Current age and age of diagnosis :
27 now 19 diagnosed
Could you provide a brief description of your initial diagnosis?
I was in a lot of pain and my mum advised me to go to the doctor, little did I realise in a matter of weeks my life would be turned upside down. I was diagnosed with breast cancer aged 19.
Could you describe or recalled the emotions you had when you were first diagnosed?
I was in complete shock. At such a young age you feel invincible, I fell into a deep depression, but I found myself having to put on a happy face to try keep my life normal, I have younger siblings so I needed to be strong for them.
Did you have to undergo any mastectomy/lumpectomy surgery as part of your treatment?
I had a 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?
I didn't have reconstruction, I had thought about it a lot but I hated the pain I was in, I was fed up of hospitals.
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?
This knocked me massively, I couldn't see any light at the end of the tunnel. It felt like time was running out.
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 have scars across my chest
If you are unhappy with the scarring, have you ever considered covering the scars, if so, what would you consider covering the scars?
I had already had a number of tattoos so I've always wanted to get one to cover my chest.
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?
I love Neo-traditional tattoos and I'd love something classic like a big moth to cover my whole chest, I've always seen moths as night-butterflies, they are beautiful.
Compared to your first diagnosis how would you say you feel now about your journey?
I feel more positive for sure about everything
Did you take any steps, or did you find anything useful and helping you regain your strength and empower you as a woman?
I think just my family and my friends really carried me through everything
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 goes completely across my chest and is about 24 cms long and 4 cms wide.
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