Rebuilding My Life After Breast Cancer

After I was diagnosed with breast cancer following a routine mammogram in 2018, I knew instinctively what I needed to do. I wanted both breasts removed – although the cancer was in only one of them – and I didn’t want a reconstruction because I simply couldn’t face putting my body through more surgery. I wanted to live a positive life, not one overshadowed by fear of cancer returning.

- Tanya Pearey

I have the BRCA1 gene – my sister had breast cancer at 34 and my mum died of ovarian cancer at 71 – so there was an increased risk it might return.

Having both breasts removed meant I didn’t have to endure gruelling chemo or radiotherapy. And while I was proud of my ‘double Ds’, I had no problem with ‘going flat’.

I don’t need breasts to feel feminine. Running and swimming are so much easier, and there are enough good mastectomy bras and prosthesis available if I want more shape in a particular dress. I can choose my cup size according to my outfit.

Perhaps it helps that I’m in a long-term, happy relationship – married to Stephen for 38 years. He cautioned against making rash, irreversible decisions, but I talked to him about how I felt and he supported me. He was less bothered about how I looked and more concerned about how I felt.

I’m here for my family – I run around after five grandchildren – and I’ve just launched a crafting business, The Crafting Den (you can find me on Facebook). You can rebuild your life without boobs after cancer, and still be confident and inspiring.