November 3, 2023
One year ago today I was given the worst possible news that anyone could ever get - the dreaded “C” word. Little did I know how much that would affect my life in both negative and positive ways. I feel like I have come so far from where I was a year ago. From being scared, vulnerable and unsure of what the future would bring to being incredibly blessed to overcome all that this diagnosis brought me. With the support of my amazing husband, my incredible boys, and my awesome and loving family, I was able to get through a couple surgeries, one that was incredibly brutal, and lots and lots of emotions. With my amazing doctors, I was able to have the most amazing work done. I felt supported, I felt empowered, and I felt incredibly cared for throughout this whole process. As I write this post I have tears in my eyes because it's still emotional. I share this not for sympathy, but in hope that telling my story will help others. I know through my storytelling this year that I have helped other women. I think it is important to be as honest as possible, especially with so much that is going on during a time like this.
My plastic surgeon posted my before and after pictures on his site this week. You can’t see my face, but I know it’s me. I love how it demonstrates that a double mastectomy doesn’t have to leave you mutilated. That you can still feel sexy. I struggled with sharing them on Facebook, even though I really wanted to, but I think that this is a better platform to share. So with that I'm sharing my before and after photos to show to those of you who might be struggling with this that there is hope - that you can have beautiful breasts rebuilt by amazing doctors. And even with the scars that are there, you are strong and beautiful. They will be at the very bottom, that way you don’t have to if you don’t want to (ahem - Dad).
Wherever you are on your own journey, know that you are not alone. It’s amazing how sharing a common bond can strengthen relationships. I have found a pretty cool group of strong women that are so supportive and empowering and I love that. Granted, it’s a club none of us asked to be in, but we make the best out of it. There’s a couple of women in my life who have just recently joined this club, and I just want to tell them that they are going to get through this. They will come out stronger on the other side, as I did.
While this day marks the anniversary of the day I found out about my cancer, there is another day on the horizon - and that is the one where I will celebrate the anniversary of kicking cancer’s ass - and I am so looking forward to that one!
(Trigger warning: Don’t scroll down if you don’t want to see the before and after pictures).
