Breast Cancer Reconstruction and Three Black Outfits

I had a single mastectomy for breast cancer just over two years ago. I thought I’d have reconstruction, address my physical and emotional issues that I felt had led to the cancer – mainly huge amounts of stress from my profession, significant childhood trauma and a lifetime of challenging events – and that I would be able to get on with a pretty much normal life.

Unfortunately, unbeknownst to me, this was not to be the case, so over two years later I am currently recovering from my fourth reconstruction surgery… the first of which was badly botched.

Reconstruction – regardless of it being botched – is a complicated and multi-faceted process but I don’t think people are aware of it. It mainly affects women so maybe that’s why there really is so little known about the complexities and need for multiple surgeries to get things even close to right. It’s another female thing left unspoken about. For me, it’s taken patience to a whole new level.

I’ve gone very contemporary with these black cotton paper-bag pants which were perfect for a trip up the coast from Wollongong to Sydney for the follow-up to the surgery performed just over a week ago. I paired the black and white animal print top and my black cocoon coat with my striped heels for a neat and tidy, but sassy look.

Yes, I went in for a shorter haircut prior to the surgery and unfortunately it’s flopped here as these pics were taken in the afternoon … look below at pics I took earlier in the morning for a better idea of where I was heading with the hair!

I wouldn’t be surprised if I decide to go back to my longer hair and will enjoy using some extensions if that situation arises in the near future.

Trying out the black jeans look …

Between the dreaded C-19 and now the operation recovery period, a more casual aesthetic is really all I’ve been feeling like wearing.

I invested in dark black denim and dark blue denim skinny jeans and they’ve come in handy for some easy wearing outfits. I wore this out the weekend before last.

You’ve seen this cute black jacket before and I thought it worked well with the black jeans while the little top did double time and the shoes I’ve owned for years too.

I have worked hard to remove from my wardrobe the things that I no longer wear or that no longer serve me but there’s been quite a lot that I’ve kept and intend to use and if I don’t use it then out it will go.

My daughter and her wife have come to the rescue and they have offered to take the clothes and what they don’t want they will list for sale and of course they can keep the proceeds!

Last But Not Least!

Since I’d cut the hair I thought I’d try out the middle part thing which is a bit different from my usual left of centre (like my politics, although that hasn’t changed!) – not so sure it worked but a change is as good as a holiday!!

I always love a military coat and so this old black one needed to get some use as winter draws to a close here in Australia – this time I wore it with a cutout black jumper and dark denim skinny jeans (not really on trend but I’m always behind the times!)

I wore this just a few days after the surgery and I really wasn’t feeling too flash but I thought a trip out might be the thing for a bit of a boost.

I’ve found the process I’ve been on a fairly solitary and difficult one although I’m grateful for my courage, resilience and independence, along with my strong spiritual beliefs.

I understand that the view of me as vulnerable by those closest to me isn’t one which sits comfortably with them and I’m okay with that and happily accept any support that is offered. One thing I’ve learnt is that my love and support of myself is really the most important thing and I intend to celebrate that whenever I can!

What Else Is New?

Baked a chocolate hazelnut cake for a relative’s birthday, lots of lovely flowers together with kind thoughts and lovely cat cuddles from Odin and Loki.

Thank you for joining me in my little corner of the web and know that I’m chuffed that some of the most delightful people in the world come in here and make contact – I appreciate every one of you!!

Donna 🧚🏻‍♀️❤️🐝