"I wish I had this book as a resource when I was going through cancer. Katrin writes in a clear and understandable way, and her book provides compassionate support and information that would be invaluable to anyone making mastectomy-related decisions."

Comedian Tig Notaro

Flat and Happy

Mastectomy and Flat Closure

A Personal, Practical Guide

The weeks leading up to mastectomy surgery or the removal of an implant are often filled with scary statistics and bewildering medical jargon.

For a woman navigating this tumultuous time, Flat and Happy is like a conversation with a good friend who’s been there and done all the research: informative, personal and brimming with humor and heart. Written in consultation with experienced breast cancer specialists, this comprehensive guide is hailed as a “unique and invaluable resource for any woman faced with a diagnosis of breast cancer.” Flat and Happy gives women who are seeking an alternative to breast reconstruction the information and tools they need to make informed decisions and to advocate for themselves before and after surgery.

"A must-read for any breast cancer patient or previvor facing mastectomy, van Dam's guidebook is chockablock with nitty-gritty truths and helpful tips on how to advocate for yourself in the exam room and beyond. Flat and Happy expertly fills the void left by surgeons who rarely take time to detail all of the post-mastectomy surgical options, especially when it comes to going flat."

"Combining personal experience with well-researched medical information, Flat and Happy is a unique and invaluable resource for any woman faced with a diagnosis of breast cancer. Those interested in "going flat" will benefit from Katrin van Dam's explanation of the process and discussion of important considerations. Women considering other types of breast cancer surgery will find a balanced discussion of surgical options, advantages, and disadvantages, along with questions to bring to the medical team. Flat and Happy should also be required reading for breast surgeons, as it provides insights into the patient experience that may result in improved understanding and care for those opting to forgo reconstructive breast cancer surgery."

"Flat and Happy is a comprehensive guidebook for women who are navigating a tumultuous time in their lives after a diagnosis of breast cancer. The book empowers patients with the essential knowledge to make informed decisions every step along the way, from the type of surgery to choose, to what long-term or late effects to expect, to lifestyle and/or behavioral modifications that may improve quality of life post-surgery. The vital role of "patient-centric" medicine in cancer care is frequently cited as the gold standard, and Flat and Happy has the voice and welfare of cancer patients at its core. It blends deep compassion with subtle humor in discussing sensitive topics and provides breast cancer patients with the critical tools they need to engage in their own health care and obtain the highest quality of life post-surgery."