Before You Reclaim Your Curves

It’s interesting how we have all experienced a similar time through the trauma of breast cancer, and yet each one of us is unique in that experience.

 My take on the Reclaim Your Curves organisation is so different to yours and I feel compelled to respond.

 I don’t feel that RYC is pro-reconstruction as such, but rather pro-c hoice – I needed to know what different methods were available, and what they involved so that I could make a choice whether to have reconstruction or not.  Breast cancer was out of my control, but to choose reconstruction or not is IN my control, so I want to find good information and be connected with real people who can help to inform me.  At no point did I feel that RYC was forcing me into reconstruction, or making me feel incomplete if I didn’t choose reconstruction.

 I’m not sure why you take offence at the word “restore” when discussing breast reconstruction – for me, reconstruction did offer the opportunity to “get back something that has been taken away”.  We all understand that we won’t be getting back real breasts, but that “something” was restoring a shape that I so missed having.  It doesn’t mean that by choosing NOT to have reconstruction, you are somehow lacking.  To restore anything is to repair or reconstruct, and is a choice we make.

 The “cute” video on the RYC website you describe as  “a very one-sided presentation accompanied by cheery music” – the women describe the loss of a very important part of their body, the grief involved in this, and then move on to say that for them , there is pride in the choice they have made – THEIR choice after a traumatic experience that was not their choice.  Why would they discuss the downside in this medium when for them, it has been a positive in their lives? I think the point of the video has been missed.

 You discuss the possibility that reconstruction rates are low in Australia because many have considered their choices and not to have reconstruction – that would be great if it was correct, but my experience is that many women have NOT known what their options are and have just gone ahead with what their surgeon has recommended (in some cases no information on reconstruction at all, or only one method – no options for choice).  I’m by no means an expert, but this has been my take when talking with women in a variety of forums.

 In regards to emotional and psychological consequences – breast reconstruction is not a universal panacea (and RYC never claims that it is), but for many of us who have chosen to have reconstruction, it HAS made a very positive difference in healing and moving forward after breast cancer.  My breasts don’t define me, but I love having mounds again under my clothing and when I see myself naked – my choice.

 The RYC website and closed Facebook group WAS a very honest and truthful area for me to gain much of my information, and was a huge influence in my decision.  Because of the information presented, and the opportunity to connect with real women, I completely changed my mind about whether reconstruction was right for me, and the method I proceeded with.  

I don’t feel that the website claims to be anything else.

 You have concerns about “vested interest” on behalf of the Australian College of Plastic Surgeons and their connection with authenticating the information presented – I for one feel reassured that they ARE connected and ensuring that we are informed about current  technology and methods.

Regarding the company Air Xpanders – I questioned their sponsorship to the website facilitators when it first appeared  and was informed that Air XP have given funding for educational programs in regional areas – these are the Breast Reconstruction Awareness Events (already run in Maitland and Central Coast) that give an overview about reconstruction in general rather than acting as a promotional platform for the company.  Their logo is on the website, as are the logos of other sponsors who have donated time or services (such as printing companies) to support the community work of RYC.

 In terms of specific surgery risks and understanding what can go wrong is, as the RYC website states, the domain of the oncoplastic breast surgeon or plastic surgeon, as everyone’s body is so different.

Again, because of the information on the website and Facebook group, I was able to have very informed discussions with various surgeons which then ultimately influenced my choice.

Clear links are given on the website to “connect” with other women so you CAN find out what it’s really like – that’s the beauty of RYC – we get the real picture, both the pros and cons so we can make an informed choice.

 Choosing to be “flat and fabulous” is to be celebrated as well, and that’s why the RYC event at Maitland had a lovely lady sharing her reasons for making that CHOICE – it was her informed choice.  Unfortunately she wasn’t able to make it the the Central Coast event which was a shame.

 As you state, a mixture of feedback is always invaluable.  I did note however, that many of the women you quoted from another perspective stated that they were NOT informed of choices or told what reconstruction would really be like – this is what RYC is aiming for – to ensure that women ARE informed and can make a decision that is best for them.

 For me, RYC does provide all women with the freedom of choice, by giving up-to-date information and providing connections to other women for honest and frank discussions.

 My husband, like yours, has been incredibly supportive and was relieved with the method of reconstruction I chose (although assured me that he loved me as I was) but he has been grateful for the real information and support that RYC has provided for both of us in helping me to reach my decision.

 I hope to see them go from strength to strength in supporting women through such a difficult path in life.