I vividly remember the discussion we had. It plays back in my mind like a movie. I was in a store, looking at workout apparel, when I shared the details of my consultation with my plastic surgeon with my friend. After my mastectomy, I faced two choices: get expanders that would later be replaced by implants or opt for implants right away. I was torn.
My friend posed a question that caught me off guard: had I considered the possibility of not getting implants at all? At thirty-five, the idea of going from a natural C-cup to being flat was unimaginable. She mentioned her research into breast implants and how many women had shared their negative experiences online. She suggested I investigate the potential risks before making a decision.
At that time, I was navigating the chaos of my recent stage 0 breast cancer diagnosis. I felt lost and overwhelmed. How could I—a healthy, active person with no family history of breast cancer—be facing this at my age? It felt surreal, as if life had taken an unexpected turn.
What followed was a whirlwind of medical appointments. I met with a breast surgeon at a leading facility in St. Louis, had an MRI that thankfully showed no signs of cancer elsewhere, and underwent genetic testing. I was given the choice between a lumpectomy with radiation or a bilateral mastectomy. After careful consideration and prayer, I opted for the mastectomy.
Next, I consulted a plastic surgeon who again presented two choices: tissue expanders or immediate implants. During our conversation, I reached out to my friend, a registered nurse, to discuss which option might be wiser. To my surprise, she suggested a third possibility: I didn’t have to get implants at all. I could choose to go flat and use prosthetics if desired. I dismissed her suggestion almost immediately, convinced that going flat was a decision for older women.
A few weeks later, I chose the direct-to-implant route. I went into surgery with my natural breasts but emerged with what we in the cancer community refer to as “foobs”—fake breasts. Upon waking, I was met with intense shoulder pain, likely from my positioning during the lengthy surgery. After receiving medication, I was sent home to begin my recovery.
While the shoulder pain subsided, it never truly disappeared. I underwent two rounds of physical therapy and multiple chiropractic sessions, even spending thousands on an MRI that revealed nothing. I tried yoga and weight training, but nothing helped.
Years passed, and I began experiencing a host of seemingly unrelated symptoms—lower abdominal pain, heart palpitations, and anxiety skyrocketing. Foods I once enjoyed became intolerable, and I struggled with exhausting brain fog. It felt as if I had aged decades overnight. I had never faced depression before, but this relentless cycle of symptoms and doctor visits left me feeling hopeless.
One day, I joined a Facebook group focused on breast implant illness (BII). As I read the experiences of other women like myself, I realized I was suffering from BII too. I knew it was time to remove my implants.
I made the decision to go flat; my health was more important than maintaining my implants. I found that many women who opted to explant experienced immediate relief from their symptoms. However, my surgery was postponed due to COVID-19, and I faced each day with a mix of misery and hope. Finally, five months later, I underwent the procedure.
Now, nearly six months post-surgery, I’m thrilled to report that twenty-five out of twenty-nine symptoms have vanished. While I typically avoid dwelling on regrets, I deeply regret not choosing to go flat from the start. Ignoring my friend’s advice cost me over three years of my life. This regret fuels my passion to raise awareness about BII and the genuine risks associated with breast implants. I hope to spare others from the same fate I endured.
For more information on similar experiences, check out this insightful article or visit this authority on breast implant illness.
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In summary, my journey through breast cancer and the subsequent complications of breast implants taught me the importance of listening to advice and researching all options. The experience, while painful, has inspired me to advocate for others facing similar choices.