"Going Flat" -- new NY Times article

TraciInLA

Hello, all -

Yesterday's New York Times had (what I think is) an outstanding, thorough article on the choice to not have reconstruction after a mastectomy: "'Going Flat' After Breast Cancer."

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/01/well/live/going-flat-after-breast-cancer.html?rref=health

Many of you know that I chose no reconstruction after my double mastectomy 2 years ago -- I have small foobs that I wear with some blouses, but "go flat" most days, and am very happy with my decision.  I really thought this article hit all the important points of making this choice, and had some thought-provoking things to say about how some doctors (intentionally or unintentionally) pressure women into reconstruction.  And it was inspiring to see the photos and hear from women who've made this choice.

Highly recommended reading!

Traci

Iris_G

I'm with you!

Traci,

When I was first diagnosed and before I had even met with my surgeon, I had decided that if I needed a mastectomy I wasn't going to consider reconstruction.  I've seen beautiful pictures of chest tattoos on mastectomy patients, and that's what I decided for me!  I have several tattoos already and what's one more! 

 

Barb A

Would have checked into more options

Hi, I had a mastectomy on the right side only, with a tram-flap reconstruction at age 37 (16 years ago). I then had a second diagnosis in the reconstructed breast seven years later.

Knowing what I know now and what I've been through, I wish I had not had reconstruction. Or I would have had a bi-lateral mastectomy with reconstruction. At the time of reconstruction, I was engaged and only 37, so it was ok then. Now I'm 53 and my weight fluctuates. So, I have one breast larger than the other, and still have to wear a prostetic (foob). It's been hard to do stomach exercises. One side always looks a little more "bloated". So, I'm lopsided.

The other part of now wishing I'd done a bi-lateral without reconstruction is there is no way to know with the reconstructed breast, if there is anything there that needs to be checked. If I get a lump under the reconstructed breast, I won't feel it. I can't have a mamogram on that side and CT and Pet scans aren't done unless I have a lump or symptoms. I don't want to wait that long, as both times, I had early diagnosis. As I get older, I'd just like the simplicity of not dealing with mastectomy bras, foobs, being lopsided, etc, etc.

Wow, that felt good to get that off my chest! Ok, pun intended. I had done what was right for me at the time and can't second guess it now, but wish I had researched for further down the line. If I had to have a mastectomy on the "good side", I'd have the reconstructed breast removed too (if it can be done).

I've also seen some awesome tattoos to cover the scars. Not sure I'd do it because just tattooing a new nipple hurt for me. Maybe it was too soon after reconstruction. Thanks for posting the article Traci.

Barb A

VickiSam

Traci -

going to check this out -- thank you in bring this forward..  Vicki Sam

Apaugh

Going flat.

I chose no reconstruction after my bi-lateral.  I dont regret it.  With all the fighting a cancer patient has to do and will continue to do, not having toworry about all the headaches and worries that comes with reconstruction is a relief to me. 

MizPeep

I appreciate the info

I was diagnosed with breast CA 11/2 and have gone from a planned lumpectomy with targeted radiation to, just yesterday, a recommendation by my oncologist to have a bilateral mastectomy. I'm 65 years old, married for 41 years, and initially my husband did not want me to even consider a mastectomy. I'm frightened at the prospect but was also told I cannot tolerate radiation (because of a neuromuscular disorder) and am thinking I would like to just "get it all over with." I would have never, ever thought a sentence beginning with "you have" and ending in cancer would be said to me.

Thanks for all the info already, I appreciate it.

button2

I am happy with my decision

I have had a single mastectomy, no recon. I'm completely satisfied with my decision. If they ever find any tiny cancers in the good side, I will have that removed too. I don't really consider myself "going flat" because I use a prosthesis which is great. I've gotten so used to it, it feels part of me now and balances me out (the remaining breast is a D cup). Without it, I feel like I might fall. I even run with it on, just finished a full marathon. I have so many reasons for not wanting recon: expense, hospital stays, recovery time, not wanting a foreign object stuck on me, not wanting cancer to return lurking under an implant, radiated skin maybe not doing well with surgery, my husband being happy how I am etc. Thanks Traci for being a "no recon" spokesperson!  (I think women who get the surgery are great too, this is just the right thing for me)

TraciInLA

"No Recon Spokesperson"!

Yes, I do kind of think it's my responsibility to let women know they really do have the choice of no reconstruction -- and the most important word there is CHOICE!

Whether they choose reconstruction or not, it's so important for every woman to do what's right for her own life and her own body, and I've heard from too many women who feel they weren't really given a choice by their doctors, that it was just assumed they would want reconstruction, because "that's what every woman does," or were rushed into the decision.  

If I can be someone who stands up and says, I'm flat, I'm doing great, this was the right choice for me -- maybe it will help another woman with her own conversations with her doctors, and with her decision.

Traci