My GP had requested an ultrasound along with the mammogram. ⁠The breast clinic declined the request.⁠
I left concerned, but was reassured that, at 51, it was most likely a cyst. I had a cyst in my left breast found on my annual mammogram in 2017.⁠
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I went for a core biopsy, and the cyst was no longer there.⁠
The breast clinic reviewed my previous mammograms. I had mastitis 10 years prior and felt that everything was fine.⁠
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Fast forward.⁠
Ten months later, I found the same lump in my right breast; this time, it had invited friends.⁠
I was diagnosed with stage 1 IDC.⁠
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Mastectomy was my only option.⁠
Given my previous experience, I insisted that my left breast would be removed at the same time.⁠
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The girls took early retirement.⁠
I had no interest in reconstruction; you can’t recreate the past.⁠
I had to advocate for myself to get my double mastectomy and researched flat closure.

I showed my surgeon the results I was expecting and that I planned on being topless on the beach.⁠
My beach days generated interest with CBC.⁠
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A local reporter interviewed and filmed me on the beach.⁠
My interview went international.⁠
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The feedback was overwhelmingly positive.⁠
It prompted a second interview about how my first interview impacted, inspired many people, other survivors, and women just starting their breast cancer journeys.⁠
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I am a positive person and always feel there are silver linings that arise from the most dire situations.⁠
Breasts don’t define women.⁠
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Society views them as a woman’s calling card.⁠
I have never worried about what others think.⁠
Living life flat and cancer-free is ok for me.⁠
Looking forward to each day and taking one day at a time.⁠
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@christinabelding