"Feminine and light suits me"

Barbara realised that she was fighting for her survival: this was not about beauty. Still, the fear of losing her breasts ran deep. “They wouldn't grow back like hair after chemo!” she explains. But breast reconstruction wouldn't have been without complications.  The skin on her right-hand side was very thin - a result of earlier radiotherapy treatment. And she knew from a previous, unsuccessful, reconstruction with an expander implant how strange it felt to have something unfamiliar inserted into her breast. It was easy for her to say no.

Barbara's motto in life became “Get healthy and stay healthy”. Looking back on her decision, she is relieved she didn't choose further surgery.  “I feel good in my body again. Yoga has helped strengthen my healthy body image. I can lie on my stomach without complaints and work as a yoga teacher, which makes me very happy. The issue of breast reconstruction now is out of the question.”

Alternatives to breast reconstruction after cancer

The day after the procedure is still very clear in Barbara's mind. “I remember when I looked down, it was a weird feeling. What I saw was just flat.” While still in the hospital, she was fitted with fabric breast forms and a bra. At the time, she didn’t know what was available in terms of post-mastectomy products and her concern was that she wouldn’t find anything appealing for herself. “My breasts were an important part of my identity at that point and I thought to myself, oh God, do I have to put up with such horrible bras now?" 

During her rehab, Barbara researched extensively online and came across Amoena.  She discovered that there are stylish bras in many colours, as well as breast forms in different shapes and weight options, self-adhesive or with a breathable backing, or volume-adjustable to suit every woman's needs.<

“I was so relieved and happy with the choice," she says.  "I'm still excited about all the different options and am sure that everyone will find something pleasing here."

Wellbeing comes first

Barbara knew exactly how her ideal breast replacement should perform.   A breast form that didn’t come close to meeting her wishes was out of the question. Price was not an issue as she had health insurance*, her biggest concern was feeling alive and comfortable.  “I knew that I wasn’t going to skimp on my wellbeing because I am worth it.  Something feminine and light suits me. I wanted to feel comfortable and enjoy wearing it,” she explains. 

My natural silhouette

During her research, Barbara discovered the Adapt Air breast form. “I am very happy with my breast form. It can be finely adjusted, is pleasingly light to wear and doesn’t feel like a foreign body, but like a part of me,” she says.

Adapt Air's integrated air chamber is the secret to its adaptability.   By adding air, using the special pump supplied with the form, the back can be adjusted to gently nestle against any uneven scar tissue, hugging the chest wall so the breast form sits close to the body.  It's easy to balance the volume in the cup for a natural silhouette, providing a unique feeling of security and confidence, particularly following bilateral mastectomy.  It's no wonder that Adapt Air is considered the gold standard in breast care and has won multiple awards.

“Adapt Air feels incredibly natural and looks natural too. No-one who doesn't know my history would guess that I wear breast forms. I’ve been able to experience that several times.”  Barbara is happy with the breast form and with Amoena’s support. “It’s great what Amoena is doing for us! I’ve been breastless for one and a half years now and am doing so well with it in a way I never thought possible."

*Adapt Air breast forms should be available free of charge from your hospital if you had your surgery via the NHS.