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.
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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
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!