Bye-Bye Boobs

Holly K. Thrasher survived breast cancer and was told that a pair of breast implants would be the silver lining after a double mastectomy. Soon after breast reconstruction was completed, she realized that something was very wrong as her health had begun to decline. She complained to her doctors about the more than forty symptoms she was experiencing, but nobody had any answers to explain them. It took her over two years to find out that she was suffering from Breast Implant Illness (BII) as a result of an autoimmune response to the implants. She was told breast implants were safe and side effects were rare. She was caught completely off guard by the cure for BII and had to say bye-bye to her boobs a second time to regain her life and health. She had the implants removed and her chest reconstructed once again, but this time to FLAT. Bye-Bye Boobs blows the whistle on implant safety and symptoms and is a cautionary tale for anyone considering them. Holly chronicles her journey including everything you need to know before you consider implants for cosmetic or reconstructive reasons.

Breast cancer was a terrifying diagnosis for Holly K. Thrasher to receive in her mid-forties. She couldn't imagine living without her breasts, but made the decision to do just that to eliminate the very aggressive cancer that could have been a death sentence. All of her doctors assured her that a brand new set of silicone breast implants would be just what she needed to reconstruct what she had lost during a total double mastectomy. Trusting their experience and knowledge, Holly went ahead with breast reconstruction. It included three major surgeries, expanding out the skin and tissue to accommodate the implants, cutting and repairing her pectoral muscles, and quite a bit of discomfort and downtime. Upon completion, she covered her scars with beautiful pink cherry blossom tattoos and went on with her life putting hoping to put all of her cancer challenges behind her. Little did she know, that would not be the last challenge where her breasts were concerned. Almost immediately after the implants were placed, Holly began to experience autoimmune type symptoms that she had never experienced before. None of her medical professionals could give her a definite cause, but were quick to attribute the symptoms to her age, the possible long-term side effects of chemotherapy, and the fact that she was now in menopause. As the symptoms became worse, Holly feared that her breast cancer had returned, but all of her tests were normal. Thankfully, Holly was introduced to Breast Implant Illness (BII) by a friend and she discovered that her beautifully reconstructed and tattooed breasts were in fact making her very sick. The cure for BII is removal of the breast implants and Holly chose her health over her vanity opting to reconstruct her chest to FLAT. Holly shares her discovery, the cure, and all of the information you need to know about breast implants and the issues that they can cause in the body. If you are considering breast implants for breast reconstruction after cancer or for cosmetic reasons, read Bye-Bye Boobs first. Holly wishes she had known that implants can cause lymphoma, capsular contracture, pain, deformity, and even death. Breast implants are Class III medical devices and implanting them in your chest cavity should be done only after reading Bye-Bye Boobs and educating yourself thoroughly about them. Bye-Bye Boobs is both devastating and uplifting and she never loses her sense of humor as she truthfully shares her experience with BII. Holly has found her voice to educate and support both breast cancer survivors and breast implant illness sufferers. Speaking, writing, and supporting women has given Holly the confidence to live her life FLAT, fabulous, and unapologetic.

Holly K. Thrasher was the local candy lady selling sweets and happy memories at Kingston's Candy Co., her nostalgic candy store in Ojai, CA. Holly was living out her childhood dream until a breast cancer diagnosis in 2015 turned her world upside down. The difficult decision was made to close Kingston's to focus on her treatment. Holly survived her breast cancer drama and was told that a pair of breast implants would be the silver lining she needed after a total double mastectomy. Soon after breast reconstruction was completed she realized that something was very wrong. It took her over two years to find out that the more than forty unexplained symptoms she was suffering from were caused by her implants and a little known illness called BII or Breast Implant Illness. She had to say bye-bye to her boobs a second time and chose to reconstruct to flat to regain her health. Holly is the author of two books, demystifying breast cancer reconstruction in the first, Bittersweet: A Vulnerable Photographic Breast Cancer Journey, and educating women about breast implant illness in the second, Bye-Bye Boobs: My Real Ones Tried To Kill Me & My Fake Ones Made Me Sick. Holly's empowering story is both devastating and uplifting, but she never loses her sense of humor as she openly shares her experiences. Holly has found her voice and is dedicated to speaking, sharing, and supporting women about the risks of breast implants for cosmetic or reconstructive reasons. Holly is living FLAT, fabulous, and cancer-free in the California desert with her husband, Wiley, and their son, Vance. HollyKThrasher.com