Adapting to Life After a Mastectomy

Lifestyle After Mastectomy.

The scars now demonstrate your strength; they tell the story of how you fought defeat and triumphed. Love your scars, be proud of them, and flaunt them...

A breast cancer diagnosis is not a death sentence, "If you see something, say something ".

I'm excited about this piece, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to reach out to many strong women out there who are silently struggling to accept the changes in their lives as a result of their breast cancer treatment.

I completely understand your difficulties, and I don't say that to be empathetic; I say it because I truly do. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago, my life fell apart. It was traumatic, and I struggled to put myself back together.

I hung in there and eventually finished my treatments; I'll be sharing my experience with you soon in the Memoir Category (watch out for it...), but for now, I'll share three recommendations that helped me put my life back together after my mastectomy.

ADAPTING

If you're a survivor reading this, I'm sure you recall the uproar before your mastectomy. All of the preparation for surgery as well as the days spent in the hospital. Doctors advising you on what to do, eat, and wear... But it's funny how no one ever prepares you for life after a mastectomy. We're on our own to figure it out! How to look at your body in the mirror, how to regain your confidence and self-esteem, what to wear (mastectomy bras, camisoles, outfits that can help us regain our confidence), what foods to consume and where to obtain them... We're on our own.

Knowing this, I've decided to share some of the techniques that helped me love myself, my body, and my scars. These suggestions are as basic as:

• Building "The Mindset"

• Knowing Your Support System

• Just Live...

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BUILDING "THE MINDSET"

"THE MINDSET" - what is it? You might wonder. The attitude we're referring to is a way of thinking that is only positive, powerful, loving, and resilient, the one which encourages you to keep going and tells you that you are lovely and that you have the confidence you need.

When you really think about it, putting aside all of your worries and other unpleasant emotions, a mastectomy doesn't change who you are at all. In fact, it just makes you better.

We triumphed, without diminishing the importance of God's grace in our healing process... We fought the battle and won.

Most people could not, and although it is not really within our power to determine whether we live or die, we handled our own and left the rest to the one who ultimately decides.

Despite the fact that it is simpler said than done, it still needs to be done. So this is what we'll do. While you stand in front of the mirror and look at your scars, trace your fingers over the small lines to feel each curve as it emerges. Absorb it all in, become upset if necessary, then apologize to yourself for believing you were any less than you are and resolve to always act, look, and feel your best.

Give it a go!

KNOWING YOUR SUPPORT SYSTEM

I wasn't always able to organize my thoughts at the time when I was still attempting to cope with the loss of a boob. Most of the time, when I was tired, all I did was lie in bed and stare. I eventually identified my support system, which was my immediate family.

Then this is what I did. I shut out all of the other voices and positioned myself in the center of my personal support system. The fact that they kept me going and gave me their love and attention when I felt like I was sliding proved it was a wise choice.

Finding someone or people you can trust and simply letting them in is necessary since no man is an island. Spend time with them outside and converse with them. You'll eventually start to recognize yourself again and realize how amazing you've grown to be.

Please get in touch with me if you're reading this and don't have or know someone you can trust enough to let in. I am constantly available.

I distinctly recall looking online for people who had been in a similar condition to mine in order to gain some support from them. I was unable to discover any, which led me to think I was by myself. I would never want anyone to re live such an experience.

JUST LIVE...

My favorite part comes next. Be alive! The world won't change for you because you are who you are right now, so live your life as the change you want to see.

Explore new things, have adventures, pick up new skills, meet new people, and keep an open mind. Discover your passion in the activity that brings you joy.

I'm delighted I made the switch into tech since it allowed me to become a qualified product designer today, whereas two years ago I believed I had lost my value as a "women person."

I sincerely hope you begin implementing these suggestions and recognize your accomplishments.

Again, don't hesitate to contact me if you need assistance or have questions and never forget that I love you, but you should love you more. We need to take care of ourselves .

P.S. If you go to the Menu, you can find my Tech blog pieces on Medium.

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