I did try reconstruction and it was terrible. It is much different than getting implants when you have breasts. I think my d ision to remove both breasts was because I did not have to worry any more about dense breasts that hide cysts and tumors. My mammogram actually missed 3 tumors which were 5 cm in size. They were found in my pathology exam after bmx. When I asked my surgeon how often this happens she said a lot. She said Dense breasts are often very hard to examine and see tumors in. I have different types of prosthetics, knitted lightweight ones and the silicone type. I probably have only worn them a few times. I wear compression camisole tops 99%of the time. I don’t think you will realize how good you feel when you are flat. I was large br sated most of my life DDD even though I was thin. I am very active and hike and do other sports. I always had to wear 2 bras to hold the girls in whenI was running during a tennis match or any aerobic exercise. I got terrible arthritis in my neck and sternum from heavy breasts. The relief now is amazing. I had expanders and implants for 22 months. I was not aware of all the dangers when I started reconstruction. My first PS never gave me the brochure they are required to give you and sign off on the dangers. Europe has already recalled many types of implants because they cause another type of cancer.

I had a bilateral/double mastectomy in Dec 2018. Even though my insurance would cover reconstruction at the time of surgery or even later, I decided to go flat. This was a big change since I had been a 42DDD. Regarding the prosthetics, my insurance company had information on line, but I called them. They covered two different types of "fake breast" (one for everyday, one silicone), 9 bras. The doctor writes you a prescription. It is covered under insurance with your deductible. I had already met my out of pocket for the year, so they didn't cost me anything. It was about $1200 for two prosthetics and two bras. I will get the other bras, later as I had been losing weight and plan to continue after I finish chemo. I went to Ann's Bra Shop in Missouri. However, the doctor said Macy's also had a specialized department.

MollyBella: and for every person you find that regretted the decision, you'll find those who are perfectly happy with being flat. It's a very individual decision. Also remember that Removing your breasts doesn't have to be permanent - you can have reconstruction at any time- even years down the road.

It also comes down to who you are as a woman. Some women identify heavily with their breasts - it is a major part of their identity and how they view themselves in the world, and how they think the world views them. Or they feel it's a connection to their children, having nursed them as babies. So losing their breasts is a very traumatic, unthinkable thought. Some women, like me, don't feel this way. I was happy with my body, but my breasts never defined me and really never had much to do with my day-to-day life and how I see myself or function in the world. So it was not overly traumatic for me. They put me to sleep, and when I woke up I was still me. 100%. I don't feel one bit less of the woman I was.

The crappy part is how fast you have to make the decisions. And yes, the knee jerk reaction of most women is to panic and say GET IT OFF! I know I felt that way. But for me peace of mind totally outweighed any desire to take extra time sorting out the cosmetic side of things, which I knew could be dealt with some other day, if I so chose.

Though we are all connected with our experiences here it is also still very individual and personal to each of us at the same time.

My breast surgeon did everything - I am five years out and have no visible scar or dog ears. It was very neat. However, I was fairly small busted and maybe that makes a difference. I'm sure you could request a plastic surgeon if that is going to worry you. The American Cancer Society has a website/catalogue for women with cancer where you can order just about anything at www.tlcdirect.org
I get my prosthetics there and also have a pair of "knitted knockers" as someone mentioned! On a random note, if you do decide to stay flat - I read, I think on this site, about using bath puffs/sponges in your swimsuit because they drain easily. They really do work well and look fine. Good luck with whatever you decide:)

My case was a little different because I chose reconstruction and then went flat. The big issue often with normal surgeons is they don’t make you as flat as you can be. They might leave extra skin or what we call dog ears. A plastic surgeon may give you a cleaner look.

As far as prosthetics your surgeon will give you a prescription for prosthetics. I went to a specialty store for a personalized fitting. I was there almost 2 hours trying on different bras and sizes of forms. You acan also get free knitted forms from Knitted Knockers or Awesome Breast forms. Personally Ben though I have mast ctomy forms and bras 99% of the time I go flat. I wear camisoles with light compression.