10/07/2026
I was one of the 18 women who participated in this research on aesthetic flat closure after mastectomy, and seeing our experiences now published in Psycho-Oncology brings up a lot of emotion - and a tremendous amount of gratitude.
Gratitude that this research is being done.
Gratitude that our stories are being heard.
And gratitude that the conversation around what happens to our bodies after breast cancer is beginning to include all of our choices.
When I chose to have a double mastectomy and remain flat, it wasn’t because I didn’t know reconstruction existed. It wasn’t because I didn’t care about my body, my femininity, or how I would look afterward.
I chose it because it was best for ME.
For my body.
For my healing.
For what my soul wanted.
And that’s what I hope continues to change within breast cancer care: that there doesn’t have to be one “right” way to look after mastectomy.
Reconstruction may be the best choice for one woman. Aesthetic flat closure may be the best choice for another.
The point isn’t which choice we make.
The point is that we are given the choice.
What matters is that we’re given all of the information, that our decisions are respected, and that we are trusted to know what is right for our own bodies.
I’m incredibly grateful to Dr. Trisha Raque and the University of Denver research team for asking these questions, for listening to our experiences, and for bringing more awareness to why some of us choose to go flat.
I’m also proud that my story, alongside the stories of 17 other women, became a small part of research that may help another woman feel more informed, more supported, and more empowered in making her own decision.
This chest is mine.
These scars are mine.
This body is mine.
And this choice was Best for ME. 🤍
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