Hello,
I was diagnosed with Stage 3 breat cancer 2 and a half years go. Scans showed multiple cancers in one breast which had spread to lymph nodes but thankfully, it hadn't spread anywhere else. I had to start chemo asap and had 1 full mastectomy, then wait for genetic results, which showed a very rare genetic mutation that means cancer will definitely 100% reoccur somwhere so I opted for a risk reducing 2nd mastectomy. I have to have full body scans every year for the rest of my life as the cancers tend to be aggresive. I was 35 at ti.e of diagnosis, but I also had had a secondary brain with unknown primary in the past. This tumour left me with limited vision but I can cope and can work etc. I was incredibly lucky.
I still feel very lucky to be alive and stragely don't worry too much about when cancer will return. However I am massively struggling with body image. My sight has also worsened. I was never hugely confident in the first place at times. Even through the recon is ok, I have some post surgery tissue which they can't do much about and I hate my new nipples. I have gained quite abit of weight and feel so 'unwomanly'. I've had some counselling but you only get 6 sessions at a time and must also click with that person. I have little motivation too
I was wanting to know if anyone else has struggled with body image? and if so how have you managed to cope with it...
Kindest regards
Kitty xx
