May 22, 2022 04:07PM janewhite wrote:

I chose to go flat when my lumpectomy failed and I needed to have mastectomy. I'm fine with it.

What made me sure that flat was the right choice for me was reading other women's stories about grieving for their breasts, when all I felt was relief at never having to wear a bra again.

Now, reconstruction is the right choice for some women, just be aware that it's a more complicated recovery, may involve more than one surgery, etc.

May 25, 2022 08:27PM - edited May 25, 2022 08:28PM by blinx

I'm leaning toward going flat after my double mastectomy. Met with a plastic surgeon who didn't recommend any flap procedure due to my high BMI. Implants may be iffy due to whole breast radiation I had in in 2007, plus more upcoming radiation. But he said he'd support whatever decision I made. I had already decided that any reconstruction would not be immediate. I didn't want an extra long operation, hospital stay, or recovery period. I too am lured by the though of not having to wear a bra. Maybe a bralette or cami with lightweight inserts? We'll see. I'm meeting again with the breast surgeon to discuss options and scheduling. It looks to be a month or so away.

The other thing that intrigues me were photos of beautiful, feminine tattoos over the chest area. Flowers, vines, swirls, and birds that kind of disguise the fact that breasts are missing. Something unexpected and visually pleasing. I don't have tattoos and never thought of getting any, but I'm tempted! Not sure if it would hurt much either, since much of the sensation will be gone. I'll keep you posted!

May 29, 2022 02:08AM miriandra wrote:

If you decide to go with a tattoo or body art after you heal, here is a group that helps with that:

p-Ink.org

Jun 26, 2022 06:34AM idk wrote:

I just read an article from a couple of weeks ago about flat closure. I don't think I'm allowed yet to add a link or a photo, which was why I signed up originally, until I post a few more times. So, the article is in the Washington post and here is the title:

Some women want flat chests after mastectomy. Some surgeons don't go along.

Several of those who sought the procedure say they got pushback — and outright denial — from their doctors when they brought it up

By Fran Kritz

June 11, 2022 at 7:11 a.m. EDT

FYI, I’m 51.

It's a little late for that in my case although I could electively go back and have more surgery to make things neater. However, I'm not having any nonessential surgery. I realize that's probably due to fear but I'm just not going to do it.

BTW, I had a radical double mastectomy with the removal of the axilla and sentinel nodes. Actually before that, upon diagnosis which was a total surprise, I was told that I had no more than three months and to not seek treatment. That was maybe - I get confused – five years ago. It took about a year to realize that my physician truly just didn't care and did not want me as a patient. Therefore, he told me basically to go home and wrap up my affairs. I still have a lot of resentment because since day one I've been waiting for that shoe to drop or basically waiting to die because I was told I would be dead long ago. I was told I was hopeless.

They did a biopsy of the left breast which was entirely a massive tumor yet I still didn't know. I went for a wellness check because suddenly one of my breasts felt warm and heavy. They did a biopsy on the left breast and the axilla. The doctor told me I also had cancer in the right breast and probably a different kind.I ended up getting treatment which was extreme chemotherapy despite the doctors misgivings. When the growth stopped I immediately went for a double mastectomy but first they sent me to a plastic surgeon. The whole thing is baffling to me because at that moment the next doctor I saw was a reconstructive surgeon showing me before and after pictures. The biggest shock was when I said where are the nipples? Anyway, my old thinking was hell yes I want reconstruction and I want them to be bigger. After hearing how many years are involved, the removal of skin flaps and stretching out the skin, it may be fear but I knew I was not going to do that.

I asked for them to do a hysterectomy as well even though I was pre-menopausal at diagnosis. That was not allowed for whatever reason. After surgery, when the pathology came back, I found that the right breast was cancer free. I was already so angry at the doctor. Surgery was seven months after diagnosis and I know that I would've opted for the equality of the removal of both breasts yet just the fact that I was told that I had cancer in both breasts by the medical oncologist (and in several other places in my body) and it turned out that my right side was cancer-free was upsetting.

The surgeon, when she had begun anesthesia and was wheeling me out of my room says that we are going to leave as much tissue as possible for your breast-reconstruction. I recall saying hey I don't know if that's what I want! I don't want you to leave extra skin because I don't think I'm going to go with reconstruction. She just said yeah you'll change your mind. She said she had a patient with my diagnosis that didn't think she wanted reconstruction yet decided to get it done 10 years later so I'd thank her.

What was the left is a mess. My father, I recall said you're going to need to get that cleaned up. I said how would you know? He said because he saw them or what was left. I was appalled. I must've still been out or something. So I feel very defensive but I told him then that I don't care what they did, I'm not going for any more elective surgery. It should've been done when I had the surgery but it was not. This was at least four years ago and he still wants me to have surgery for a flat closure which is why I have that article since he sent it to me. While the article doesn't change my mind, I could relate to a lot of what was shared yet one thing that was never mentioned is the monetary aspect.

I fully believe that every arm intends to get paid. Hence, they sent me from the medical oncologist right to the reconstructive surgeon. Everything had been set up by the radiological oncologist who said repeatedly for me not to forget that after surgery I needed to go with him for my radiation treatment. After all these years I see the connections and I have no doubt that a lot of it is about money. I opted to not leave excess skin yet was basically bullied into leaving it being assured that I would want it. Think about it, do you think the surgeon truly cared one bit whether or not I had reconstruction? Her part was done with the surgical removal. I was just sitting here with a grimace on my face just thinking about the whole mess and how disgusting it really is. While it saddens me at times, I'm still pretty angry about so many things.

3 hours ago jo6359 wrote:

I was 57 years old when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, her+ positive, estrogen negative. I went through a double masectomy, chemo and radiation. I chose no reconstruction. I still had to meet with a plastic surgeon and he supported my decision. Much to my shock when my surgery was done I discovered extra skin was left in case I changed my mind. I was extremely upset because my wishes were denied. I haven't regretted my decision to go flat. I'm 4 and 1/2 years post-surgery and I still have these bulky skin pads underneath my armpits. I was slender so I was rather surprised at the excess skin they chose to save for me. I don't like surgery so I'm not bothering to have it removed. And enjoy pressure smelling laundry if you want laundry to smoke I do understand where some women might change their mind but ultimately the decision that a woman makes at the time of her surgery should be respected.