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Breast cancer and self-esteem: Advice and support

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brunette007

03/08/2017 at 12:31

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brunette007

Last activity on 03/03/2023 at 11:02

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New to this forum, I've been having a very difficult time lately, emotionally, after the surgery...I can't help being disgusted at my own body and it makes me depressed and angry. I live alone, don't have a partner, and don't know how I'll ever get one now. am I the only one who is so depressed because of that??

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Unregistered member

04/08/2017 at 20:39

I can really relate to what you say. I'm single too (happy to be!) but the thought of dating again in the future seems impossible. I'm ok with my body (fortunately I only needed a lumpectomy) but losing my hair, eyebrows and eyelashes have left me feeling very unfeminine and has knocked my confidence.

Some days I'm ok with it, then other days I catch sight of myself in the mirror and think "oh Sh*t!"

For the time being I'm just focussing on finishing my treatment and then I'll worry about getting out and about again.

Breast cancer and self-esteem: Advice and support https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/breast-cancer/living-with-breast-cancer/my-body-makes-me-depressed-1915 2017-08-04 20:39:57

Margaret1

07/08/2017 at 16:13

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Margaret1

Last activity on 06/05/2025 at 20:13

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I am single and had a lumpectomy , chemo and radiotherapy. Despite a cold cap I lost most of my hair, eyebrows, appetite, etc. I looked pasty faced and when faced with the glamour models who tragically had breast cancer while young, walk out with incredible bone structure, make up etc- very brave and they look fantastic- but I looked nothing like that. I got a wig and wore it everywhere and most people had no idea. It Did wonders for my self confidence and I did not take it off for a year - because I looked so good in it. It was a big thing to take it off but by then my hair had one back pretty much like it was before. So ladies- go forward - it will come right- it is only time!

Breast cancer and self-esteem: Advice and support https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/breast-cancer/living-with-breast-cancer/my-body-makes-me-depressed-1915 2017-08-07 16:13:25

Unregistered member

07/08/2017 at 17:25

Hi,

i do understand how you feel. I had a mastectomy recently and opted for recon from my tummy. The Breast is too big and is heavy and droopy, no nipple, I cant wear fitted tops. I need more adjustments. Have a scar from hip to hip..But when I feel sorry for myself I just think about the fact I am alive. Hair grows back my lovely. Stay positive x

Breast cancer and self-esteem: Advice and support https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/breast-cancer/living-with-breast-cancer/my-body-makes-me-depressed-1915 2017-08-07 17:25:23

Fighting

25/08/2017 at 23:07

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Fighting

Last activity on 14/07/2020 at 13:21

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60 comments posted | 32 in the Breast cancer Forum

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We all need to stay strong - as we need to keep going for ourselves and loved ones. As for the models - I had my make-up done at a look good feel good afternoon and I looked fab - even had eyebrows. It will take each and everyone of use time to get use to the new us.

Stay strong and positive ladies xx

Breast cancer and self-esteem: Advice and support https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/breast-cancer/living-with-breast-cancer/my-body-makes-me-depressed-1915 2017-08-25 23:07:28

JosephineO

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01/10/2018 at 15:20

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JosephineO

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Last activity on 15/07/2024 at 09:21

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@Fighting‍ @Angel2123‍ @Margaret1‍ @Cartwheels‍ @brunette007‍

Hello ladies,

I hope you're feeling well lately and I wish you all a great Breast Cancer Awareness month!

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Josephine, Community Manager

Breast cancer and self-esteem: Advice and support https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/breast-cancer/living-with-breast-cancer/my-body-makes-me-depressed-1915 2018-10-01 15:20:48

brunette007

15/11/2019 at 16:29

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brunette007

Last activity on 03/03/2023 at 11:02

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Hi I'm just coming back to say I was bad off when I made this thread and now things are so much better. Don't lose hope, ladies. How are is everyone else out there? Survivors? Newly diagnosed?

Breast cancer and self-esteem: Advice and support https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/breast-cancer/living-with-breast-cancer/my-body-makes-me-depressed-1915 2019-11-15 16:29:16

Courtney_J

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01/09/2020 at 12:44

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Courtney_J

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Hello everyone,

How are you today? Have you seen this older discussion? emoticon cute

Has breast cancer had an impact on your self-esteem? How have you managed to reconnect to your "new" body?
@Lulu61‍ @Saalex‍ @Karen77‍ @Joanne52‍ @Mariep‍ @Willowfluffbud‍ @Hakamathma74‍ @Junie1‍ @Anniejac‍ @Dempca‍ @wolfchick1983‍ @Mel1960‍ @AudreyFarmer‍ @Janemary‍ @FaithHope77‍ @DramaProducer‍

Feel free to share and exchange in the comments below!

Take care,
Courtney

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Courtney_J, Community Manager, Carenity UK

Breast cancer and self-esteem: Advice and support https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/breast-cancer/living-with-breast-cancer/my-body-makes-me-depressed-1915 2020-09-01 12:44:24

bravest

28/09/2020 at 14:34

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bravest

Last activity on 30/09/2020 at 12:09

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14 comments posted | 12 in the Breast cancer Forum

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@Courtney_J I completely understand what everyone has described and I'm a bit in that place myself. I finished this round of chemo not long ago and I've lost all my hair and it's just so hard some days. I try to remember that I'm strong and that hair doesn't define me and that I won't let this cancer defeat me. Talking to friends or others who have been through cancer helps too. Stay strong ladies! xx

Breast cancer and self-esteem: Advice and support https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/breast-cancer/living-with-breast-cancer/my-body-makes-me-depressed-1915 2020-09-28 14:34:24

bc123456

21/01/2021 at 11:16

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bc123456

Last activity on 19/10/2022 at 01:51

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33 comments posted | 23 in the Breast cancer Forum

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I completely understand as well. I didn't go through chemo (mastectomy + radiotherapy), so fortunately I didn't lose my hair, but the mastectomy was actually rather traumatic. I didn't think it would affect me as much because I was "prepared" for it (I read everything I could find, talked to my husband about it, etc.), but when it actually happened and I looked down at my chest.... I was changed. It took some time to accept the "new" me, but I did eventually get to a better place. I was thinking about finally going for breast reconstruction in late 2019/early 2020, but then the virus hit, so that's been put off the table.

Breast cancer and self-esteem: Advice and support https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/breast-cancer/living-with-breast-cancer/my-body-makes-me-depressed-1915 2021-01-21 11:16:27

Devondeb1969

22/01/2021 at 18:52

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Devondeb1969

Last activity on 16/07/2025 at 22:11

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10 comments posted | 2 in the Breast cancer Forum

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I know how you all feel. My last fiance dropped me after I had my mastectomy so I have lost my self-esteem and I am single and want to be but I am scared to find love again in case no one would want me as I am.

Breast cancer and self-esteem: Advice and support https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/breast-cancer/living-with-breast-cancer/my-body-makes-me-depressed-1915 2021-01-22 18:52:51

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