Feelings on going “flat”.

I'm triple negative and BRCA+ and chose to go "flat" after my bilateral; when speaking with your surgeon please make sure you both have the same definition, even if it means taking in a picture to confirm you're both on the same page. I told my surgeon that I wanted to go "flat", I was 69 at the time and I had no desire to have any more surgery - even for reconstruction. But apparently our definitions of "flat" were different - I've been asked when do I plan to have reconstruction because of the excess skin that was left. After surgery I made my own "knitted knockers", since I knit and I was able to make them in several colors. I also wore sports bras with my knitted knockers until I got my prothesis. I usually go "flat" and only wear either the prothesis or "knitted knockers" when I want shaping for an event I'm attending.

The only issue with going "flat" was our differences in that definition. But I still have no desire to have any additional surgery for shaping that I can get when I feel I need it. If I had to do it over again I would take a picture to get confirmation we agree on the definition of "flat".

I had the same experience. I assumed when I told the surgeon that I wanted to go flat that I would have the flat closure. That was not the case. I also am left with areas of excess skin. I was 70 last Spring when I had the bilateral and just like you I did not want any additional surgeries. That is a great idea to take a picture of what you want and show it to the surgeon. Your suggestion will benefit others. Thank you for that❤️

I am wondering how much excess skin was left for those of you who are unhappy with the surgery. My surgeon left a very very small amount without telling me, and told me it was in case I wanted it for a bathing suit! I am essentially flat but there is more left on the right than the left. I agree: they should ask us. I check the area regularly for recurrence.

I'm triple negative and BRCA+ and chose to go "flat" after my bilateral; when speaking with your surgeon please make sure you both have the same definition, even if it means taking in a picture to confirm you're both on the same page. I told my surgeon that I wanted to go "flat", I was 69 at the time and I had no desire to have any more surgery - even for reconstruction. But apparently our definitions of "flat" were different - I've been asked when do I plan to have reconstruction because of the excess skin that was left. After surgery I made my own "knitted knockers", since I knit and I was able to make them in several colors. I also wore sports bras with my knitted knockers until I got my prothesis. I usually go "flat" and only wear either the prothesis or "knitted knockers" when I want shaping for an event I'm attending.

The only issue with going "flat" was our differences in that definition. But I still have no desire to have any additional surgery for shaping that I can get when I feel I need it. If I had to do it over again I would take a picture to get confirmation we agree on the definition of "flat".

I didn’t know symmetry was an option, I would have chosen to bid so long to the “healthy” breast and gone flat. I opted for no reconstruction and when I wear a prosthesis I am tugging at it all day.

@mossa I had the second mastectomy separately. If you want symmetry you should be able to still have that surgery.

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. ❤️