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EbethF
EbethF Member Posts: 1
edited June 2021 in Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy

Hi.

I'm Ebeth from Tx. I had a double mastectomy Oct 30, 2019 25 days after discovery of stage 3 IDC cancer. I'm a survivor. I refuse to give it power over me with a scary name, so I call it Rack Attack.

I did not have a Rack Attack support group during my treatment, just my family and close friends. I'm not embarrassed by my battle scars. I don't miss my breasts except when it occasionally affects fashion. I'm not afraid to share my journey or my joy of surviving.

Hi, I'm Ebeth.

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  • ThreeTree
    ThreeTree Member Posts: 709
    edited April 2021

    OK, this isn't about cancer, it's that I was struck by your name. I've never seen it before and am wondering if it is short for Elizabeth. I have a daughter named Elizabeth and when she was just a toddler and not speaking very well yet, people would ask her her name, and she would scrunch her mouth up in an odd way and say, "Ebef". Your name reminds me so much of that - it became a little bit of a nickname, although rarely used, for my daughter.

    Welcome to the group, Ebeth.


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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited April 2021

    Dear EBethF,

    Welcome to our community. We are so glad that you reached out to join us and share your story. Please let us know if we can provide any assistance to you as you find your way around. We are here to assist you in any way.

    The Mods

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  • NoBananas
    NoBananas Member Posts: 31
    edited April 2021

    Nice to meet you Ebeth! I just had my second mastectomy too, I’m now joining you. I’m just about to start treatment. I’m wondering about clothes, not a big issue right now as I’m still recovering.

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  • LivinLife
    LivinLife Member Posts: 1,332
    edited April 2021

    Welcome Ebeth! Very cute story ThreeTree! Love the nickname of "Rack Attack" too Ebeth! I had a double mastectomy in August. I haven't had any regrets about BMX either. I go flat - no prosthetics, etc. It hasn't bothered me at all. I also have to say that with COVID I"m out and about very little and it's been winter so coats when out of the house.... I have little blood flow too so always have to wear a light sweater at work or when in a store during any months so if I get self-conscious at all a sweater will take care of that. I've loved the freedom and comfort of no bra. I had large breasts so there are just so many things easier without large breasts - sleeping, exercise, yard work....

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  • Slimbero
    Slimbero Member Posts: 2
    edited April 2021

    Hi Folks,

    Had my bilateral mastectomy done in February. I've been pretty firm on my decision to not reconstruct. Overall, I feel pretty good about it...but how does everyone else feel when you are watching a show/movie and you see nothing but breasts everywhere. Does anyone else have those moments where you feel awkward about it? If so...how are you dealing with it?

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  • Spookiesmom
    Spookiesmom Member Posts: 9,568
    edited April 2021

    My bmx was 8 years ago, no recon. I don’t regret that. I barely notice people around me, much less their clothes. My only problem with being flat, and having really short hair, is I get called sir. I’ve started to growl back, it’s ma’m.

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  • LivinLife
    LivinLife Member Posts: 1,332
    edited April 2021

    I have not regrets. I guess I'm fortunate in that I don't think about not having breasts when realizing others do... I rarely even think about it anymore - been many months now... It was near 80 out yesterday so I left the house without a jacket. I freeze indoors so began putting a jacket on as I got out of my car heading into the store. Then I realized I don't have boobs.... There was a moment of self-consciousness had I not needed a jacket it would've been one of the few times I would have been in public without a sweater, jacket, etc. which does help "hide" my lack of breasts. These things are only momentary on the infrequent occasion they occur. I plan on continuing to go flat (no prosthetics, etc.). I'm nearly 59 with a number of health issues so just don't need more to worry about..... Flat has been freeing.....

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  • julesAI
    julesAI Member Posts: 16
    edited May 2021

    EBethF "Rack Attack." I LOVE THAT! Thank you for posting!

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  • NatureYogi
    NatureYogi Member Posts: 141
    edited June 2021

    Hello all,

    I just finished up chemo and I'm having a DMX in July, no recon. As soon as I found out that I was stage 3 triple negative I knew it was the way to go. I have always been a C cup, and even though not huge, they get in the way. Especially doing yoga! As I aged, sleeping on back, well, they don't stay in place, they fall to the sides. So I am looking forward to the freedom, no bras! I'm sure I will miss having breasts at times for bathing suits and fashion, when I tell people that I am not getting reconstruction they look at me like I'm crazy. Society has put such an emphasis on breasts, even the models for mastectomy clothes, etc. have breasts. Really?

    Gratefully, my family, friends and surgeon are supporting me 100%

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