Lifestyle Changes Since Diagnosis
I am a 68-year-old woman and my breast cancer was discover during a routine mammogram. Since my mother died of Metastatic breast carcinoma I decided that I should have my mammogram regularly. I also had been treated for endometrial and renal cancer 2 years earlier. So I had a diagnostic mammogram followed by an ultrasound...
View MoreWhat lifestyle changes have you made since your diagnosis?
As I am older, 64 when diagnosed, I don't have the body image problems someone younger may have. I also am not married so I didn't have any issues with how my spouse may react. I had a lumpectomy and lymph node dissection. My lifestyle didn't change much.
What impact have these changes had on your health and state of mind?
One issue I have had is that I am lopsided. My right breast has always been larger than the left. The surgery was on my left breast making it smaller. The procedure caused a nerve to be irritated in my left breast. I can only comfortably wear a soft bra. It is obvious that I'm lopsided. I tend to wear loose clothing due to that and I am overweight.
What advice do you have for others who are trying to incorporate these changes into their lives?
Don't be self-conscious about the way you look. I know that is easier said than done. Look around you and notice the things that are different from so many other people. Many people have to deal with different body image problems. Don't worry about what other people are thinking of you, they are probably worrying about what you are thinking about them.
