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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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!
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.
We all appreciate the help and support of friends when times are tough, and coping with treatments for breast cancer is no exception. So when its all over and life gradually returns to its new normal, it’s nice to be able to say thank you to all those who helped make a difference. Which is …
Extracts from the diary of Angie Bradford, who’s been a member of Flat Friends since May 2016, as she recovers from her second mastectomy last month… Wednesday July 12: Wow things change fast in the world of me!! So since my last blog I’ve been doing a huge amount of dogs and can’t keep with …
In our latest blog, Sarah Coombes wonders why her health professionals don’t seem to understand that no really does mean no… “Have you thought anymore about reconstruction?” Over two years after my bilateral mastectomy I am still asked this question by my surgeon and my oncologist. I am not sure what else I can say, …
By Gilly Cant, Founder of Flat Friends… Wow, what a day of triumphs and friendship!! This years event saw nine ladies compete in various events, all to raise funds for Flat Friends UK. Five of those ladies are members of Flat Friends and four were friends or family who entered to support us. Angie Bradford …
Dorney 2017 – Duathletes & Triathletes raise £5,000 Read More »
In an interview published in the Daily Mail last week, A-lister Kathy Bates spoke out about living flat, without reconstruction, since her bilateral mastectomy five years ago – as well as living with lymphoedema which developed as a result of the lymph node clearance. Flat Friend and blogger Kim Feast (@flatfabulousandlivingwithcancer) covered the piece on …
“I don’t have breasts — so why do I have to pretend like I do?” Read More »
According to Flat Friend Sue Foster, Richard Bull – aka Bully to those that know and love him (that would include us then!) – is just a bit bonkers. “I’ve known this lovely man for years” she said, “they threw away the mold when they made him, he doesn’t do anything by halves!” He sure …
Bully starts mammoth cycle ride for Flat Friends Read More »
arah Coombes, Trustee of Flat Friends UK, reports on her recent marathon of a marathon in Brighton… Soooo… I’d managed a few 10k races in the past, and raised money for various charities – but then I became a trustee of Flat Friends UK, and felt that I needed to up the stakes. Around the …
Kayla talked to Jenny Morrison at the Daily Record recently about dealing with breast cancer the second time around. In an article entitled “Brave mum Kayla says women shouldn’t live in fear of cancer as she fights disease for second time” Kayla, 32, is upbeat having completed treatment again 11 years after her first breast …
Kat Lister of The Pool Health interviewed Flat Friends founder Gilly Cant at the end of last year. In this eloquent article, Kat has captured the words and spirit of Gilly, Liz Powell, and one of our patrons Ash Subramanian with integrity and honesty. Read on… Why some women choose to “live flat” after breast …
Founder Gilly Cant talks about life flat after mastectomy Read More »
This recent article featured four amazing women who live with significant changes to their body. Christina Earle writes: “Whether it’s wobbly thighs, small boobs or a mummy tummy, many women don’t like how they look. But spare a thought for these four girls. Each has a body secret that would hit most people’s confidence — …
Today was a big day in photographer and Flat Friends trustee Sarah J Dow’s world when she went live on air at BBC Wiltshire to talk about the Flat Friendship 2017 Calendar project. Its a must listen! (From 1hr 28mins in). The Wiltshire Times also covered the story… Jai Eastwood, a photographer and Flat Friends …
Roundup: Flat Friend photographers make headlines… Read More »
Flat Friends from all over the UK gathered in London on Wednesday to cheer and support three beautiful Flat Friend members modelling on the catwalk of the Breast Cancer Care Fashion Show London 2016. Rachel Ferry, who modelled at the show in Wales earlier this year, talks emotionally about the experience: “We were there. The …
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