Prophylactic mastectomy

Tmorrison9

Hey so I just had a prophylactic mastectomy on 2/4 and I'm getting ready to start a new job in march and I know people will notice the whole no boob thing as I chose to not have reconstruction after my surgery. I am unsure on how to explain to people why I had the surgery I feel if I tell them I did the surgery cause of chance that one day I might have cancer they will just look at me like wow that's crazy and out there. Close family and friends I feel understand and I can explain to them and they get it but new people idk how to explain it to them to understand. As I am only 21 I asked my mom on how she would and she said to tell them I tested positive for breast cancer so they decided surgery was best option and I know she is meaning that I tested positive to one day maybe getting it but I know people I tell that to will think oh she was diagnosed with cancer and as I was not i don't want to cause confusion so I was hoping maybe someone who also had prophlactic surgery had a way they explained it to people that they don't really wanna go into great detail about but just get to the gist of it . Sorry for rambling on .. Any help on how to explain would be awesome thanks Guys

dlb823

T, I haven't been in your situation, but in general, I'd be very cautious about sharing too much health or any personal information with people you don't know well, especially in a new work environment.  You never know who will misunderstand, gossip behind your back, or somehow use your surgery and BRCA status against you at a later date.  If I was in your situation, I don't think I'd say anything about it until you know these new work associates a lot better.  Many women are flat chested, and there are breast protheses if you're feeling self conscious beyond what loose clothing will camouflage.  

But, as I said, I haven't been in your situation, so hopefully others will still be along who can offer some insight from personal experience.  

(((Hugs))) and good luck with the new job!    Deanna 

lreith62

I am going to have the Brac testing on the 14 I am 51 my mother had bc at 45 and died at 52 I know that you did what you had to do my great aunt had a double mastectomy at 18 so you know what I will do don't want my kids to go thru what I did at 15 and 22. Don't tell your coworkers unless you know them for a while