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Participant E

Writer's picture: Emily Mae ErnstzenEmily Mae Ernstzen

Current age and age of diagnosis :

30 now 28 Diagnosed


Could you provide a brief description of your initial diagnosis?

I was 28, active, healthy, and had never smoked when I was diagnosed with breast cancer.

I discovered a lump in my left breast. I was scared and anxious and immediately visited my doctor who scheduled a mammogram.


Could you describe or recalled the emotions you had when you were first diagnosed?

I was scared and anxious, it felt like my world was falling apart.


Did you have to undergo any mastectomy/lumpectomy surgery as part of your treatment?

I had a single 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?

I felt like it would just look obviously fake so I chose not to have reconstruction surgery.


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?

My life had just begun, I just discovered who I was then everything changed


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


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 would like to cover the scars


If you are unhappy with the scarring, have you ever considered covering the scars, if so, what would you consider covering the scars?

I've tried multiple scar fading treatments


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?

I would like to get a tattoo to cover my 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?

Since my diagnosis, I think of life as a gift, I became very spiritual so maybe something like a mandala, female Buddha something delicate


Compared to your first diagnosis how would you say you feel now about your journey?

I feel more open to life, more grateful for everything I experience


Did you take any steps, or did you find anything useful and helping you regain your strength and empower you as a woman?

My spiritual journey helped me a lot meditate I joined local meditation groups, those women embraced me and I felt whole 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?

My scar is only about 8 cms long and maybe 1.5 cms wide

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