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ScorpionQueen
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Joined 10 years ago
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Re: Has anyone taken 'Before' and 'After' pics?
arpie said: Good on you @ScorpionQueen - helping others (and yourself) in the manner that you have, is admirable. xx Would members be able to PM you for the facebook link? I think that would be a terrific start for those who do want to see .. Have fun with your Warriors and Gods photo shoot! Sounds awesome! I love the pic of the lady in my first post! I thought it was terrific. Thank you for your sage words and advice xx. Yes, I see them as battle scars and you've 'won'! - I am just luckier to not have as many as (or as obvious) others do @arpie I feel like a rag doll that been stitched back together! I can’t wait to do the shoot though! Thanks for your kind words! Here is the link to my blog https://www.facebook.com/anordinarywomansextraordinaryexperience/ As for the private group...anyone who is interested in seeing my experience through pictures please click on the invitation link below....warning my photos are confronting and very raw and real. https://fb.me/g/kXFF3szcq/gIxStNdf Wishing you all a glorious day! XxRe: Has anyone taken 'Before' and 'After' pics?
I had a bilateral mastectomy with expanders.....8 months after implant transfer I contracted strep b infection and was in hospital for three weeks and on antibiotics for nearly 6 months...I am now ‘flat’...we’ll actually concave as I have lymphodema in my chest and arms and my mastectomy scars have no tissue left under them and sit directly over my rib bones. It took me a long time to accept this new look, and I can now look without disgust, I have a private group on Facebook....I realised I had a number of friends who wanted to ‘see’ but were too afraid in person...I posted my whole experience in photos...up until present day...the good, the bad and the ugly...ALL responses were positive as it was also a learning curve for those who aren’t effected. A lot of people have praised me for ‘showing’ them what it is really like. A lot thought, ‘oh they just take your boobs off and then put new ones in, easy!’ Ummmm, No! My blog showed that things can and do go wrong. It,s not all ‘pink’ and pretty. My blog and private group have saved at least three of my friends as they were prompted to get checked and as a result found their cancers early.I’ve printed it and plan to get it bound. i guess it’s a personal choice too, and I understand that seeing pictures can be a trigger...I myself back away from here as I found it overwhelming, and I was nervous to see myself after the surgeries, but sharing our stories, warts and all, is important to spread the word about breast cancer and it’s possible complications. I plan on having a warriors and gods photo shoot to celebrate my 5 years. (Thanks to COVID I’m yet to do that) I have also been a part of a photo shoot for a breast cancer survivors portfolio to create awareness. I found the whole process very empowering and it inspired the people involved to take charge of their own health. I now have lifelong friends from that experience. In conclusion, wether you take pics for you alone or share them in a group, i see it as an integral part of healing. Don’t be ashamed of a scar....it simply means you were stronger than whatever tried to hurt you.Re: Do you need to hold your breath for left breast radiation? Read this ...
@cranky_granny @Julez1958 I also have heart issues..SVT and ectopics with two laser ablations to correct SVT... as a result I had scans and tests in my heart prior to chemo and rads and yes this was explained as a reason for DIBH for me as well as a broader area of treatment... the article says side effects reduced and I consider the burns ect a direct side effect & that’s what I was intrigued by. A more specific description of which side effects in the article would be better.... patients may be misled by the wording.?? @cranky_granny I too have a damaged oesophagus and loose my voice quite often...I also was diagnosed with chronic gastritis and a hiatus hernia this year after3 years of reflux issues since chemotherapy. wishing you beautiful and easy days 💖 @Julez1958 that sounds like a wonderful way to get through! Hoping you do get to go back to the reef soon!🧜🏻♀️Re: Do you need to hold your breath for left breast radiation? Read this ...
Interesting read.. I had DIBH for my rads in 2016...(25 doses) my cancer was in my right breast. Invasive ductal carcinoma with node involvement. My rads onc decided it would be more effective for my situation, however I can’t agree with using this technique lessening the side effects of radiation.? I’m interested in which side effects they consider to be lessened? My burns were quite extensive And intense along with the fatigue and not to mention the trouble I’m now left with regarding my voice. ( I was told of these things at time of treatment) It will be interesting to see how this effects patients with different types of breast cancers.Re: Life after breast cancer
@lorena, it’s perfectly normal to feel this way... I don’t think the worry ever goes away, but we learn to quash the fear by living each day as best we can. I’m 5years out and I must say, I freak out every time I get a new pain ....but I’ve also had a lot of ‘extras’ thanks to my cancer, my medical team are excellent and very supportive and very thorough. They tell me that I’m not to worry if it seems silly to see them with a new pain. Thankfully most have led to nothing other than scar tissue or a symptom of one of my other illnesses. Our drs understand we cannot be complacent when it comes to our health now. My experience has shown me To ask for help if I need it, and I have used the psych resources given to me many times throughout my experience. I use meditation and mindfulness to keep a clear head.... Survivorship is tough! And strangely, it can feel very lonely! I sometimes feel I don’t fit in anymore in the ‘real’ world and I feel will always be looking over my shoulder, but I choose to live my life to it’s fullest, even if the thought of recurrence creeps in. Wishing you beautiful and easy daysRe: Creative Corner!
Art is my therapist....always has been my way to escape the world..Chalk, . coloured pencil, graphite, soft pastels,acrylics,Watercolours, airbrushing and traditional application... I have been known to paint with tea and coffee also! My favourite subject to draw is animals.... people’s pets in particular.... memorial portraits are my most satisfying. I didn’t draw much during treatments etc, however I did draw a portrait for BCNA and fellow Pink Troopers.... called ‘pink troopers boots’, it’s my profile pic and i donated it to BCNA head office. loving all your work here! heres my most recent memorial portrait...’Bella’ owned and loved by @primek coloured pencil and soft pastel for background Split pic of photo and my drawing
Groups
Choosing breast reconstruction
PRIVATE GROUP. Choosing breast reconstruction after single or double mastectomy can feel overwhelming, and deeply personal. This group is here to connect you through others' stories and images. Please respect everyone’s privacy—do not copy or share content outside this space. Information is based on personal experience and is not medical advice; always consult your healthcare team for guidance. ⚠️CONTENT WARNING⚠️ Members may share photos of breast surgeries. These images or discussions may be distressing or triggering for some. If you need support, please contact the BCNA Helpline - we are here for you.
