"Living Flat"

I live in Southern California, so I'm sorry I'm not able to help you with your specific question, but did want to share with some resources that might be helpful.

I had a double mastectomy with no reconstruction about 18 months ago, at the age of 46.  I was fortunate that all of my doctors, including my surgeon, were completely supportive of my decision not to reconstruct.  I go flat most of the time, and really enjoy the freedom of never again having to wear a bra!  I have small, lightweight breast forms that I sometimes wear with certain work clothes.  I'm really happy with my decision.

If you're considering no reconstruction, I highly recommend

BreastFree.org -- a treasure trove of resources, helpful photos, tips, and advice from women who've chosen not to reconstruct

BreastCancer.org's forum, "Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy":  https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/82 -- thousands of posts on every possible question you can think of relating to going flat.

I have no personal affiliation with either of these sites -- I just found them very helpful in my journey, and have them bookmarked, as I still refer to them often.

I'm so sorry you're having a bad experience with your surgeon, and I hope some of this might be helpful to you as you make your decision!

Traci

TraciInLA said:

Flat girl here

I live in Southern California, so I'm sorry I'm not able to help you with your specific question, but did want to share with some resources that might be helpful.

I had a double mastectomy with no reconstruction about 18 months ago, at the age of 46.  I was fortunate that all of my doctors, including my surgeon, were completely supportive of my decision not to reconstruct.  I go flat most of the time, and really enjoy the freedom of never again having to wear a bra!  I have small, lightweight breast forms that I sometimes wear with certain work clothes.  I'm really happy with my decision.

If you're considering no reconstruction, I highly recommend

BreastFree.org -- a treasure trove of resources, helpful photos, tips, and advice from women who've chosen not to reconstruct

BreastCancer.org's forum, "Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy":  https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/82 -- thousands of posts on every possible question you can think of relating to going flat.

I have no personal affiliation with either of these sites -- I just found them very helpful in my journey, and have them bookmarked, as I still refer to them often.

I'm so sorry you're having a bad experience with your surgeon, and I hope some of this might be helpful to you as you make your decision!

Traci

I'm not sure what to do. I am considering not to do reconstruction.

Debbie

dpletzke said:

How do you feel about your

How do you feel about your decision?

I have absolutely no regrets. I enjoy being flat. No bra ever again! I love it! Things have not gone smoothly for me...had to deal with severe scar tissue adhesions (and still have them), I have nerve damage pain from the sentinel node biopsy and BMX.But I still wouldn't change a thing.

When my surgeon drew a picture of my breast and what the lumpectomy found (no clean margins), I knew the BMX was for me.

I had both breast removed with no reconstruction.  I dont regret my choice.  To me they were just a hassle and the thoughts of reconstruction was just too much for me to handle.  I went to a physical therapist who specialized in breast massage and lymphedemia and she was very very helpful on management of my scars and lymphedemia.  It was a year this past May and I am still dealing with nerve ending pain and of course, I will always deal with the lymphatic problems.

Hugs,

Annie