Warning the video below has graphic images of a stage 3 breast cancer survivor’s body through treatment and surgeries.
The first picture is after my double mastectomy. I had expanders in and had one fill. Minutes before being taken back for surgery I found out I wouldn’t have nipples anymore. That’s not always the case but in mine they had to take too much out to save them.
The second picture is before radiation. The x marks the spot that needed increased targeted radiation.
The third picture is near the end of 30 rounds of radiation.
The fourth picture is after my DIEP Flap reconstruction where they took fat and skin from stomach and rebuilt me. This began my football patches.
The last picture is after my last reconstruction picture. I do have front pictures that show I healed very well.
I have put a lot of thought into sharing this. Ultimately it comes down to feeling like I am supposed to.
I have been feeling like someone needs to see this.
Maybe it’s a survivor starting their journey and it helps them be more prepared.
Maybe it’s a partner who will be less shocked.
Maybe it’s someone who has been putting off that mammogram and it jolts them into action.
This is my journey in photos as a stage 3 breast cancer survivor. Earlier detection and these pictures could have been different.
I hope this lands where it’s supposed to and I welcome question because that’s spreading awareness.