For the protection and confidentiality of the participants I have decided to call them participant A, participant B, and so on, This was done as many had asked for anonymity once sharing their stories.
Participant A
Current age and age of diagnosis :
27 now 23 diagnosed
Could you provide a brief description of your initial diagnosis?
Diagnosed November 2016, Had chemo, Single Mastectomy
Could you describe or recalled the emotions you had when you were first diagnosed?
I was shocked, scared, angry, terrified mostly.
Did you have to undergo any mastectomy/lumpectomy surgery as part of your treatment?
Mastectomy on my right breast
If you chose to have reconstruction surgery after a mastectomy was there any strong reasoning for that choice?
N/A
If you chose not to have reconstruction surgery after mastectomy was there any strong reasoning for that choice?
It wasn't a choice for me, there was a risk of cancer re-occurrence so to save me the heartache of going through the surgery again I decided not to have reconstructive surgery
Do you feel that you were given enough information about the options available to you after treatment?
No
Did undergoing this treatment change how you felt about yourself, for example, your self-esteem, your confidence, your outlook on life?
Yes
If answered yes to the above question could you provide more information?
I felt like an outcast, not like my friends at 23, you travel, party and you want to look and feel good.
Did any of your treatment make you feel less empowered as a woman?
Yes
Did any of this journey make you feel like you were perceived differently in society?
I felt like I was not a woman
If you had any surgery and we're left with scarring how do you feel about those scars, do they remind you of a difficult time that you went through, or do they represent your strength through your journey?
The scars are constant reminders on what I have gone through
If you are unhappy with the scarring, have you ever considered covering the scars, if so, what would you consider covering the scars?
I would like to cover them, I always wear oversized conservative clothes so nobody can see the scars
Have you ever heard about or considered getting tattoos to cover any scarring?
Yes
If so, have you done any research into that area?
No
If not is there any reason why you wouldn't consider any tattoos
I haven't been able to find out much information about tattoos over surgery scars
If you were to have a tattoo designed for you based on your journey what would be important elements to be included in the design?
Beauty! I want something to represent my femininity
Compared to your first diagnosis how would you say you feel now about your journey?
I feel like I am stronger than I was pre-cancer
Did you take any steps, or did you find anything useful and helping you regain your strength and empower you as a woman?
My friends, social media was a big help too seeing all these inspiring women living their truth
Would you be happy to share your story with others who may be struggling to see their options post-treatment?
Yes
Could you provide and information on the size of the scarring?
It is a linear scar approximately 13 cm in length and 4 cm in width. The scar is curved as it was where my breast was removed.
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