Current age and age of diagnosis : 43 now / 36 diagnosed
Could you provide a brief description of your initial diagnosis? Stage II estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer My cancer journey began when I found a small lump in one of my breasts. I immediately called my doctor, but she wasn’t alarmed. Still, I knew the lump wasn’t normal. About 30 days later, I saw another specialist. I got a mammogram and, on the same day, received a call to schedule an additional ultrasound and biopsy—they had found a mass in my breast and armpit that was spreading towards my lymph nodes. I was diagnosed with breast cancer
Could you describe or recalled the emotions you had when you were first diagnosed? I was confused and worried, sad, shocked
Did you have to undergo any mastectomy/lumpectomy surgery as part of your treatment? Lumpectomy
If you chose to have reconstruction surgery after a mastectomy was there any strong reasoning for that choice? It was mostly breast-conserving surgery but I had lost my nipple due to the surgery
If you chose not to have reconstruction surgery after mastectomy was there any strong reasoning for that choice? N/A
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 strange I was very depressed for a long time, I still have those down days
Did any of your treatments make you feel less empowered as a woman?
Yes
Did any of this journey make you feel like you were perceived differently in society? Yes, after 8 rounds of chemo and no hair people stare at you like you are contagious
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? I lost a nipple, I can't stand those fake nipples, they look so out of place and so obviously fake
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, I have looked into tattoos
Have you ever heard about or considered getting tattoos to cover any scarring?
Yes
If so, have you done any research into that area? Yes
If not is there any reason why you wouldn't consider any tattoos N/A
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? Classy, Feminine, powerful, after the life I've had, I deserve to say I am a boss, I am powerful and I want to show that off
Compared to your first diagnosis how would you say you feel now about your journey? I’m now cancer-free, my body isn’t physically ready to return to full-time work; but I know that when it’s time, I’ll be able to go back. In the meantime, I enjoy being active in my family’s lives.
Did you take any steps, or did you find anything useful and helping you regain your strength and empower you as a woman? I was grateful to have such a supportive team of doctors by my side because chemotherapy is no joke. I was extremely sick throughout this stage of treatment, but my doctors did everything they could to make the process easier. My friends organised a makeover and photoshoot for me once I was cancer-free, They made me feel like me again
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?
As my nipple was removed I was left with a 2-inch circular scar.
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