I was diagnosed in 2018 at the age of 41 with a 2.5cm IDC in my left breast beginning with a trip to the doctors with pain in my breast and what I thought might be a lump. I had three different types of chemo plus the trial drug Olaparib through the Addenbrookes Partner Trial. …
My name is Birgit. I was diagnosed with multifocal invasive ductal carcinoma in my left breast in March 2021 for which I had a mastectomy and I have been taking tamoxifen since late April 2021. I would like to mention right at the beginning of my blog that each of our stories is unique. We …
‘Outcomes of Women undergoing Mastectomy for Unilateral Breast Cancer Who Elect to Undergo Contralateral Mastectomy for Symmetry: A Systematic Review by Griffin C, et al.’ This is the first and very important step to establish national surgical guidelines for contralateral mastectomy (CM); facilitating equitable access, validating contralateral mastectomy as an alternative to reconstruction, and ensuring …
Ever wondered what it’s like to start dating after a mastectomy? In this vlog, Sonia (who you may have seen on Channel 4’s Naked Education!) shares her experiences of discovering new body confidence, online dating, and telling prospective dates that she is living flat. Contains strong language which may be considered offensive. https://flatfriends.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/DatingwithNoBoobs-1.mp4
Mastectomy Recovery Diary This will give an overview of what my experience was like. It is important to note that we are all different, so my experience may not look the same as yours. Day 1 I came round to a heavy-ish feeling in my chest and feeling very hazy from the anaesthetic. I hadn’t …
Thank you to these amazing women for sharing themselves and their clothes! We hope they spark some inspiration for you… Rachel Rachel’s summer dress is by Monsoon and features the gathered bardot neckline and ruffle so many of us love post-mastectomy. Rachel says, “This lovely comfy dress is perfect for wearing with or without foobs.” …
Our largest gathering yet! Women came from all over the British Isles to come together for a weekend of activities and experiences, and left with the most memorable moments and friendships that will last forever! Friday afternoon we began arriving out our hotel in Warwickshire, and spent the evening catching up with old friends and …
In an intimate Naked Exchange, Gina and Sonia shared their experiences of having mastectomies and living without reconstruction on Channel 4s Naked Education. Even though both Gina and Sonia have been members of our private Facebook group for some time – and heard about the opportunity to take part in Naked Education through the charity …
The choice to have a ‘flat closure’ mastectomy was made after a lot of research to inform and empower myself. During this time, I found the most amazing group of women on the Facebook group @flatfriendsUK. The group is private and it’s a safe place where we can share our mastectomy experiences, support and help …
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2020. I was called for my first routine mammogram at age 52; following that a letter arrived which called me back for further tests because they had seen some suspicious things on one side. I hadn’t felt a thing myself. The fact that I was 52 when …
We love Pancakes! Traditionally, Shrove Tuesday is the last day to use eggs, milk, and fats before beginning a fast for Lent. For hundreds of years, in many Christian countries, pancakes have been the perfect way to use up these ingredients. Pancakes unite the UK for one day each year, whether we are embarking on …
Appearance can change rapidly with treatment and there seems little time to get your head around all the changes happening to your body. Most women purchase a wig as an immediate ‘fix’ to hair loss, (if that is going to be part of the journey ahead). A sort of ‘security blanket’ that resembles normality and …
Getting your head around hair loss – with Nicky from Suburban Turban Read More »
I have been busy sewing today, adapting clothes to make the neck higher and more discrete. I have not changed my style now I’m flat and still wear what I want but some tops and dresses I have adapted. If you have a top with a low V front then you can see in a …
A survey conducted by Flat Friends found that patients facing mastectomy in the UK are being denied information and treatment options. PRESS RELEASE 8 MARCH 2021 Breast cancer charity, Flat Friends, has written to the National Institute for Clinical Excellence and Matt Hancock MP asking for breast cancer patients to be better informed of their …
The clocks have ‘sprung forward’ to British Summer Time, the bulbs are flowering, and we are wondering we put out sunglasses last October…so it must be time for this year’s Spring/Summer blog brought to you by the amazing women in the Flat Friends Private Facebook! Special thanks to Carolyn who shared a photo of her …
Flat Friends Flatter Fashion Blog – Spring/Summer 2022 Read More »
Imagine a world free of bias, prejudice and stereotypes. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. A world where both conscious and unconscious gender bias about what women should look like does not influence healthcare professionals, hospital trusts, and decision makers against women who need mastectomy surgery. Flat Friends is committed to: Raising awareness …
On Pancake Day we asked people to celebrate flatness by sharing their pancake creations on social media. They included special pancake recipes, amazing topping combinations, decorations, and even pancake art!We hope that Flat as a Pancake Day will become an annual celebration for Flatties everywhere!
