Posts
NPOAS Welcomes New Oncology Physical Therapist Advisor Dr. Leslie J. Waltke
We are so happy to announce the newest member of the NPOAS Advisory Council, oncology physical therapist Dr. Leslie J. Waltke, PT, DPT, founder of the Waltke Cancer Rehabilitation Academy. Dr. Waltke has generously lent her time and expertise to NPOAS, […]
NPOAS Welcomes New Sociocultural Advisor Anne Marie Champagne
We are so happy to announce our newest member of the NPOAS Advisory Council, sociologist Anne Marie Champagne of Yale University. Her expertise and perspective is invaluable to our continued work! Welcome, Anne Marie!
NPOAS Exhibiting at ASBRS Conference 2022
History is going to be made at the American Society of Breast Surgeons annual conference in Spring 2022 in Las Vegas. The NPOAS Board will be attending this conference with an exhibitor’s booth to advocate for aesthetic flat closure. We will be […]
Kourtnii’s Story: I Struggled to Get the Flat Surgery I Chose
Kourtnii was faced with a DCIS diagnosis at the age of 26. She wanted a double mastectomy without reconstruction but repeatedly received intense, paternalistic pushback from the surgeons she consulted. Ultimately she had to have two separate mastectomy surgeries and […]
Charen’s Story: Authenticity & Health
Charen, a legislator in New England, made an informed choice to go flat after her prophylactic bilateral mastectomy for BRCA-1. She prioritized her health and function as well as having a short surgery and recovery period. Her surgeon respected her […]
Dee’s Story: I Wish I Opted Not to Reconstruct
After her breast cancer diagnosis, Dee reconstructed with textured implants and had them for twelve years before one ruptured, resulting in multiple complications. She learned about BIA-ALCL and breast implant illness after the fact, and explanted only to have her […]
Samantha’s Story: She Wears Her Scars Like a Warrior
Samantha was only 31 with a young family when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She deliberated carefully and decided on a bilateral mastectomy with aesthetic flat closure. Her surgeon did an amazing job. Samantha wants women to feel empowered […]
Lori’s Story: I Chose AFC for Quality of Life
Lori leads an active lifestyle and chose to go flat ten years ago, before “aesthetic flat closure” was on the books. Her surgeon pushed back because of her age, but ultimately respected her wishes, and Lori is happy with her […]
Support AFC Legislation in New York State!
NY State Assembly Bill A08537 – Insurance Coverage for Aesthetic Flat Closure After Mastectomy SIGN THE PETITION Following direct talks with NPOAS leadership in October, Rep. Stacey Pheffer Amato of NY District 23 has introduced a bill in the New […]
Melinda’s Story: Intentional Flat Denial 10yrs Ago
Melinda was 60 years old when she learned she had breast cancer for the second time, and decided to have a bilateral mastectomy with no reconstruction. However, her surgeon had other ideas and said that going flat was “a bad […]
Fiona’s Story: I Instantly Knew I Would Stay Flat
Even though Fiona knew immediately that she wanted to stay flat after her mastectomy, she met with pushback at every turn. Her surgeon required that she have a psychological consultation before agreeing to remove her “healthy” breast. She was treated […]
Ara’s Story: No Regrets
Ara was diagnosed with locally advanced breast cancer and chose to have a bilateral mastectomy after her initial lumpectomy failed to remove all of the disease. Ara’s surgeon was very supportive of her choice to go flat, and she has […]