Current age and age of diagnosis : 40 / 36 Diagnosed
Could you provide a brief description of your initial diagnosis? I was showering and found a lump, I went to my doctor a few weeks after my partner convincing me to go get it checked out I was then diagnosed in a matter of days
Could you describe or recalled the emotions you had when you were first diagnosed? I could hardly believe it, I was in denial.
Did you have to undergo any mastectomy/lumpectomy surgery as part of your treatment? Double mastectomy
If you chose to have reconstruction surgery after a mastectomy was there any strong reasoning for that choice? Because my cancer was estrogen-positive and aggressive, I elected to have a double mastectomy. I didn’t want to be back in the same position a few years down the road. I knew I wanted to have reconstruction
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? Yes
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? Initially, I knew I was going to have reconstructive surgery so I thought I could nearly keep it a secret but my cancer came back resulting in radiation and chemo, I felt broken
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? It's hard to ignore people staring you can get very in your own head, you think everyone is judging you. I felt like I pushed people away because of this
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 have had minimal scarring
If you are unhappy with the scarring, have you ever considered covering the scars, if so, what would you consider covering the scars? I don't want to cover my scars but I have always thought about getting a tattoo to commemorate my journey
Have you ever heard about or considered getting tattoos to cover any scarring? No
If so, have you done any research into that area? No
If not is there any reason why you wouldn't consider any tattoos NA
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? I would like something that represents strength and beauty, a majestic tiger or lion or some animal, my love for animals never faded and I think that helped me a bit
Compared to your first diagnosis how would you say you feel now about your journey? I am ready to close the chapter of the pain but respect the strength I have
Did you take any steps, or did you find anything useful and helping you regain your strength and empower you as a woman? I don't think so, for the most part, I pushed people away, my husband was my rock
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?
I have scarring where both breasts were removed but I only wish to cover one, perhaps the large one. It's about 16 cm long and it varies in width but I'd say about 5 cms in width.
Commentaires