Gesture of love transformed into breast prostheses

Love doesn’t always come in words. Sometimes, it shows up as fabric, thread, and tiny spheres that fit right right in your palm. I learned this while volunteering with the amazing ladies from the “Liga Feminna de Combate ao Câncer de Lajeado” , helping them make breast prostheses for women who have had a mastectomy.

These prostheses are so much more than just objects; they bring back comfort, balance, and a little bit of the confidence that surgery tried to take away from them.

The beginning: picking the fabric, thinking about the feel

It all starts with a soft piece of fabric, chosen with so much love because it’s going to be the first thing that touches the skin of someone who’s still healing.

We take a measurement chart and carefully cut the pattern, making sure to respect the unique shape of the body that will wear it.

Sewing with intention

Once we have the pattern ready, we sew the edges and the center of the prosthesis. The volunteers made it clear that this part is super important because it needs to be the right shape to fit comfortably in the bra. It’s not just about sewing; it’s about making something that feels comforting and supportive.

Rebalancing the body and the feelings

Next, we fill it with small polyethylene pellets (a lightweight, washable, and safe material).

It might sound a bit technical, but there’s a really important reason for this choice: our bodies naturally carry weight in the chest area. When that weight disappears after surgery, the feeling of physical and emotional imbalance can be really strong. These pellets help bring back that sense of balance.

They’ve tried using materials like tapioca, but they don’t last, can’t be washed, and end up causing problems. Polyethylene, on the other hand, is sturdy, hygienic, and meets what the body needs. The exact amount varies depending on the size of the prosthesis, always following a guideline designed to make it feel more natural and comfortable for women.

For the first few days: a warm embrace

In the early days after surgery, everything is really sensitive. That’s why, for the first few weeks (usually up to two months), we use a lighter filling: soft fiber instead of the pellets. It’s a way to be gentle during the healing time with comfort.

Then, once the body has healed from the surgery, the prosthesis with the pellets can be used, helping the woman reconnect with her own image.

The final touches and the most important part

We carefully sew the top part, add the tag, and reinforce the edges for a nice finish and durability. But what’s most important isn’t what you can see.

Each prosthesis carries the care of the person who made it and the hope of the person receiving it. It might look simple, but it represents something deep: the collective effort to restore self-esteem, softness, and courage to those facing one of life’s toughest journeys.

Being part of this process made me realize that care can come from our hands. Sewing is so much more than just putting fabrics together; it’s a way to rebuild someone’s pride, bring back comfort, and show support. Here at the Cancer League in Lajeado, I learned that every stitch is a small act of empathy.