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In a personal account of their journey to undergo top surgery, a media worker shares the challenges they faced while navigating the complex world of healthcare and insurance. The individual, who goes by the pronouns they/them, opens up about their experience seeking top surgery and the additional hurdles they encountered due to their family history of breast cancer.

Having considered top surgery since 2016, the individual finally decided to take the necessary steps to undergo the procedure at the beginning of this year. However, their history of inconsistent health insurance coverage posed a significant challenge. With multiple job changes and temporary positions, finding trans-friendly doctors and securing appropriate healthcare coverage became an exhausting ordeal.

Despite the setbacks, the individual eventually found stable employment as a blogger and managed to have health insurance that covered their surgical procedure. They decided to document their experiences to provide a helpful guide for others who might be facing similar hurdles.

The story chronicles the various stages of their top surgery journey. In March, they scheduled an appointment with a renowned surgeon, but after discovering that the surgeon did not accept their insurance, they had to explore other options. Eventually, they found Dr. Keith Blechman, who turned out to be an excellent choice for their needs.

During the consultation, Dr. Blechman alleviated their concerns about their family's history of breast cancer, reassuring them that it should not be a major concern unless multiple family members have been diagnosed at a young age. However, upon speaking with their mother, they discovered that breast cancer had affected several relatives at earlier ages than they had previously realized. This led them to seek genetic testing for potential hereditary risk factors.

The individual shares their nerve-wracking wait for the results, which ultimately came back negative for the known breast cancer genes BRCA1 and BRCA2. However, due to their dense breast tissue and family history, the doctor recommended mammograms, ultrasounds, and frequent physical examinations as preventative measures.

In August, they encountered further challenges when their insurance initially denied coverage for an MRI, but after an appeal process, it was approved. The individual then underwent the MRI successfully, receiving the all-clear from their doctor that their breast tissue appeared normal ahead of their scheduled top surgery.

In November, they finally underwent the top surgery, a milestone in their transition journey that brought them immense relief and joy. The tissue removed during the procedure was sent to pathology, confirming it to be benign.

Looking towards the future, the individual will continue regular check-ups with their healthcare provider to monitor their chest and stay vigilant against potential risks. They emphasize the importance of self-advocacy when it comes to healthcare and encourage others in the trans community to be proactive in navigating the system.

While acknowledging the unique nature of their own journey, the individual hopes that sharing their story will empower others and inspire stronger advocacy for trans healthcare. They also highlight the need for further research and guidance on breast cancer screening practices for those who have undergone masculinizing top surgery or hormone therapy.

As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, it is crucial to address the challenges faced by transgender individuals seeking gender-affirming surgeries. By amplifying personal experiences and creating a more inclusive healthcare system, we can ensure that transgender individuals receive the care and support they deserve.