Flattops: Profiles: Annette BC

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  • Annette BC
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    I found out in February 2007 that I carry a BRCA1 mutation. Many thanks to my cousin and aunt who recognized the risk that it could be in our family and were proactive about testing. Because of this faulty gene, I faced an 87% chance of getting breast cancer, and figured that my other risk factors of weight, childlessness, and never having used birth control meant that I was not likely to be on the short side of that risk equation.

    I knew that I did not want to get cancer at all, and figured I would not cope well with surveillance. I guessed that like my mom, who had lobular carcinoma in situ in 1988, and opted for bilateral prophylactic mastectomy, I would be able to cope with that surgery. Although I got the faulty gene from my dad, Mom showed me how to manage my risk.

    When faced with the decision of reconstruction or not, Mom also stood out as an example. She never considered reconstruction, and goes flat most of the time. She says �either people are too kind to say anything, or they don�t notice.� She looks great flat.

    I was very interested in getting back to work, sports, and summer fun as soon as possible. I was also very interested in getting my breasts removed as soon as possible. At 43, I felt it would be risky to wait very long. I liked the idea of having only one surgery, without second or third stages. I never considered traveling for surgery. I felt that �no recon� posed less risk of complications and would involve a shorter recovery period with fewer restrictions.

    I am very lucky that my partner felt the same way. She is very anti-cancer and anti-surgery in general, which translates to as little surgery as possible in this case.

    Going flat fits my body image. I was small chested when I was young and fit. Still think of myself that way, despite the scale and mirror. I dress androgenously, mostly in men�s clothes, which fit better without my Ds. My partner and I are accepting of the downside regarding intimacy.

    I was very nervous about what people would think, who would notice, how I would look and how I would feel after, but trusted myself to be able to handle what would come.

    After surgery, the relief of being done, and having no cancer found in my breasts carried me through the recovery phase. I did have, pain, numbness, and a few minor healing issues. It took four weeks before I could go back to work. I was back to golf in six weeks, and was biking by eight weeks after surgery. I felt strong and recovered by three months after surgery and proved it with a 37 mile bike ride.

    At six months out, my scars are still red, my chest muscles tighten up occasionally, and there are weird sensations as the area of numbness continues to get smaller. I like the way I look in clothes. I am motivated to get fit and lose weight. Strangers do not seem to notice. Some new FORCE acquaintances asked me what type of recon I had. (Not sure they really did not notice, or were being kind and were really thinking that I did not get my money's worth from whatever recon I had opted for.)

    And I don�t have to worry about bras, mammograms or breast cancer. There are no revisions or exchanges in my future. I am very happy with my no reconstruction choice.

    Margaret
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