Body image - struggling to accept my scars from breast cancer

I have had breast cancer twice and can’t get past the scaring on my body. How do I raise my self esteem and accept the scars

  • I struggling with I have lots of scare but the way someone told me to look after as battle scars and that those marks got you through the battle and you can win the war xx hope this helps 

  • I struggle with that analogy and was told the same thing. I just see it as mutilation and a constant reminder of a terrible time 

  • Hi Gigi,

    You'll get nowhere if you think of your scars like this. I have had two bouts of breast cancer too and have a horrible scar on the breast that has had a lumpectomy and a mastectomy. The other breast has just had a mastectomy and doesn't look so bad. Have you attended any of Breast Cancer Now's courses post-surgery? I found the Moving Forward one particularly helpful.

    Can I ask how long it is since your first diagnosis? It takes quite some time for the breasts to settle down after surgery. I am now 15 years post-diagnosis, and although I felt like you at first, I do now see these as my battle scars and proof of the fact that I have come through this journey, not once, but twice - surely that's a fact to celebrate? Very few of us, if any, are ever the same after a cancer diagnosis, but those scars are proof of the fact that you're stronger than you initially thought. Stand up and be proud that you got through it. We have a lot to be thankful for!

    We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx