Current age and age of diagnosis : 37 now 24 diagnosed
Could you provide a brief description of your initial diagnosis? Lump found in left breast initially had a double mastectomy to minimize risk
Could you describe or recalled the emotions you had when you were first diagnosed? Terror, sadness, depression, suicidal
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? N/A
If you chose not to have reconstruction surgery after mastectomy was there any strong reasoning for that choice? The skin was too thin to support having a reconstruction
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? At 24 to lose your breast, hair ... I felt depression for a very long time... I felt like every part of being a woman was taken away from me
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? yes but I feel that stemmed from paranoia
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 do have scars I feel like they prevent me from wearing bikinis, anything that is slightly revealing
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 get them covered or faded
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 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? Something that screams beauty, femininity but also strength like a lioness or something powerful and independent
Compared to your first diagnosis how would you say you feel now about your journey? I'm slowly getting back to myself
Did you take any steps, or did you find anything useful and helping you regain your strength and empower you as a woman? I had a few good friends by my side
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 heavy scarring on one side so I would prefer just to cover that and let the other fade down over time. The scar is horizontal and is about 10cms long and 4cms thick.
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