Why did I choose to have a mastectomy without reconstruction? – Juliet Fitzpatrick - Episode 15

Nobody wants to hear the news that they have breast cancer, especially when a mastectomy has been recommended as part of the treatment option. What happens if you choose to have a mastectomy without reconstruction? Juliet Fitzpatrick is a blogger, advocate and campaigner for choice. She was diagnosed with screen-detected breast cancer at the age of 54. Initially, she had a lumpectomy, but it turned out that her cancer was more widespread than anticipated and so breast conservation surgery was considered not possible. Her second surgery then had to be a mastectomy. During the clinic consultation, her breast reconstruction options were discussed and explained. She was able to have an in-depth discussion with a plastic surgeon who outlined the merits of a DIEP flap based reconstruction and how she would be a suitable candidate. However, throughout this process, Juliet felt that the option of not having reconstruction and to simply have a mastectomy and ‘go flat’ was not really discussed. In this podcast episode, Juliet explains why she decided not to have a breast reconstruction and talks openly about how she felt and coped with losing one of her breasts. We also talk about why she decided to have further surgery to her other breast and what impact that had. Since completing her treatment, Juliet has worked tirelessly to increase the visibility of women who ‘go flat’ and encourages the conversation around the subject. Juliet’s work has also involved collaborations with various projects, one of which has lead to her photos being shown in Times Square and Piccadilly Circus as well as adverts and billboards. It was an absolutely fascinating and uplifting story. #mastectomy #BreastCancer #MyBreastMyHealth #Podcastforbreastcancer#BreastCancer #BreastCancerAwareness #LivingWithBreastCancer #MyBreastMyHealth #CelebsWithCancer