Forum Discussion
Emotional speed bumps
Hi, I'm trying to figure out how to prepare for life post-mastectomy. I got my diagnosis a week ago and have been managing well, but then I tried to join a FB group for people going flat and got hit...
Wow! That's a lot of helpful information - thank you!
I'm starting to get the hang of the abbreviations, I think. Mine is IDC HR++ HERS2- (3 lesions) and I am preparing for a complete L-SMX. No nipple conservation.
I want to go flat and use an external prosthesis afterwards.
Looking at mastectomy images on the www was pretty grim.
All the best over the next week whilst you wait for your surgery xx Maybe start cooking up some meals so you can freeze them, for easy meals afterwards>
Not all mastectomy images need to be 'grim'. Maybe, let your surgeon know that you want an 'aesthetic closure' (ie a TIDY healed wound) - this is where they create a smooth, flat chest wall by removing excess skin and tissue, rather than rebuilding breasts with implants or flaps, offering a natural-looking flat contour that can be permanent or used with external prostheses. It's a deliberate, valid choice alongside reconstruction, focusing on shaping the chest for an intentional flat appearance, and it's considered the "gold standard" for those choosing to "go flat". (It is 'expected' with 'gender reassignment surgery' ... so I can't see why it can't be expected with BC Mastectomy xx Definitely worth mentioning xx)
Take care, and let us know how you are going xx Whack up any questions that you have & we'll do our best to help answer them xx. Wishing all the best for you, for 2026 xx
Thank you 🙂