Going Flat?

Jullyn

Anyone here considering going flat or recently has gone flat? That is the route I'm leaning towards. My thoughts are one and done surgery. No reconstruction, no additional surgeries. My breasts have never defined me and now they are trying to kill me. I'm 61 years old and been with my husband for 41 years. Do I really need them? Thoughts? Also, anyone from West Virginia? Near Morgantown? Looking for a surgeon.

Ralphie113

Hi Jullyn. I am 64, and had my double mastectomy in August 2019. It was a recurrence from my right breast which was treated with lumpectomy, chemo and radiation (oncotype DX 27) in 2011. I had a recurrent tumor in the right breast and DCIS in the left. I have had zero qualms about not having reconstruction and still feel that way. I felt it was a very long surgery, and had talked with several women who had complications following surgery- particularly if they had been treated with radiation previously. I will tell you that my chest has never felt quite normal, it feels as if I have a tight sports bra on. MY advice: follow your heart, do what feels right for you, and do your exercises and stretches when the drs tell you you can. In addition, I was dismayed at the way the drs suggested reconstruction so I would feel “normal” ( I don’t need breasts to feel “normal”) and the prophylactic suppliers and women in the hospital wanted me to have huge bras and fillers- I am a small woman and looked ridiculous in what they wanted me to wear. In the end, I don’t wear any bra or fillers and am perfectly happy with my decision. My husband also had no problems with my decision Good luck to you

Spookiesmom

I had bmx 9 years ago with no recon. I didn’t want more surgery. copays, pain, risk of infection. I don’t regret anything. Didn’t stop a reoccurrence, but that would have happened anyway.

It’s a very personal decision, don’t let ANYONE talk you into anything you don’t want.

TXLorelei

I went flat on the right and will do the same on my left. I had originally considered an implant, but my PS doesn't recommend them for those doing radiation. I'm very happy with my decision.

As a barely B cup, I've been thinking about going up a size with my falsies once I no longer need to match the original. I wonder if any organization takes “gently used" silicone prostheses.

Do whatever makes you feel true to yourself!

exbrnxgrl

There is a whole forum on not reconstructing with many threads. Check it out:

https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/82

LivinLife

I had a BMX and go flat... no regrets at all. I'm 59 1/2 and had larger breasts so both of these things help... Recurrence will not be less than lumpectomy and radiation apparently so it really is about what you're comfortable with. I had to have mastectomy and did not want one large breast remaining. I also don't heal well so didn't want reconstruction; I knew that before even being diagnosed with DCIS....

Seahawkterry

I went flat 4 days ago. It wasn't a hard decision for me. But, that is me. I'm 60 and have always hated wearing bras. My breasts didn't define me. My surgeon was wonderful and so far I am healing wonderfully.

Jullyn

Seahawkery I hope you are Contining to heal well. I love what you said about breasts not defining you. I so agree.

lovemyrhodesian

Hello everyone,

I went flat May 2018. It was tough bc at first I tried not wearing bras or foam fillers. My clothes didn't fit correctly. My self esteem suffered. I gained about 30 pounds. Fast forward to 2021. I now wear bras and sport bras with foam fillers so my clothes do fit correctly and my self esteem is restored.

Absolutely the right decision for me was to go flat because after everything I put my body through (Stage IIIC so chemo, radiation, mastectomy)------my body didn't deserve or need further surgery.

Hope this helps.

God bless