Restoring life's balance

Jarunee Asavayingcharoensuk had led a normal and complete life until she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005. Soon after that shocking discovery, she lost her left breast in a mastectomy.

ILLUSTRATION © VICKY EMPTAGE/ILLUSTRATION WORKS/CORBIS

While relieved that the tumour had been removed along with her left breast, she found it rather difficult to live with just one breast - a feeling that those with two breasts cannot imagine. The breasts are an integral part of every woman's life, and while we might not notice their roles in our movement and posture, we can literally be thrown off balance when either one or both of them are gone.

"When I only had one breast left, my balance was a bit off because my left side was lighter than my right side. Beyond that, I was not confident with just one breast," she recalled.

Jarunee was later introduced to Wacoal's special project, "Balancing Bra", which aims primarily to help those falling victim to breast cancer.

A woman's breasts are not just about external beauty, but also about physical balance, especially for those with a big cup size. Living with just one breast can result in back pain, muscle problems and other health issues - curvature of the spine, shoulder drop and muscular pain in the neck and back.

With such a realisation, Wacoal began developing the Balancing Bra in 1981, in partnership with doctors, nurses and breast cancer victims. The aim was to create a special bra and prosthetic breast that has the weight, feeling and shape as close to the real breast as possible.

Jarunee Asavayingcharoensuk.

Five years after her mastectomy, unfortunately, Jarunee's cancer returned and claimed her right breast. But from her appearance, nobody can tell that she has had both breasts removed, and she does not look like someone who has been through such traumatic experience - twice.

Jarunee blends well with other ladies. Her physical movements look natural. Mastectomy might have claimed her breasts, but her courage and optimism help her remain the same ever-smiling woman she's always been. And thanks to the innovative mastectomy bra, she can dress up, swim or play any sport with confidence, and not worry about people noticing that she actually has no breasts.

In some countries like the United States, mastectomy bras are not difficult to find - they come in different types, sizes and designs. In Thailand, they are not widely available, and many victims simply cannot afford to go on eBay and buy imported mastectomy bras.

The development of the Balancing Bra has been based on the understanding of the importance of women's shapes, balance, beauty and confidence.

"Whether you are doing your daily activity, or going out to socialise, it is important to feel confident about your body," said Thamarat Chokwatana, director and executive vice-president of ICC International. "For a woman who only has one breast, it is not like she can scrunch up a ball of tissue paper and stuff it into a bra - that doesn't give her the right balance. That's why we've worked very hard to figure out the best way to restore the natural balance of the breast, in a way that makes a woman feel whole and happy with herself again."

The firm not only developed the bra for breast cancer victims, but also gives away free ones to those who cannot afford them, through its Wacoal Pink Ribbon campaign. The Wacoal Pink Ribbon breast cancer programme, which has been active for over 10 years, has earned the Asia Responsible Entrepreneurship Award 2013 for Health Promotion in Southeast Asia. Regarding the mastectomy bra, innerwear expert Somchit Netithammakorn said that the innovation had been made possible by years of speaking to specialists who could give the best information about the position of the wounds, so that the special pouches and bras could be designed accordingly.

"The special breast pouches come in various sizes to balance the real breast with the other side, creating a sense of balance," Somchit said.

"A lot of attention has been paid to the shape, size, weight and feeling of the pouches because they should be comfortable enough to wear throughout the day. Meanwhile, the bra has to be designed to cover the wounds and any hollow area from the mastectomy. The person who wears them should feel like she has two natural breasts, and can lead her life with confidence."

The pouches are made of a special soft fibre, filled with micro-beads and micro-foam to offer the right weight and texture. There are 11 sizes, weighing from 20-22g. They have also been designed to offer breathability and easy care. More importantly, they must be well-fitted so as not to slide off or move around during the day. Even when swimming, the pouches do not retain much water, so they can be worn to the pool or the beach. Somchit explained that it is very important to design a prosthetic breast that can be worn with swimwear, as swimming is a recommended exercise for mastectomy patients.

Nonetheless, it is imperative for each woman to consult a bra specialist before buying a prosthetic breast, as correct fitting is very important. Somchit said that while there are 11 sizes of prosthetic breast, some clients need alterations to make sure it fits perfectly.

"There was this one lady who came to try on a Balancing Bra," Somchit recounted. "She stood there after she put it on, and tears were rolling down her cheeks. She said it's like she'd been given a new life, a chance to be a real woman again. She admitted that living with one breast was difficult, especially when people looked at her wherever she went."

The Balancing Bra helps restore confidence among breast cancer patients who undergo a mastectomy. Photos courtesy of ICC INTERNATIONAL

Breast pouches available in various sizes are designed to create a sense of balance.