Meet community member and model, Diana! Diana modeled for us for our recent mesh shoot, but she has been a part of the AnaOno community for some time now!
Read along to hear all about Diana's breast cancer story and much more!
What was your experience like when you were first diagnosed with breast cancer?
“I was young, a mother, just finished breast feeding, and in the best shape of my life as a fitness instructor. I found a lump from being sore from a workout and it turned out to be invasive breast cancer. I was later diagnosed with the BRCA1 gene mutation.”
Tell us a summary of your surgical journey:
“I had an unsuccessful lumpectomy/sentinel node biopsy in June of 2023. A double mastectomy in August of 2023. An exchange surgery, over the muscle, from expanders to implants with fat grafting in November of 2023. A full hysterectomy including ovaries in November of 2023. I did the full hysterectomy for both breast cancer recurrence treatment and for Ovarian/Uterine Cancer prevention due to BRCA1.”
What is something that you would like others to know about recovery?
“I don't think any medical team can prepare you for how you'll feel emotionally post-surgery. The aesthetic aspect of recovery can be hard, and you wonder if you'll ever feel like yourself again. You almost grieve a part of you that you never imagined you would. You're constantly wondering when they'll look better, if ever. My advice to others is to let yourself feel out those emotions, but don't sit in the hole for too long because it's all temporary. Focus on the positives, get out for walks, spend time with loved ones and soon enough you'll be over that hump and loving your new foobs.”
If there was one thing you would like the community to take away from your story, what would it be?
“That your life can change in a blink of an eye and cancer truly does not discriminate. You cannot let your situation define you because we are much more than cancer. Yes, the journey is tough, but we're tougher, and we overcome the toughest of battles. You're either the victim or the victor, but you can't be both!”
Has your relationship with your body changed? If so, how?
“I am so much more in tune with my body. I am constantly checking every square inch, and I know when something doesn't feel right. I am also a little more critical of it and that's something that I am working on each day. Menopause is tough with the symptoms that can cause weight gain, and I tend to be a bit hard on myself. I am human and constantly reminding myself to take it one day at a time and continue to figure it out as I go.”
If you could describe AnaOno in one word, what would it be?
"Inclusive"
What did it mean to you to participate in our photoshoot?
"Meant everything! Once upon a time, I was terrified of a double mastectomy. I had even said that I wouldn't get one even if I had the BRCA mutation. The fact that I could feel sexy and model in a shoot post double mastectomy and show others that it's not so bad after all fills my heart with unbelievable joy. I am at a place that I never thought I would be in terms of appreciating my new foobs flaws and all. It is empowering to take control of your health and that's exactly what we do when we choose to get a double mastectomy."
If you'd like to to share your story for the chance to be featured, please fill out this form to be considered.
