3 Breast Cancer Survivors Who Decided Against Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomies | TODAY

As our Pink Power TODAY series marking Breast Cancer Awareness continues, breast cancer survivor Joan Lunden sits down with three women who made the very personal choice to forego breast reconstruction after their mastectomies.

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3 Breast Cancer Survivors Who Decided Against Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomies | TODAY

[carolpulley]

I was diagnosed with breast cancer about 8 months ago! I had a double mastectomy in August this year no reconstruction I never even gave it a second thought! I am 52 no regrets!

[Staceblueyez]

Seeing this for the first time today. I am now flat and fabulous! The last five years have been a sick and painful rollercoaster. In 2015, I had to make the choice to have a double mastectomy as preventative surgery. I had had multiple tumors in my left breast. My surgeon explained that my gene markers were high and that we needed to look at different options. I remember meeting the plastic surgeon and he explained how he was going to fix me and make me beautiful again. I was 36 at the time and single mother of a two year old son. I didn't want to be "deformed" in my eyes. I decided to go with the implants. I went through months with the expanders. They were painful and I become very ill with infection. It was never brought to my attention that my body may be rejecting them. In March of 2016 I had the implants put in. They were awful looking! And heavy! From then on I was miserable with them. Sick all the time. This year, July 2020, my health began to spiral downward. I was having difficulty breathing, my chest felt like it was being sat on 24/7. I was losing feeling in my hands, feet and head. The use of my left arm became difficult. As other symptoms progressed, I went through test after test. In conclusion, I decided to take my implants out. I had surgery October 6, 2020. I felt immediately better following the surgery. I am adjusting to flat life, but I feel absolutely fabulous!

[TheBlacksheep]

i had stage 3 breast cancer at 26 and had a left mastectomy, no reconstruction.

[Devonellah]

Going flat seems better than putting yourself through all of that extra surgery... totally makes sense.

[hetalsatishtadvi]

Thanks ...for this video...i m also breast cancer patient..I'm only 29 years old...bt my husband stand up always with me... fight against cancer.... from india

[csc]

I just started my first chemo today. I will be finished in 4 months and then I need one month off chemo before I can have my double mastectomy. I will not do reconstruction. I don't want the complications from reconstruction surgery and then perhaps a second reconstruction nor do I want those toxic things in my body after cancer. My personal decision and I am at peace with it when the time comes.

[golemgiant]

After what I went through breastless is better.

[MTT]

All 3 Ladies are pillars of strength💜. I admire and commend them for the choices they made. I am a breast cancer survivor and had a single mastectomy. I chose to do diep reconstruction using my own tissue. It is a very personal decision. We are all in this together to help support and empower one another!! 💜💜💜

[sherryp]

I was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer in 2019. I had my left breast removed and have lived with one. One day I would like to have the other removed.

[jenniferjoseph]

Thank you all!! You are beautiful..brave and amazing! My choice to be able to get reconstruction was stolen by cancer then many mistakes made by my surgeon! I have prosthetic breasts so i can feel feminine in dresses..but i have learned it takes an amazing strong and devoted mate to make me feel sweet and strong without them!! Recovery was pure hell..i am not ashamed to admit i still cry when people make rude and ignorant comments..i feel less than a women at times..but each day brings the realization that i don't need boobs to be a great mom..nurse and mate!! Keep strong lovies!! May angels watch over all of you daily! Remember..you are LOVED!!! 💝💝💝

[julierstjohn]

Thank you for sharing, I really needed to hear this powerful story, I was diagnosed today.

[evabloomer]

I am now 55. I had a double mastectomy last summer. I am post menopausal and during surgery consultation I was told they couldn't save my nipples. Those were my favorite part of my breasts so why bother dealing with more surgeries? I went flat and while I am still adjusting have zero regrets. I don't need breasts to be a woman. There are many in the LGBT community who helped me to see this and accept myself as I am.

[charmieswanstone]

I really thought I wanted reconstruction but now I realise this is the new me

[traceymanzano]

Had my bilateral mastectomy to flat this past Dec.Im very pleased with my decision! I wear my prosthetic boobs on occassions but for the most part, Im flat and love it! I like the versatility of being able to switch up, without having implants in my body, and having to undergo several surgeries! I knew that after my bilateral mastectomy, I never wanted to put my body through anymore surgeries if I could help it!

[cathyleegrantham-schreifel]

It’s been 64 days since I chose to go flat. Still happy with that decision. Need corrective surgery to flatten or smooth places my surgeon left when he assumed I’d change my mind about going flat later! Now, I have to have an extra surgery to smoothe out the mess he made. You think he’d admit to any wrongdoing? Nope. Not a syllable of apology and certainly offered no restitution or correction for his botched work. Now, I’m d pecked to close my eyes, images of myself in my head and move on…like a big girl! These women look better than I do, but not much better why is it so hard to achieve not only flat, but smooth!!!??

[colleenluna]

I'm facing this and I dont know that I want to go flat but I truly thank these women who are beautiful strong and brave to do this it gives me something to think about

[rianhart]

I’m soo proud to be living flat. My prayers to everyone affected by cancer

[manuelalojado]

I almost cry for my sis now and pray for her survive🙏she was flattend because of stage4😥

[charityt]

God bless you all and I admire your bravery and courage.As a 2x cancer survivor I know the daily struggles, it's very real. I could not stop crying after seeing your message and strength, my heart is full of compassion and empathy.God bless you and Stay Strong!!! you did nothing to deserve this.

[JpKilla]

Who are the 5 people who disliked this video?






Like seriously these women are empowering other women, making those aware of the effects of breast cancer and life after cancer. I’m proud to say my wife is a Breast Cancer Survivor & She will stay flat. It was her decision because of all the complications that could occur.

She’s a stronger women today then ever before now we are all eating healthy and just trying to make the best out of life. We only have so little time here SO why not make it worth it & make a difference in someone’s life. I love my wife and I thank god he was walking us through this together by our side. God bless to all the women who decided to stay flat 💖🙏💖

What ever you can do to avoid complications and risk factors stay away from reconstruction, eat healthy, drink vegan shakes, go vegan, workout, read, meditate and talk to a therapist it HELPS TRUST ME and live your life! Women are still beautiful on the inside THAT never changes! ❤️✊