I have the BRCA1 gene – my sister had breast cancer at 34 and my mum died of ovarian cancer at 71 – so there was an increased risk it might return.
Having both breasts removed meant I didn’t have to endure gruelling chemo or radiotherapy. And while I was proud of my ‘double Ds’, I had no problem with ‘going flat’.
I don’t need breasts to feel feminine. Running and swimming are so much easier, and there are enough good mastectomy bras and prosthesis available if I want more shape in a particular dress. I can choose my cup size according to my outfit.
Perhaps it helps that I’m in a long-term, happy relationship – married to Stephen for 38 years. He cautioned against making rash, irreversible decisions, but I talked to him about how I felt and he supported me. He was less bothered about how I looked and more concerned about how I felt.
I’m here for my family – I run around after five grandchildren – and I’ve just launched a crafting business, The Crafting Den (you can find me on Facebook). You can rebuild your life without boobs after cancer, and still be confident and inspiring.
Newsflash
Bu hikaye WOMAN'S WEEKLY dergisinin December 15-22, 2020 sayısından alınmıştır.
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Bu hikaye WOMAN'S WEEKLY dergisinin December 15-22, 2020 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
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