Forum Discussion
Self image
Hi everyone,
I'm new to the LLL group but I would like to share my story and ask a few questions.
I was diagnosed with DCIS in September and a had mastectomy at the end of October on one side. I will be having my other breast removed and reconstruction in March. I did not need to have any other treatment no chemo or radio or tamoxifen.
I started menopause about 18 months ago and have had sporadic hot flushes night sweats moodiness and vaginal dryness, most of the time it's bearable.
It's good to be able to share some of my more intimate problems as I feel I can't talk to anyone else.
I recovered well from the mastectomy and was back at work on light duties after two weeks. I have just returned to the gym and doing Aqua classes which I have found to be quite ok even with my one boob.
Me and my partner have always enjoyed going into the city for a dance on a Saturday night, at the moment I'm really struggling with my body image. I have a prosthesis which helps with the external side of things.
On the inside I really don't like my body anymore when I get dressed or undressed I'm reminded of my missing boob. I have lost all my confidence in the way I look now. I never thought I was really that into boobs anyway seems I was wrong. Everywhere I used to go seems to be full of young women with lovely boobs and oodles of confidence, I used to be that person.
I don't know how to get back to that and wonder if I will ever feel the same again.
Sexually I feel the same it's hard for me to enjoy sex like I used to. I realise that there is other ways without boobs but I feel sad that I have lost that part of sex.
Is this normal? Do these feelings last? My partner has been fantastic in getting me out and about walking and cycling again. He has not seen my body naked since the mastectomy and I know he feels very awkward about this as he doesn't want to have the wrong reaction when he does.
I would love to hear what other women have done to get there head around all of these thoughts and feelings as I don't know what to do with them. Thank you.
Louise
13 Replies
- Yep those expanders are very uncomfortable. You won't know yourself when you have your exchange! They are still firmer than the old fleshy breasts but hey, they can look pretty good. Yep sex gets tricky - bits of us hurt, lack sensation and aren't looking so good just yet. As long as you still have some desire, there is hope for regaining that old feeling. Great to hear your family is so accepting. Makes it lots easier. Great last statement. After all the one thing Cancer reminds us is the value of love. Love. Julie xx
I had a double masectomy in October and have chest expanders at the moment. They are like hard boulders until I have the next operation. My husband does not go near them, but I make a point of doing things as I use to. We only have one bathroom, so the kids come in when I am in the shower. They are use to the scars and the look post masectomy and have no problems now with it. I suggest not to hide it so that everyone in the house gets use to the new you. I find sex difficult as I feel only half a women, however as my husband reminds me - at least i am alive and present. Sometimes I need to give myself this reality check that I may not have sexy boobs, but I have my family and they have me.
