Monday, 7 October 2013

In the beginning...

Well, I suppose every blog has to start somewhere, and where better than with an awkward explanation of who I am and why I am writing.

I am Sharon.
I am 45 years old.
In July 2013 I was diagnosed with breast cancer, and within a couple of weeks I had a bilateral mastectomy.
And amongst all the scary, serious questions like "Am I going to die?" and "How badly is this going to mess up my life?" was the question that some may consider superficial, but over which I experienced considerable angst. And that was "What the hell am I going to wear now?"

Almost all the information I saw on the web was about prostheses or reconstructions. What I wanted to know was how to dress without breasts. I enjoy fashion and loved my clothes, but going from an E cup bra to not requiring any bra at all meant that none of my clothes fitted me, let alone looked good.

So this blog is my chronicle of my attempts to dress myself in a way that makes me feel good about the body I have ended up with after cancer. Hopefully, it may help someone struggling with the same dilemmas, or at least give them an idea of what they want to avoid. If nothing else, it will provide me and my family with a record of my breastless years.
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8 comments:

  1. Deborah15 October 2013 at 19:55

    Sharon, welcome to the work of blogging. I have nothing but admiration of you and the way you are approaching this issue head on. I have no doubt this will be a wonderful journey for you but also those of who read along. xxx

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  2. Sharon15 October 2013 at 23:08

    Thank you for the welcome, Deborah and for your very kind and generous words. I feel a bit nervous now that I'm not just talking to myself!

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  3. Unknown25 October 2013 at 01:19

    Sharon, YOU are amazing before and after surgery! I don't think you realise how many woman need to hear your story. Well done, Cate x

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  4. Sharon26 October 2013 at 17:34

    Thanks, Cate. I hope it can be helpful to someone!

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  5. Anonymous8 January 2016 at 09:15

    Hi Sharon, I hope that this reaches you - I wanted to thank you for writing this blog. I'm in the midst of this process, now. I have been thinking about clothing mainly in terms of "hiding," and have been, behind lots and lots of scarves; but your embrace of the "straight" body image as also feminine is inspiring to me. I've read through your whole blog this morning (came across through "Already Pretty" here in Minnesota/US), and it made me cry and was just what I needed. Thank you, and may you remain healthy and strong. --Donna

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    1. Sharon9 January 2016 at 14:08

      Donna, I cannot tell you how happy I feel that this has been helpful to you. Thank you for your kind words and wishes. I hope your treatment and recovery go well and you find the path to loving and enjoying your body again. xxx

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  6. Sharon15 January 2017 at 10:19

    Hi Sharon from another Sharon in Maryland USA who is preparing for a mastectomy Jan 31. I've enjoyed all your posts in one sitting, admiring your taste and style and learning so much. With one remaining 36D breast, going flat won't be an option, but your solutions to hiding scars is very helpful. Thanks so much!

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    1. Sharon17 January 2017 at 12:20

      Hi Sharon, I'm so glad you enjoyed the blog, and I'm so sorry for the circumstances that have brought you here. I hope your surgery and recovery go beautifully. I think the current fashion for one-shoulder pieces could look fabulous on you with one breast - I hope you have fun trying out what works for you once you have done the difficult treatment stuff. xx

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