There is a growing community of breast cancer survivors who are part of the Flat Movement. They are women who choose not to have breast reconstruction after double mastectomy surgery. One local woman is part of that movement and is sharing her story in the hope of helping others.Devorah Borenstein's first breast cancer diagnosis came in February 2018: ductal carcinoma in situ in her left breast. She underwent a lumpectomy and 21 days of radiation. Then, more than a year later, she learned the cancer was back. This time, stage 1 in her right breast."At that point, I knew my breasts had turned against me," Borenstein said.After a week of researching and considering the options, she decided to have a double mastectomy without reconstruction."I wanted the greatest possible risk reduction and I also wanted the greatest piece of mind. I want to be healthy, I want to be happy and not having breasts is not going to change that," Borenstein said.She part of a growing community of women called the Flat Movement. There are websites, Facebook groups, even fashion blogs dedicated to raising awareness of this option and offering support for breast cancer patients weighing their choices."More and more, I'm having patients ask me about this," said Dr. Ted James, chief of breast surgical oncology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. He said choosing not to have reconstruction surgery is a woman's personal choice. "For some women, that might be avoiding extra surgery. For other women, it just might not be having artificial things in their body. I think it's important for them to be heard. I think it's important for them to be informed, and they need to walk out feeling they've come to a decision in a partnership with their surgeon," James said.James also said recovery may be quicker when choosing to go flat."Because it's less surgery, you're not doing that reconstructive component. Other than that, there's not really too much of a difference. The recovery is relatively the same and the outcomes are the same, as well," James said.Borenstein is thrilled with her choice and her outcome. She feels rejuvenated and empowered and wants the same for other women facing a similar situation."Go into this community, speak to women and ask questions because these women have lived it, the doctors have not," Borenstein said.A woman always has the option to have reconstructive surgery after going flat, even years after making that choice. For more information about the options available at BIDMC, click here. For more information about the Flat Movement, click here.