Sarah Beeney and her BC

I actually found it weirdly uplifting. She's the same age as me and her oldest two kids the same age - and have the same names weirdly - as my boys. 

She had no radiotherapy. She had her 6 cycles of chemo then elective double mastectomy following genetic tests.

I cried with her when she was in the car and her hair coming out in handfuls. I have had a good cut but my hairdresser only cut it to shoulder length, going shorter nearer the time. She did look pretty with short hair. Not sure how I will look short or bald.

it was encouraging how good the wigs looked.

I start chemo in July 

I watched this with interest last night, and thought it set out to achieve what Sarah Beeny intended - i.e. to make the whole subject of cancer less terrifying and to explore just how much treatment options have progressed since her own mother tragically died at just aged 49. I didn't ever think the programme was made for those of us who find ourselves going through the trauma of a breast cancer diagnosis, and the gruelling processes of chemo, surgery, radiotherapy. I guess I saw it as being made for those people lucky enough not to be in the system, to demystify what actually happens when you get cancer - and to encourage people to check, be vigilant and report any changes to their bodies. It would take an entire series to really present the true physical and emotional impact of a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, and yes, this one-hour documentary was very much shown through the lense of 'brand Beeny' (capable, cheerful, resilient...) But that doesn't lessen what she's experienced - and to have lost her own mother as a child to this disease was the most heart-wrenching part of the documentary. I hope it encourages people to check and report any symptoms, and I hope that others engage with this documentary to find out just a fraction of what it is that we've all been going through. Or maybe I'm just biased as I've also got the PALB2 gene flaw 

Just found this thread. I watched the programme on the day I wanted to decide on implant or going flat, in the hope she'd offer some insights. But the programme wasn't about that and really not aimed at people actually going through this. Great that she reassures that this can be beaten these days, but the bit I found really hard was when she referred to her implants as giving her 'porn star tits'. The editors put that in twice! I'm sure it was Sarah's way of dealing with the hell she'd been through, but for me the messaging was all wrong - 'get breast cancer and end up with porn star tits'. I was a bit angry if I'm honest. I agree with what others say about her likely household staff and helpers who weren't shown at all. I'm very fortunate to have terrific support but my heart goes out to all those women struggling with bills due to not being able to work, looking after kids, unsupportive partners etc etc. Make a documentary about some real people please Channel 4!

I agree! The experience is very different for all of us but particularly annoying when people in the public eye altho don’t say it, appear to look for public sympathy.  If a MoP (member of public) told their story we may relate better. This will probably never happen due to differences with NHS areas and treatment.  

Interesting conversation with my oncologist tonight. I asked about genetic testing having seen Sarah beeny doc. He says I'm not eligible. You have to be either triple negative or have for immediate family members affected by breast cancer or 1 for ovarian cancer. I didn't get impression Sarah beeny had either of those criteria but still had testing done.

I was told if I wanted genetic testing I would have to think carefully and discuss with family first as if I a carrier then I could have passed it onto my daughter and/or granddaughter.  Both my grandmother and sister had BC (and me) but not my mother..I don't want my daughter to spend the rest of her life worrying..descions, decisions!

Her mother died of breast cancer in her 30s, so I guess that qualified her for the testing? It's a tricky one isn't it because there's never been any breast cancer in my family until me, and I have a daughter...

Not according to my oncologist. You need four immediate family with BC to qualify. Only one for ovarian cancer