7 minute read
Flatties on the Flat Top
on the flat top
By Lisa Lowdermilk
Being diagnosed with breast cancer is overwhelming. In addition to the initial shock that accompanies any cancer diagnosis, breast cancer patients face an additional burden: deciding whether to pursue reconstruction.
For many patients, the choice to undergo reconstruction seems easy enough at first glance. Doctors offer reconstruction in part to cover up the scarring associated with mastectomies, and that is still the route most patients take.
But the reality of reconstruction is far more complicated than many doctors would have us believe. In addition to a variety of health risks associated with reconstruction, including lymphatic cancers and autoimmune disorders, chronic pain is an all too common side effect. To avoid these complications, 25 percent of breast cancer survivors opt to forgo reconstruction. Flatties gather in a spirit of joy and camaraderie, thriving and surviving after breast cancer. This month, they will rally in Cedaredge, Colorado on the world's largest flat top mountain—Grand Mesa.
FLAT OUT LOVE
There is support for these women, who affectionately call themselves “flatties,” to feel comfortable in their own skin.
Flat Out Love is a community of flatties on Facebook with the mission to ensure all flatties feel beautiful and whole again.
Members hail from all over the world, including Australia, Africa, Canada and Mexico. The common thread tying them together is a sense of camaraderie, with gratitude for everything life has to offer.
“I wouldn’t give my cancer back for anything,” said Lissa Sears, 48, of Indianapolis. “My life has changed so much for the better.”
Sears, who has multiple sclerosis, opted to go flat because of the health risks associated with reconstruction. Before her breast cancer diagnosis, she worked in window sales. Now she’s a stand-up comic and works as an actress.
“Everyone knows the saying, ‘You only live once,’ but the truth is, you only die once. You live every day. Take all the chances and live to the fullest!” said Sears.
Nancy Brisk of Colorado Springs shares Sears’ sense of gratitude following her
on the flat top
No reconstruction? No problem. Breast cancer survivors band together
decision to go flat. After being diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2009, she underwent a double mastectomy with implants in January 2010. Eight surgeries later, she opted to have them removed in August 2020, citing excruciating pain and decreased quality of life.
“I was in pain 24/7 for three years,” Brisk, 65, said. “I couldn’t even bend down to clean, it was so painful.”
Despite all she’s been through, Brisk insisted it could have been much worse. Some patients suffer post-mastectomy injuries that can only be described as mutilation. The open-minded members of Flat Out Love understand the merits of reconstruction and why a woman would make that choice, even if they didn’t.
“I’m not against implants or prosthetics. My problem is that doctors don’t always give patients the option to go flat,” said Sears. “Doctors—both male and female— push reconstruction so much because it’s their idea of what a woman should be.”
Brisk agreed with Sears, advising patients to do their own research.
“There are a lot of really tough decisions you may have a knee-jerk reaction to,” Brisk said. “Take a step back. I didn’t really do that and think, ‘Why do I want these fake things on my chest?’”
RETREAT & RALLY
For International Flat Day on October 7, Sears and Brisk are helping organize the biggest get-together for flatties on the biggest flat top mountain in the world.
The Grace Project, an empowering photographic project that captures the courage, beauty and grace of those who have had mastectomy surgery as a result of breast cancer, will be present during the retreat on the Grand Mesa in Cedaredge on October 6-9.
Attendees will be treated to a variety of fun activities, but most importantly, attendees can connect in person with other flatties from around the world in joyful gratitude for the new lease on life they’ve been given and all the possibilities that await them. ■
Flat Out Love on Facebook
Only flatties are permitted to join the group to ensure all members feel safe expressing themselves.
Gratitude for friendships, health and a new lease on life characterizes gatherings of flatties, an affectionate term for women who opt to forgo reconstruction after a mastectomy.
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When we think life isn’t fair
By Jean Alfieri “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” —Jeremiah 29:11, NIV
“Is he housetrained?”
“I don’t know if he’s trained, how he became a stray or why he stinks so bad.“
Josh’s frown deepened as he chewed on his bagel. “What name did you decide on?”
“Mister Magoo.” This got a chuckle.
“He looks like a Magoo.” Josh gave me a kiss and left, unconvinced this adoption was a good idea.
But I was thrilled to add to our pack. I work at an animal shelter and was smitten by a pug puppy that came in the week before. Today he’d be ours. I barely got his leash on before he bolted from the kennel and sprinted down the hall.
“Wow, you’re sure rambunctious for just having surgery.”
“Pant-pant-snort,” was his reply.
“Okay,” I planned aloud, “let’s get home, meet everyone and then you’ll relax.” The stench of stray dog filled my car.
Introductions went well. When our three older dogs realized they couldn’t keep up with Magoo’s frantic exploration of the backyard, they retreated inside. It was dinnertime and, as interesting as the new stinky guy was, they had their priorities.
Magoo raced into the house, jumped on and off the couch, dashed out to the yard and back inside to repeat the course. During one intermission, he recklessly flipped the toy basket and in under two minutes had strewn a couple dozen plushies, tug toys and squeakies about. His pug panting echoed off the walls.
“He’s a whirling dervish,” I muttered.
“Is he going to have a stroke?” Josh asked.
I shared his concern. The senior dogs we usually adopt stroll into the house, select one of the assorted comfy dog beds, circle once and lie down with a satisfied groan. They look at us with big, thankful eyes that say, “Wake me when it’s mealtime,” and life moves on.
I sat on the floor, hoping Magoo would rest. Nope. By midnight, Josh and I were exhausted. The
other dogs had long since retired, giving us a “good luck” expression as they departed.
I returned Magoo the next day, then cried all the way home. With only a couple hours’ sleep, I wondered, am I overtired? Relieved? Or truly disappointed it didn’t work?
Then I considered that maybe— just maybe—Magoo needed a safe place for only one more night so his forever family would find him. What if our house was that place?
When we pray for God to do His will and open our hearts to whatever He’s designed for us, we shouldn’t be disappointed in the outcome. We can be sad it didn’t work out like we wanted, but we can also delight in being part of God’s plan.
Though my heart was broken, I believe it worked out as it was supposed to—and for that, I’m joyful.
P.S. Magoo was adopted within a half hour of his return to the shelter! ■
