single mastectomy, with chemotherapy and hormone therapy being considered to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Im am scared. I havent been sleeping. I cry all the time. I have a 5 year old and i need more life. I want to see him grow up. This has been a shock. I never smoked, dont drink etc etc I feel so helpless. Im the only carer to my child. I struggled with infertility and had my baby through ivf. I was so happy before this.

I dont know how to cope anymore. I guess i just needed to write this down.