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Dying from Embarrassment?

By Phyllis Johnson, Health Guide Sunday, August 23, 2009
"Oh, I just died from embarrassment," we tell our friends with a laugh when relating a story about an awkward social moment.    We don't mean it literally, but sometimes it is all too true.  When embarrassment keeps us from seeing the doctor about an issue of sexual or breast health,...
PJ Hamel, Health Guide
8/24/09 5:10pm

Phyllis, thanks for the backstory on the stages we've gone through re: being proud (or ashamed) of our breasts. I'm forever grateful to Betty Ford for revealing her breast cancer back in the '70s; it was considered SO shameful (WHY?!), but if the President's wife has breast cancer and can talk about it, well...

 

Now, I'm happy to show my breasts to perfect strangers - and do! Under the auspices of our hospital's BeFriend program, which matches up veteran survivors with newbies who have a similar diagnosis. Since I had a TRAM flap, I often speak to women getting TRAM flaps - and am happy to pull up my shirt to show them the "after" version of what they're undergoing.

 

Thanks again - PJH

 

 

Phyllis Johnson, Health Guide
8/24/09 7:46pm

I'm sure it really helps others to see your new breast!  The more we can demystify this disease the better.  Keep up the good work!  

6/ 2/11 9:36pm

Thanks so much for this article, as I , too, am a young survivor who will be participating in the Bodypainting project. Something that most people do not consider is the blow that breast cancer deals to a woman's sexuality and self-image. It takes a lot of strength and...re-purposing, for lack of a better word, our goals and our needs. But it is possible. Not only that - it is beautiful.

PJ Hamel, Health Guide
6/ 2/11 10:15pm

Have fun with the project - we are ALL beautiful... PJH

Phyllis Johnson, Health Guide
6/ 3/11 5:29am

I'm so excited that you will be doing this.  Do you get to tell the artist what kind of pictures you want?  If so, what have you chosen?  This is very cool.

7/21/11 3:25pm

I already have a great design in mind for her :-)

By Phyllis Johnson, Health Guide— Last Modified: 07/21/11, First Published: 08/23/09