Anonymous #41

BRCA1 Gene Alteration

Age: 34

Surgery details: Bilateral mastectomy without reconstruction, also known as aesthetic flat closure. Surgery due to a breast cancer diagnosis.

” ‘Going flat’ wasn’t discussed as an option for me until I did my own research on what options were out there once I decided to have risk reducing surgery.

 

I chose to stay flat as I wasn’t yet eligible for a DIEP due to my BMI and felt implants weren’t for me.

 

As a previously busty E cup, I’m not used to my ‘new normal’ yet, but I don’t regret opting for a bilateral mastectomy without reconstruction. For me, it gives me piece of mind after finding out I was BRCA1 during chemotherapy for aggressive Stage 3 breast cancer.

 

Five and a half months on from surgery, I still have stiffness and pain, but my mobility gets better every day – as do the appearance of my scars! My left scar is much lighter already due to lots of moisturising with cocoa butter throughout radiotherapy. ❤️”