STAYING FLAT AND FEELING STRONGER COVER STORY
T he Friday before family business after 45 years and Grace’s twin daughters were about to start their first year of school. ‘It felt like the future was really bright,’ she says. The night following her daughters’ first day of school, Grace was feeling unwell and went to hospital. A few days earlier, Grace had a biopsy on a lump and was waiting on her results. She was surprised to learn when she went in to talk about her current illness that her examination had been cancelled because they needed to focus on her breast cancer diagnosis. Grace’s diagnosis, she and her family were celebrating. Her parents had just sold their ‘The surgeon said, “oh you’ve got a little bit of breast cancer”. She thought I already knew,’ Grace says. Grace was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and invasive breast cancer in her right breast. She was told her right breast would need to be removed and – after experiencing initial resistance from her surgeon – it was agreed that she could have a prophylactic (preventative) mastectomy of her left breast. Grace was presented with different breast reconstruction options but at no point was going flat discussed. Grace investigated her motivation for having a breast reconstruction and it became apparent to her that she felt she would be doing it for others, not for herself. She discovered many reasons why breast reconstruction didn’t
resonate with her and wanted to be able to feel any potential new growth. In fact, Grace liked the idea of never wearing a bra again and the freedom that came with it. ‘Some clothes really emphasise my flatness and when I wear those, I feel the most confident,’ she says. ‘Everyone is different, but that’s how it has impacted me.’ Grace decided she wanted an aesthetic flat closure and had discussed this with a surgeon who said, ‘we’ll make it look as good as possible ’. However, on the day of her surgery, that surgeon wasn’t available. Just before Grace went under anaesthetic, she was told she would be having a simple mastectomy with no mention of an aesthetic flat closure. Grace was given no time to confirm what she wanted. Along the way, Grace has met wonderful people, connecting in online support groups where she has heard from others with a similar experience. This was particularly valuable to Grace. She respected hearing how they were empowered by their choice. The group believe professionals to present going flat as an option. Secondly, to ensure that surgeries result in an aesthetic finish, so women in the future are making an informed choice that is right for them. ‘It’s important to be still and, in the silence, really ask yourself what you want,’ says Grace. ‘This decision needs to be about you – not anyone else. there is a need for improved communication from health
‘Remaining flat has had a positive effect on my mental health. I feel so much stronger, confident, and courageous.’ For Grace, a day like International FLAT Day signifies visibility. ‘It means that we exist,’ she says. ‘It means that we have stories to share. It means that we matter.’ Today, Grace lives in Italy with her young family as a direct result of wanting to live well, her way. She follows the thinking of, ‘I am well now. I am able now. So, do it now.’ You can read more about Grace and Kate’s stories in our upcoming Christmas Appeal. To find out more about making a donation, please click here .
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October 2023 | Issue 96
Breast Cancer Network Australia
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