Hi Roxanne,
You posted this the day I had my double mastectomy and reconstruction. I'm nearly 3 weeks post surgery now.
I always knew that being flat wasn't for me. I needed to still feel and look like a woman. I'm 61, have a partner I don't live with, and would've done the same partner or not. It's about YOU and how YOU feel about what you are in the mirror each day. My left breast had 2 malignant lumps and my right had one benign lump. I said take both. I don't want to go through this again in 5 years.
I opted for the diep flap reconstruction at the same time so essentially had a tummy tuck too. The result is better than I imagined. My surgery was skin saving but not nipples. They are to be made at a later date. I'm still in crop bras but I'm more than happy with the shape. And the tummy.
Decided what is important to you and go with that. That's all that matters. Your profession doesn't dictate how you are yourself as a woman, only you do.
Feel free to private message me if you want to chat more about it
Sooz