"Going Flat" -- new NY Times article

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

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. 

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)