The start of Autumn is always a busy time for me as it is Breast Cancer Awareness month. So, Flat Friends takes priority in October…and then I have run out of words for social media by November! But now we are ready to get going with our Autumn/Winter blog, and member of the Flat Friends …
Flat Friends Flatter Fashion – Autumn/Winter 2021 Read More »
This blog is dedicated to good friends. May we be them, know them, and always hold them close. A year after the first lockdown and we are getting used to shopping again. I for one am out of practice; so, thank goodness for my Flat Friends…and supermarkets who make it easy to dress flat whilst …
Flat Friends Flatter Fashion Blog – Spring/Summer 2021 Read More »
Under normal circumstances I would post a new fashion blog each season – but these are not normal times. So, this time I will be doing a combined blog for autumn and winter, and because clothes shopping isn’t at the top of people’s to-do-lists I am kicking this blog off with some general tips on …
Flat Friends Flatter Fashion Blog – Autumn/Winter 2020 Read More »
With the COVID-19 Lockdown ongoing the ability to find the clothes you need online and in supermarkets is useful! Top Flatter Fashion tips for shopping online 1. Take you measurements and check the size charts. Make a list of what size is usually your best fit for retailers you have bought from before. 2. Read …
Welcome to this seasonal blog featuring contributions from members of the Flat Friends UK private Facebook group. All the women in the group are living without reconstruction after single or double mastectomy, or are facing that decision. Below they share their tips, advice and photos of what they are wearing this Spring!Sally Anne is our …
lat Friends UK Trustee, Sarah began a year long fundraising campaign in aid of Flat Friends UK on 1st January 2020. Sarah, who is also the founder of fashion blog website Flatter Fashion, will be sharing a daily selfie of what she is wearing to raise awareness of day to day life living, and dressing, …
Outflat of the Day fundraising campaign 2020 Weeks1-4 Read More »
Trustee Sarah spoke to the Sun, sharing her life after a breast cancer diagnosis and having a mastectomy without reconstruction. You can read the interview here
Our trustee Sarah Coombes, talks to Suburban Turban about her journey and passion for fashion after mastectomy.Read the article here.
One of our inspirational members, Amanda Pilbeam, is raising funds for us by running the London Marathon this year.
arah Coombes, one of our Trustees, was interviewed on BBC Look East in early October. Here’s her account of her appearance. Breast cancer has created lots of firsts: I started blogging. I started being interested in fashion. I became a trustee of a charity (Flat Friends UK!). I ran a marathon. I went to university. …
Rosemary, one of our members, says, “I was invited onto BBC Radio Merseyside to talk a little about my journey with breast cancer and my decision to remain flat and decline reconstruction. It was an absolute pleasure to meet Ngunan Adamu on BBC Radio Merseyside.” You can listen to the interview here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6woyOmK6U4
Sarah Coombes, one of our trustees, tells her breast cancer story to ‘Ask the Doctor’ with Dr Christian Jessen. LOSING YOUR BREASTS TO CANCER IS A TRAUMATIC EXPERIENCE. WE MEET SARAH COOMBS WHO PROVES YOU CAN FEEL FABULOUS AND FEMININE AFTER A DOUBLE MASTECTOMY Slipping the red dress over my head, I feel it fall …
Our founder Gilly Cant talks to Woman’s Weekly about her reasons for not having reconstruction and why she started Flat Friends UK.
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