How Do I Convince My Dad to Let Me Get a Binder??

[killjoyaiden]

My dad doesn't want to get me a binder because he's scared it'll cause me to have breast cancer. I've tried to explain to him that this isn't a huge risk, A- because it's rare and B- because I'd just get them cut off anyways. I'm going to buy one either way, but I'd prefer it if I had his permission. I'm thinking about having him, me, and my therapist sit down and talk to him about the risks if I DON'T have one. Last time I told her, she said to go to a doctor and explain to him the situation, so a doctor can put his mind at ease. However, I only see a doctor if I need antibiotics or steroids for illnesses, and we don't have medical insurance. So, that's not gonna work. My last chance is for her to talk with him, but I'm scared she's going to emphasize the risks instead of the benefits. What do I do??

[VickySGV]

If you have to rely on his permission, you may just be stuck for a while I am sorry to say.  As a grandparent, I cannot seriously advise teenagers to absolutely duck around their folks.  As a  teenager I tried it myself so I know it is done, and maybe the old folks don't know some things, but hey they are alive.  Your dad may know things about your family history as well that show you are at higher than general risk, ask about it, and especially if your family does not have medical insurance.  I had a cancer scare 6 years ago at this time, and if I had paid the bills it would have been nearly $5K to find out it was benign growth into dense tissue. .

 

 @JJ  has not be on in a few days, but he is our FtM expert, and his basic advice is not to use binders because they do carry risks other than cancer such as rib and back injuries, breathing problems and other skin problems as well. In your teen years you do have bone growth that at about 20 will be over. There are Compression shirts that will make you look flatter and the guys in the chorus I am part of use large sweat shirts or team shirts and it does a good job until you can get medical interevention.

[EliAtkins]

Yeah, I've seen JJ recommend the Under Armour athletic compression shirts in a few posts as a safer alternative to a chest binder.