“Why I Did Not Choose Reconstruction”- A Guest Post, Giveaway & Different Kind of Awareness

“Why I did not choose reconstruction”-  by Lois Hjelmstad. Let’s talk about a different kind of awareness.

I know it’s October and you’re probably expecting a post about Pinktober or some other such thing. I’m feeling a bit rebellious as I decided to kick off October a bit differently.

There’s plenty of time for all that other stuff, right? (Do stay tuned.)Instead, I’m thrilled to share a post written by my new friend, Lois Tschetter Hjelmstad, in which she shares about her decision to not undergo reconstruction.

Sometimes it seems many of the awareness campaigns today are more about saving breasts than saving lives.

That’s why this post seems especially fitting right about now.

Lois writes candidly about her decision in her book, Fine Black Lines:  Reflections on Facing Cancer, Fear and Loneliness. She also shares openly and often with humor about her struggles with recovery, chronic fatigue syndrome, that whole positive attitude thing, intimacy and life in general post cancer diagnosis.

Lois doesn’t hold back and I so admire her for that. She is also an amazing poet and her book contains some real gems.

So, sit back and enjoy reading Lois’ words and then sign up to win a free copy of her inspiring book, Fine Black Lines:  Reflections on Facing Cancer, Fear and Loneliness

Why I Did Not Choose Reconstruction 

by Lois Tschetter Hjelmstad

I did not say “No” to reconstruction because I was happy about losing my breast. I did not say “No” because I felt sexier without it. I did not say “No” because my clothing fit so dang well after my first mastectomy.

A friend suggested that I start reconstruction during my surgery, but back in 1990 it was not commonly done and my particular doctors said I could decide later; I was only 59.

I missed my left breast mightily. I struggled for days, weeks, months to make my front look okay. I stuffed the empty side of my bra with crumpled paper; my bosom rustled. I stuffed it with socks; they lumped. I tried filling homemade bags with rice; they sagged more than my right breast.

It was a bit easier after my second mastectomy fourteen months later. Whatever I tried, at least the two sides matched. But by then, lymphedema had set into my left arm and torso—wearing a bra was not an option, although I did try. I bought a mastectomy bra and two heavy matching prostheses. I wore them once, but I was so miserable that I donated the whole contraption to another woman.

Besides, something within me rebelled at hanging an uncomfortable harness on my frame—so I could put something uncomfortable in it, so that those around me were not uncomfortable. God forbid they should be reminded of their mortality.

What to do?

Reconstruction could have been an answer. But:

• I had had radiation therapy. My skin had become thin, tender, and glommed onto my chest. Could it stretch over an implant?
• I had been diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome a year before my first mastectomy. Regaining my strength after any surgery was problematic. Was I ready to risk additional complications?
• I had things to see, places to go, life to live. Was I willing to postpone doing so while I undertook reconstruction?

Beyond that, I knew that replacing my breasts would not reinstate their function.

New breasts would not restore an erogenous zone. They could not nourish a baby. They would only fill out my clothes and perhaps allow me to pretend that I had not had cancer. Of course, my husband could play with them, but I have other things with which he can amuse himself.

So, I have not had reconstruction. (I certainly have no quarrel with any woman who has chosen differently. I deeply understand the longing.) But I simply bought stretchy camisoles, fashioned pockets from old underwear, sewed them onto the camisoles, and placed lightweight prostheses in them. It feels good to have a soft barrier between my bony chest and the world. And I can stand that small weight on my chest. I place them high and perky where they used to be, rather than resting on my belt as some of my friends’ breasts do. And I take them off at night.

Of course I miss having breasts. Even yet, when I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror, I gasp, What the h— happened there?

My husband took a picture of my breasts before my first mastectomy.

Every so often, I look at that photo and cry.

But I am not sorry that I have not had reconstruction. I have had too many surgeries as it is. My beloved husband loves me the way I am and I feel comfortable with myself, the woman who:

• is lucky enough to have survived breast cancer for more than twenty years
• invented her own little boobies and carriers
• used the time and energy she could have used recovering from reconstruction to write a book, Fine Black Lines: Reflections on Facing, Fear, and Loneliness
• had the opportunity to speak about breast cancer in all 50 United States
• has had the privilege of meeting some of the most lovely, courageous women in the world

Yes, I’m comfortable with my decision.

For a chance to win a free copy of Fine Black Lines: Reflections on Facing Cancer, Fear and Loneliness, simply leave a comment below by noon CT, Thursday, October 4th.

NOTE:  The winner of the giveaway was Ginny Marie!! Congratulations Ginny!

Why did you choose to do or not do reconstruction?

Do you, or did you ever feel pressured to make yourself look “normal?”

Do you have regrets about any reconstruction decisions? 

About the Author

Lois Hjelmstad has written and published three award-winning books:

Fine Black Lines:  Reflections on Facing Cancer, Fear and Loneliness

The Last Violet:  Mourning My Mother, Moving Beyond Regret

This Path We Share:  Reflecting on 60 Years of Marriage

Lois and her husband Les have been married over 64 years. They live in Englewood, CO and have four children, thirteen grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Lois writes a blog at http://www.loishjelmstad.com. You can email her at  hjelmstd@csd.net.