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Feelings on going “flat”.

Breast Cancer | Last Active: Feb 21 8:55am | Replies (29)

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@alisa1

Thanks for bringing this up. I am in the beginning phases and actually wondering if I should proceed with a double mastectomy. Reconstruction is an option but I think I may wait before proceeding. It's the results of reconstruction that concern me as well as having to have the implants replaced every 10 years. I like what @windyshores pointed out about being happy when she went flat and being happy with it. Further @sizer confirmed going flat was a very comfortable decision.

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Replies to "Thanks for bringing this up. I am in the beginning phases and actually wondering if I..."

Thank you for that advise. How long before you were able to use the prosthesis? Do they seem heavy on your chest or irritate your incessions? What do you do in a swimsuit?

I had ILC in one breast and I also had IDC in the other breast. That was in 2022 when I was 70. I have had both surgical and needle biopsies over the years that turned out ok but I always felt that if I was diagnosed with breast cancer I would opt for a double mastectomy. Yes there is a possibility that it can come back in other parts of your body but I feel more secure knowing the breast tissue is gone. I did not choose to have reconstruction because I know 2 other gals who had many problems with their reconstructions. I went flat and my new body was hard to look at for me just right at first but I got used to it fairly quickly. I think I look kind of like a pear cause my stomach is not flat. That's ok, I feel better knowing that my diseased breasts are no longer a part of me. My husband has been wonderful about everything thankfully. I do wear the soft type of prostheses that are very comfortable because a flat chest does not look great with my tummy which is sure not flat! I have the Athleta Empower Pads. They are soft breast forms that you can buy online at athleta.com They are machine washable and very reasonably priced. You get 2 Left forms or 2 Right forms in a little zipper bag for the wash for $10. At least that was the price they were last year. So it was $20 for the complete set. Then you have an extra set for the wash which works out nicely. I wear them in a super comfy mastectomy camisole by Amoena. I purchased the camisoles on the Kohl's website and Amazon has them too. I believe they are called Valletta by Amoena. I also have the "official" prostheses that look really nice when you wear them, but they are heavy and are hot in the summer. I wear them sometimes when I'm dressed up and they look better in a certain dress etc. But I prefer the comfy Empower soft pads for daily wear.
I know you will be happy with whatever decision you make, you will know what is best for you. I am a great believer in Prayer and also what I call optimistic self talk. Everyday this is what I do. I start with a prayer then I say " Love, Light, Optimism, Wellness and Healing. I am free of cancer, I am free of rogue cancer cells. I am a breast cancer survivor, and I will stay a breast cancer survivor. Thank you for my healing and healthy body. " I find time each day to repeat that several times and I do it each and every day. I really think it helps me! Sending Love and Light to you and to all on this site. ❤️