A struggle with the new me
I look at the mirror
and do not like what i see
the body that once was normal
now seems so far away from me
it is hard to come to terms
with the battle scar
that now replaces what...
Forum Discussion
I lost my left breast in 2010 so I understand how you feel.This was my second bout of breast cancer in the same breast.I first had a lumpectomy in 2003 and then 7 years later it came back,so no choice.A mastectomy is much more confronting and takes awhile to get used to.I'll be honest -I still don't like my naked reflection and I DON'T do naked in bed.But you know what -I don't HAVE to like my gnarled chest.There are other bits of my body that I don't like either- just as there are bits that I DO like.But I like myself and I like my life and I'm alive.I feel better when I'm wearing my prosthesis and I've had to "doctor"alot of my clothes/swimsuit -clothes shopping can be a pain sometimes.It's normal to grieve for a part of your body that you've lost- it's a big adjustment but over time you do.I am here anytime if you want to chat about these issues.Your poem reflects how alot of us feel after a mastectomy - sad but truthful.
Here is a verse I like :"My body may be lopsided but my life is balanced."
Tonya xx