I never gave it much thought. Perhaps it was denial. Perhaps life just got too busy. Again.

A few weeks ago I received an email from La Vie en Rose asking if I would like to try their new Muse bras specifically made for us breast cancer warriors. I watched the video and was excited to see that someone was thinking of us as women, not just cancer survivors.

La Vie en Rose sent me 2 gorgeous bras: pastel blue with lace and all things frilly and sexy … just like I used to have before losing a breast.

Even better is that these beautiful sexy bras come with lightweight fillers which almost replace the heavy prosthetics that cost hundreds of dollars more — I say “almost replace” because there will probably be times when I’ll need to wear my regular prosthetic. The lightweight bra, as sexy as it is, still doesn’t quite look as natural as the prosthetic so I found myself adjusting the Muse bra frequently — but how wonderful that it’s so lightweight that it’s barely noticeable. My regular prosthetic is about 8-10 pounds and lugging that on my chest day in and day out is never going to happen.

I had forgotten what it’s like to feel like a woman — although I’ll always be a tom boy that prefers playing sports, it’s fabulous to know that I’m all woman underneath all that cotton.

Some of the questions I asked of the Muse bras were all answered — one of the more important questions I had was if these bras are covered by extended insurance similar to the post-mastectomy bras, and the answer is:

“So far the bras are covered by Quebec and Nova Scotia’s government health care programs. As for private insurance,
because our receipt doesn’t say post-mastectomy, we advise our clients to simply submit an request by email or phone for
proof that the bra is indeed a post-mastectomy product through our customer service dept.”

I’m back at Wellspring as of a couple of weeks ago and brought one of the bras there to show the other women — and they were a great success! They are not only beautiful, but at under $60, they are very affordable — and at that price, you also get both fillers that are removeable, just like the pricier post-mastectomy bras.

Allison, one of the therapists at Wellspring, made a great suggestion — I’m back playing tennis and I’m very self-conscious about running around with one lump on my chest (it’s a large lump!) — she suggested that I wear the Muse bra underneath a regular sports bra so that I have the illusion of 2 breasts — genius Allison, genius!

If you want to feel like a woman again, I strongly recommend checking out these Canadian made Muse bras — and bask in lace once again!

Axillary Syndrome. Webbing. Web Axillary Syndrome. Cord Syndrome. Cording.

All these names mean the same thing and not many doctors discuss it or perhaps not aware that it may be more common than they think.

I didn’t know any of these names a week ago, which is about 11 months post-mastectomy. All the informaiton I’ve since found mentions it by its medical name — no one describes it and why I thought I should talk about its symptoms rather than its name to help other people who may be suffering, too.

I just thought my armpit was in a different place and that it’s extremely stiff — the numbness extends to my chest wall and across the shoulder and down to my elbow.

I’ve been concerned about Frozen Shoulder Syndrome — something I had years ago and is very painful — I’ve been forcing myself to use my arm to avoid getting Frozen Shoulder again.

I still struggle being on the computer and using the mouse for extended periods. I have to take many breaks.

So it’s almost comforting to know it has a name (almost comforting)

How Did I Hear About Cord’s Syndrome?

I haven’t been getting any exercise since the mastectomy and decided it’s about time to get my derriere up and moving. Wellspring has cancer exercise classes and I had my assessment last week with a physical therapist. She is the one that told me about this condition and said she could fix me. How wonderful!

She also mentioned that Lymphodema typically occurs 12-14 months after a mastectomy and since I have cording, I could be at risk for it. Yikes! I thought I was in the clear at this point — I’m so glad I decided to get my butt moving now instead of waiting until the summer!

I had my first cancer exercise class yesterday and I asked her for more information since I couldn’t find “Cord Syndrome” doing a Google search. She gave me the alternate names and eureka, I found information.

As an aside, my arm already feels better after the first class — it’s a modified circuit training customized to me personally. So if you’ve been like me and have been afraid to do a lot of moving and exercising, get yourself to a cancer clinic if there’s no Wellspring in your area.

Here are some links for you to check out if you are interested in getting more information:

• Axillary Web Syndrome / Cording
• Rehabilitation Oncology for Physical Therapists
• Breast Cancer Discussion Forum
• Step-Up and Speak Out (Lymphedema)

Hopefully these links will  help in your own journey with this syndrome and the many other afflictions after breast cancer surgery — this apparently can occur in those who only had a lumpectomy, too.

Peace and happiness to everyone in 2010.