Breast Cancer: Feeling Feminine After A Mastectomy | Stand Up To Cancer (2020)

Breast cancer is cancer that starts in the breast tissue. It is the most common cancer for women in the UK. Neuroscientist Sherry was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer after finding a lump in her breast in March 2017. As a mum of an 18-month-old and a six-year-old with no history of breast cancer in her family, this was unexpected news. Sherry’s gruelling treatment schedule included 6 months of chemotherapy, a double (bilateral) mastectomy, radiotherapy and another six months of chemotherapy.
Sherry decided to not have reconstructive surgery after having a double mastectomy.
"I guess what it really made me realise is that breasts don’t define you as a woman. I don’t want to trivialise having a mastectomy in anyway, but I was actually ok. I had thought having a mastectomy, I would lose my femininity. But strangely I feel almost more feminine than I did before."
She hopes to raise awareness about early detection of breast cancer and to change people’s perceptions of mastectomy scars.
“Women and men need to get things checked out, they need to get lumps checked out. Whatever culture, religion, belief, this is your life and it’s important to get things checked out early because you can have treatment that can ultimately save your life.
“Breast cancer is real, harsh and unforgiving. I didn’t choose to go through this but I’m proud of what I’ve achieved. I want women who’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer to realise that choosing not to have reconstructive surgery can be a positive choice.
“Embracing my mastectomy scars shows people that these are now just a part of who I am and that cancer does not define me. I'm certain I hope that women faced with this diagnosis will take comfort for seeing how proud of my body I now am."
WATCH THE VIDEO TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SHERRY'S STORY.
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[@roselucht4583]

Thankfully I don’t have to go flat. I’m thankful I just got a fantastic plastic surgeon at the last minute as the schedule girls screwed up my plans. Now we’ve discovered this other plastic surgeon is like night and day compared to the other! Wishing you well on your journey.

[@laylykalfaian9987]

I am so incredibly inspired by watching this video!! Sherry, you are so incredibly strong! You and your family are so so strong and beautiful! I hope that you are doing okay now, you and your family have my prayers forever!♥️

[@motherof1132]

I also decided to be flat. I still feel feminine. It’s fantastic not wearing a bra. I agree breasts don’t define you. Cancer changed my life too. I had to get use to my body

[@jumjumjumuk]

I hope you ok and well now xxxx

[@numalesoybea1348]

What defines being "feminine"?

[@numalesoybea1348]

@elinabalt7716 having a hole between legs. That's the only reason men marry women :)

[@numalesoybea1348]

@elinabalt7716 ok not get a vaginectomy. Let's see if he sticks around :)

[@ninobarone3874]

The op has no idea what will keep a man around he is at times enjoying the strip club as well as internet porn Just to see a full woman not one that looks like she's a child

[@lalawilyum]

❤️🙏