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@kedisaa - I was dx TNBC and BRCA2+ and in my research TNBC has a high recurrence in the other breast. I chose to eliminate that chance by removing both breasts and going flat. I'm perfectly happy with "flat" with the exception that my definition and the surgeon's definition were different - I should have taken a picture and said this is what I'm looking for - can it be done. I have indents in my chest and some excess skin on the sides. When I was fitted for my prothesis, I was asked when I planned to have reconstruction. Apparently some of the excess skin is left if you plan to have reconstruction - which I did not plan.
Replies to "@kedisaa - I was dx TNBC and BRCA2+ and in my research TNBC has a high..."
Thank you! Do you know what the TNBC recurrence rate in the other breast is? Do you have any links that you could send me? I would greatly appreciate it.
@bpknitter53
Like you, I have a lumpy chest, extra skin on sides (the worst) and concave chest if I raise my arms. Not what I was expecting. My surgeon kept trying to talk me into reconstruction, I declined with certainty, yet I think she left me reconstruction ready thinking I would change my mind. She could have done better for the flat look. Nevertheless, I’m happy with my decision to go flat 11 years ago.
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For the reconstruction, a good surgeon inserts breast expanders, not at another time but the same day the mastectomy is completed. For the best aesthetic this was highly recommended. I had opted for flat but after told what the end result of reconstruction would be, I opted in but it is not for the weak.
My friend went flat a year before my diagnosis but they butchered her and she too has the loose skin and lumps. My oncologist said to request the surgeon's work of pictures with women who went flat and women who had reconstruction beforehand. You have the right. If the surgeon does not allow this...I would think twice and look for a surgeon who could validate his/her work.