Mastectomy

Good points @Julez1958.  Hopefully BCNA will consider the suggestion by @Christabel03.
I had never heard of the 'Goldilocks' closure so that was interesting.
Unfortunately in the regions there are fewer plastic surgeons and some only do reductions etc.  Much surgery is done by general surgeons whose aim is to just cut the beast out and they don't even do recons at all.

Flat and Fabulous 
or Remaining Flat after mastectomy ?

There have been a variety of threads on here over time on this topic and the thing about a private group is members can post stories and photos that can only be seen by members of the group .

I do remember being fascinated about a discussion about “ Goldilocks” closure and also many breast cancer surgeons  have done further training in aesthetic fiat closure without actually being full on plastic surgeons ( oncoplastic surgery).

@ June1952 Have definitely made note of the suggestion to bring up at our next Helpline Team meeting.

Not everyone is on Facebook and the BCNA site is 'reputable' so that is a good suggestion @Christabel03.  Flat and Fabulous does not really include the one-boob scenario either.  Good to have all information and stories on the one site, too. 
Worth having a Group @Mez_BCNA ?  Have to think about a different title .......

Hi @Christabel03, thats a good question. While the 'Choosing Breast Reconstruction' group generally speaks to those people who are considering different reconstruction options, there are the occasional members who have joined the group and have opted for no reconstruction and shared their story. The Facebook group suggested looks like a good option.

@Christabel03 yes, there is one called Flat and Fabulous which I think is on Facebook and maybe has its own website, and a couple others that are similar. 

@Christabel03

Not to my knowledge! Breast reconstruction can be quite varied and sometimes a lengthy process, women find it very useful to talk with others before and during the process. A single or even bilateral mastectomy may have some complications but the issues of how people manage post mastectomy, who opt for no reconstruction, tend to be covered specifically by those who choose to be flat and fabulous, or who use a prosthesis (like me) or who have a particular side effect (such as a seroma) rather than in one specific group. 

I'm curious is there a group for those who chose no reconstruction at all?

Hi @Vetty
If you join the private group on here “ Choosing Breast Reconstruction” ( call the helpline if you need help joining) you will see lots of stories and photos of both types of reconstruction ( implants as well as using your own fat - autologous)
My story is on there - I had mastectomy with insertion of tissue expanders then rafiotherapy then had to wait at least 6 months for the DIEP flap surgery.
I am now 18 months on and very satisfied with my decision.
But it’s a very personal one ( including whether to have reconstruction at all) and not everyone is suitable for the autologous reconstruction.
Take care🌺

Hi @Vetty I’m so sorry to hear that you are going through this. I can assure you that you will be alright! It’s the hardest part of having BC, but you will be surprised how strong our bodies are to recover and adjust!
In my experience, I was told by my plastic surgeon that I have a small frame and not enough fat to have an autologous reconstruction. So I was limited to having an implant reconstruction, that was done over 2 stages.