From early 2022, I’ve had a few companies reach out to collaborate, including makeup, skincare and not one but four swimsuit companies!!

Now this has been quite a shock because I’m older than ever, heavier than ever and have a deformed breast from multiple botched reconstruction surgeries so I certainly wouldn’t be expecting these collaborations that came my way.

All up I have been sent 10 swimsuits, including one pieces, bikinis and tankinis but I’m only going to put on the few that I really loved.

One Piece for the Win!

So there’s a few of them to show you, from halter neck to shoulder straps and even the fancy striped one with the interesting neckline – which I think would look fab under a skirt or some linen pants.

I feel most comfortable in a one piece, and always have, probably because it’s more retro and that’s an aesthetic that does tend to attract me!

Going Flat …

Now I feel is a good time to discuss my ongoing struggle/battle to get a relatively normal breast after my mastectomy nearly 5 years ago. I decided to have a reconstruction rather than going flat when all this occurred but with all the complications related to the surgeries, including pneumonia and a substantial loss of money, I’ve decided to go flat.

I have decided to undergo this surgery through the public system so it’s going to be a bit of a wait but I think it will be worth it and hopefully will give me a better health outcome because the implant has been giving me a bit of pain and I don’t think it sits well with my body.

Also, combined with my allergic reaction to the C19 vaccine and subsequent impact from that, I’ve been struggling for wellness and have been feeling fatigued, sleeping poorly, gained a considerable amount of weight and had menopause symptoms return to the max.

A large number is strategies have come into play to manage all of this, including intermittent fasting, getting in our infra red sauna at least 4 times a week (then jumping straight in the cold saltwater pool) and following a heavily keto diet. It’s going to take time but hopefully I will get there.

I have to admit I’m now pretty kind to myself and I’m happy with small gains in all aspects of my health and have dropped a couple of kilos although with plenty more to go lol!

Bikini Bare!

I did dabble in a couple of bikinis though.

I’m voting for the striped number out of these two – although classic black can come in handy as I could possibly wear it under a white linen shirt paired with some jeans or a skirt.

Tankini Time!

The same can be said of the tankini, the top of which went great with some cropped wide-legged white pants.

This was the most recent collaboration with a company @lasculpte who celebrate all bodies with beautifully engineered swimsuits and shapewear.

This tankini top has adjustable side ties so it can be worn as high or low as you would like or need, inbuilt shaping to give a smooth waistline, is chlorine resistant and actually has inbuilt cups for those of us who have had mastectomies – all very impressive!

I also loved the details such as a sheer neckline, low back and gorgeous, colourful print.

I hope I’ve encouraged some of you to love your body where it is and to get in and enjoy the summer in some cute and fun swimsuits – no matter your age, size or shape!

Thank you for joining me in my little corner of the web and I’d love to hear your thoughts on swimsuits or whether you’ve been through breast cancer reconstruction.

Donna 🧚‍♀️❤️🐝