Casey

Four years ago, I was offered genetic testing based on my family’s cancer history, but I was content not knowing my status at that time. Looking back now, I can’t believe I didn’t just go ahead and get it done. It wasn’t until last year when my sister @erinplum was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 31 that I realized I really needed to take my potential cancer risk more seriously. My life changed the minute I found out I was BRCA1+. My odds of getting breast and ovarian cancer rocketed sky high, and I felt like I couldn’t catch my breath as I began what turned into months of research, meetings with surgeons, and major emotional turmoil.

In the end, I knew in my gut what I needed to do, and I was at peace when I decided to get both a prophylactic total hysterectomy & a bilateral mastectomy with a flat closure. For my own health and for the sake of my family, I wanted to do everything I could to prevent cancer and be alive to watch my kids grow up. So here I am: at the ripe old age of 33, in menopause and living without breasts. Going flat after my mastectomy has been both freeing and challenging, and I’m so grateful for the encouraging BRCA and flattie community I’ve found on Instagram! I can be found documenting flattie fashion & real life as a young previvor over at @theflattiecloset. Come say hi.