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Ellen
 Left modified radical mastectomy
Age 48 at diagnosis (1995)
Age 50 in photo (1997)
I was diagnosed with breast cancer after a needle biopsy, and had a left modified radical mastectomy. The cancer was too extensive to do a lumpectomy, and a wide excision was not cosmetically an option, so I felt I was giving myself the best possible odds with the mastectomy.
I felt betrayed. I have always been very active, have done lots of exercise, and have watched my diet—no drinking, no smoking, no meat. I have no family history of breast cancer—so how did this happen to me!!
I felt very angry.
I now have a very positive attitude. Who I am is not about my breasts. I am very comfortable with my prosthesis. I have not entertained any thoughts regarding reconstruction.
Ellen: Left modified radical mastectomy
 
[Click on images to enlarge]
This breast cancer survivor is one of 30 women included in the book Show Me: A Photo Collection of Breast Cancer Survivors' Lumpectomies, Mastectomies, Breast Reconstructions and Thoughts on Body Image. For more information on the Show Me book, click here.
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