Hi, I’m Mashav, and I’m 38 years old. I’m also BRCA1 positive.
Going through the journey of deciding to have a preventative double mastectomy was one of the most significant decisions of my life. It was not just about the physical change but also about embracing a new chapter with courage and empowerment. As I counted down the days to my surgery, I realized I wanted to mark this transition in a meaningful way—so I decided to throw a party.
A Boob-Bye Party to be exact.
I’m sharing this because many women who are BRCA1 or BRCA2 positive—or who undergo a mastectomy for other medical reasons—face a similar emotional and psychological journey. When I tell others in similar situations about my party, they often say, “I wish I had thought of that!” So, if you’re on this path, I hope my story inspires you to create your own unique way of marking this transition.
The Birth of the Idea
The journey leading up to my surgery was long and emotionally exhausting. Deciding to undergo a mastectomy is not just about saying yes or no—it involves choosing the right timing, the right surgeons, and the right type of surgery. Each step felt monumental, and as my surgery date approached, my emotions ran high.
I started thinking about how society celebrates milestones—engagements, weddings, births, and graduations—but we rarely pause to honor deeply personal, transformative moments that don’t fit into those traditional boxes. And I thought: Why not celebrate this?
This surgery was a huge step toward my health and future. It was a moment of bravery, change, and self-love. I wanted to embrace it, not just endure it. And so, the Boob-Bye Party was born—a celebration to bid farewell to my breasts with humor, love, and community.
Planning the Boob Bye Party
Despite being in a tough time in my life, moving to a new country and going through a career shift, I managed to put together a meaningful celebration. I’m sharing all my ideas so that others in similar situations can recreate this experience without added stress.
Here you can see a list of all the Boob-Bye Party Essentials you can simply buy on Amazon (affiliate links):
The Theme & Decorations
- I couldn’t find mastectomy-specific decorations, so I improvised.
- I ordered a farewell party set with plates and napkins that said, “You will be missed.” Fitting, right?
- I created boob-shaped balloons by using different skin-tone balloons and drawing nipples on them with markers.
- I put up a glittery pink door curtain and cancer-awareness stickers.
- And my personal favorite? A display of all my old bras that I wouldn’t need anymore!
Guest List & Dress Code
- I invited my closest friends—mostly women, but a few guy friends too.
- I asked guests to wear pink in solidarity.
- I also encouraged them to bring something creative—either a boob-themed snack or something else to share.
The Food & Drinks
- Boob-Themed Snacks: I served steamed buns that looked like boobs, egg-shaped gummy candy, Mozartkugeln chocolates, deviled eggs, and crembo with hazelnuts on top, my aunt made a wonderful boob-shaped tuna mousse and my cousin brough tahini chocolate balls—all shaped like boobs.
- A Boob Cake: A family friend made a cake shaped like boobs that we used for the ceremony of cutting the cake, and other friends brought a single big boob cake (they ran out of ingredients for two!) and beautiful cake pops that looked like boobs.
- A Cheese & Fruit Platter: Served with my cousine’s double-boob bread loaves, and just because everybody loves a good cheese platter at a party and it’s so easy to make.
- A Giant Cocktail Punch: I served champagne and a big cocktail with fruits for easy serving.
Entertainment & Activities
- A close friend, who is a singer, performed a special song—an unexpected and touching highlight.
- I created a boob-themed playlist on Spotify, but it turned out to be awful, so we switched to bluesy background music instead.
- Guests mingled in small groups, and many took the opportunity to ask me about the surgery and my decision for a flat reconstruction closure. It felt a bit like a wedding, moving from group to group and talking to everyone.
Involving Family and Friends
I involved my 7-year-old daughter in the party preparation, using it as an opportunity to have an educational conversation about the surgery. Some friends brought their daughters, adding an educational element to the event.
I was touched by how many guests showed up and made an effort to bring boob-shaped food or snacks. This involvement of friends and family made the event even more special and meaningful.
The Ceremony: Making It Official
The highlight of the party was a small ceremony. I gave a speech expressing my appreciation for everyone’s support during this stressful journey. Then, while everyone cheered, I cut through the boob-shaped cake, symbolizing the surgery that would take place two days later. We all shared a piece of the cake, making it a meaningful and memorable moment.
Why This Meant So Much
The Boob By(e) Party turned out to be a special and moving experience, not just for me but for my guests as well. Many friends reached out afterwards to express how meaningful it was for them to be part of this celebration.
Seeing everyone wearing pink and celebrating this brave yet scary stage of my life made it something worth remembering and cherishing. It transformed a challenging medical decision into a meaningful life event.
Should You Throw a Goodbye Party?
I encourage others facing similar situations to consider celebrating in their own way. Whether it’s a medical procedure or a non-traditional life achievement, taking the time to acknowledge and celebrate these moments can be incredibly powerful.
If you or someone you know is facing a mastectomy, I wholeheartedly recommend considering a similar event. It doesn’t have to be big, extravagant, or even a party at all—just something that allows you to acknowledge and honor the change. Because some transitions in life deserve more than just silent endurance. They deserve celebration.
Join the Conversation
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this kind of celebration. Have you had a similar experience? Do you think it’s important to celebrate such events? Please share your stories and follow me on social media to keep up with my journey.
If you want to learn more about my decision for this surgery, or if you’re in the midst of going through this process yourself, I filmed a whole series of videos to my YouTube playlist:
