Kathy Bates enjoys ‘not having breasts’ after undergoing a double mastectomy amid breast cancer battle

Kathy Bates enjoys 'not having breasts' after undergoing a double mastectomy amid breast cancer battle

As a lifestyle expert, I deeply admire Kathy Bates for her courage, resilience, and self-acceptance. Her decision not to undergo reconstruction surgery after her double mastectomy is a testament to her strength and individuality. At 76, she has embraced her body and life choices wholeheartedly, which serves as an inspiration for many women facing similar challenges.


Kathy Bates clarified why she opted against having reconstructive surgery following her double mastectomy in 2012 during her fight against breast cancer, revealing the reasons behind her choice.

On the Tuesday episode of the MeSsy podcast with Christina Applegate & Jamie-Lynn Sigler, the 76-year-old Academy Award winner, a twice-over cancer survivor, shared her enjoyment of living without breasts.

Initially, her friend had worries about her decision not to have breast reconstruction; however, the actress from American Horror Story clarified that her choice was influenced by her advanced age.

At that point in my life, I felt strongly that I didn’t want to face that challenge. I simply had no desire to experience it, as I explained to the audience.

Bates went on to say, “To be honest, I hadn’t been in a relationship, I was getting older and I never thought I would be, and I often found myself questioning, ‘Why is this necessary?’

Kathy Bates enjoys 'not having breasts' after undergoing a double mastectomy amid breast cancer battle

The artist likewise mentioned that she had consistently had “quite large breasts” and “weighed approximately 10 pounds each when they were surgically removed.

She remarked, “My breasts were incredibly heavy, almost unusually so, but here’s an unexpected confession – I find it quite liberating not to have them anymore. It feels peculiar.

At the time, she was filming her TV series, Matlock, in which she portrayed Madeline Matlock.

In their design, the wardrobe team crafted an item resembling a camisole. She explained that it was comparable to garments like Spanx, featuring extremely delicate straps and built-in, seemingly false cups for shaping her bust attractively.

As a lifestyle enthusiast, I truly relish those moments when I step out, feeling confident and carefree. For some time now, I’ve been opting for fewer social engagements or none at all, or even attending events while wearing protective gear that didn’t quite align with my comfort level. On occasions where things got heated, the discomfort from these items often overshadowed the joy of the moment. To put it simply, these experiences left me less than satisfied.

The actress who played in the Titanic movie likewise pondered over her decision to undergo a mastectomy, given her family’s history of cancer.

Her aunt died from breast cancer and both her mother and niece had it. 

In her chat with Applegate and Sigler, the actress who plays the lead role in Dead to Me shared details about her undergoing a double mastectomy after being diagnosed with breast cancer back in 2008.

Kathy Bates enjoys 'not having breasts' after undergoing a double mastectomy amid breast cancer battle
Kathy Bates enjoys 'not having breasts' after undergoing a double mastectomy amid breast cancer battle

Applegate stated, “I don’t possess nipples, and frankly, I couldn’t care less about that aspect. I manage just fine without them. In fact, I can comfortably wear a tank top without worrying about any protrusions.

Prior to battling breast cancer, Bates was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2003. 

During that period, she had a surgery followed by nine months of chemotherapy treatment, later revealing her health condition to the public.

That particular year, I chose not to share the news with anyone, “I kept it to myself,” I said. Following my operation, I immersed myself in work, collaborating on Little Black Book alongside Brittany Murphy. My agent back then was quite traditional and didn’t approve of me becoming the public face for ovarian cancer.

Bates also said she just ‘didn’t want anyone to know’ and the ordeal ‘took a lot out of’ her. 

Bates was also diagnosed with lymphedema following her double mastectomy.

From my perspective as a lifestyle expert, I’d like to shed some light on a condition known as Lymphedema. This health issue arises when the body’s lymphatic system, which typically drains protein-rich fluid from the tissues, fails to do so effectively, leading to swelling in those areas.

Kathy Bates enjoys 'not having breasts' after undergoing a double mastectomy amid breast cancer battle

She mentioned on The Kelly Clarkson Show in 2019 that she has a condition called lymphedema. This health issue can occur when lymph nodes are removed during cancer treatment, and if your lymphatic system is harmed, fluid may accumulate in the affected limb. It’s possible you might not be familiar with this term, but it’s important to know about it.

Following the discovery that some of her lymph nodes had been extracted during surgery, Bates expressed to SurvivorNet that she experienced a strong emotional response, becoming both resentful and deeply saddened.

She recalled thinking, “It seems my career has reached its end, I’m finished, all is said and done.

Despite her fears, she has continued to work in Hollywood on numerous shows, including the Matlock reboot and American Horror Story, as well as films like Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. (2023) and Richard Jewell (2019). 

In a recent chat with The New York Times last September, Bates expressed that she is prepared to call it quits on her acting career once the run of her latest CBS show, Matlock, comes to an end.

Kathy Bates enjoys 'not having breasts' after undergoing a double mastectomy amid breast cancer battle

In this new adaptation, the role originally played by Andy Griffith in the Matlock series (aired from 1986 to 1995) is now taken by a different actor playing Madeline Matlock, who happens to be of the opposite gender compared to the original character.

Throughout my extensive journey in the world of entertainment, I’ve been fortunate enough to garner an Academy Award, two Primetime Emmy Awards, and two Golden Globe Awards.

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2024-11-12 19:50

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