I vividly recall the conversation. It plays back in my mind like a film. I was in the midst of shopping at Target, looking at workout clothes when I filled my friend, Lisa, in on my recent meeting with my plastic surgeon. After my mastectomy, I had two options: I could get tissue expanders followed by implants, or I could opt for implants right away. I was at a loss for what to do.
Lisa asked if I had considered not getting implants at all. I was taken aback. At just thirty-five, the idea of going from a C-cup to being flat felt unimaginable. She explained that she had researched breast implants and discovered a large community of women sharing their negative experiences online. Maybe I should look into the risks before making a commitment?
I was still reeling from my stage 0 breast cancer diagnosis a few weeks prior. My emotions fluctuated between disbelief and despair. How could this happen to me—a health-conscious individual with no family history of breast cancer? It felt like an unfair twist of fate.
Following that initial shock, I was assigned to a top breast surgeon in St. Louis. After a good MRI scan showed no further cancer, I faced the decision between a lumpectomy with radiation or a bilateral mastectomy. After weighing the pros and cons and a lot of prayer, I chose the mastectomy.
When I met with the plastic surgeon, I was again presented with two choices: tissue expanders that would eventually be replaced with implants, or implants right away. I reached out to Lisa, a registered nurse, hoping for guidance. To my surprise, she suggested a third option: going flat and using prosthetics if desired. I dismissed this idea almost instantly, believing I was too young to give up my breasts. I thought I could consider that option later in life.
In the end, I opted for direct-to-implant surgery just weeks later. I went into the operating room with my natural breasts and emerged with what the breast cancer community affectionately calls “foobs” (fake boobs). When I woke up, my shoulder blade was in agony, likely from the surgical positioning. Though the pain subsided, it never fully went away. I underwent physical therapy and countless chiropractic sessions, even spending thousands on an MRI that revealed no issues. Frustrated, I increased my yoga and weight training, but nothing changed.
Years passed, and I began experiencing a slew of unexplained symptoms. I suffered from lower abdominal pain and underwent further scans, which revealed significant constipation—strange for someone who exercised regularly and ate healthily. My health continued to decline; I encountered heart palpitations, dizziness, and food intolerances to items I once loved, including strawberries and wine. My anxiety surged, accompanied by panic attacks.
I felt trapped in my own body, struggling with fatigue, brain fog, and a lack of energy. I had never dealt with depression before, but I found myself feeling downcast amid the endless doctor visits and tests, all without answers.
One day, I stumbled upon a Facebook group dedicated to breast implant illness (BII). As soon as I joined, I spent hours engrossed in the stories of other women who had implants and were experiencing similar health issues. It became clear to me that I was suffering from BII, and I knew I had to remove my implants.
I made the decision to go flat, realizing that my health was far more important than having implants. The group was enlightening; many women who underwent explant surgery reported immediate improvements in their health. Unfortunately, my explant surgery was delayed due to COVID-19, but I remained hopeful.
Finally, five months later, I had the surgery. Like many before me, I woke up feeling an overwhelming sense of relief. Now, almost six months post-surgery, I am thrilled to report that twenty-five of my twenty-nine BII symptoms have vanished. While I strive not to dwell on regrets, I deeply wish I had chosen to go flat from the start. Ignoring Lisa’s advice cost me over three years of my life, and that drives my passion to advocate for awareness about BII and the very real risks associated with breast implants. I hope to spare others from the losses I endured.
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Search Queries:
- Breast implant illness symptoms
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- Breast cancer recovery options
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- Support for breast cancer survivors
In summary, my experience with breast implants taught me valuable lessons about health and self-advocacy. Ignoring the warnings of a friend led to avoidable suffering, and I now strive to share my story to help others make informed decisions.
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