Not my quality

It was with pleasure that I received my June copy of Canadian Family Physician with a picture of a beautiful laughing woman on the cover followed by the title “Quality of life after breast cancer.” Turning to the article’s page, I was very disappointed to see that the article was not about what I think of as “quality of life after breast cancer” but about surgical options for breast reconstruction.¹ I am a breast cancer survivor, diagnosed 18 months ago after what was supposed to be a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy. I have completed 6 months of chemotherapy and a year of trastuzumab, and am now back to work full time with great hair. I also have a wonderful boyfriend who unreservedly supports my decision not to have reconstruction. I was very happy to get rid of my double Ds—I can throw on a T-shirt and go for a run! And my posture is better than it ever has been. I understand that for many women, having breasts is an important part of their feeling like a woman, but I am thankful to be alive, well, and flat chested! Not having breasts can be a sexy empowering choice too. I recommend the website www.breastfree.org for anyone thinking about this issue.

• Copyright© the College of Family Physicians of Canada