Oh WOW Sonali… thank you for sharing your story. As a fellow South Asian woman, I’ve rarely — if ever — witnessed such vulnerability from someone who shares my identity. I mourn with you the loss of your physical sensations and celebrate the control you have wrested back. I will pray for a long life for you with your family.
Thank you for sharing this. Your writing is beautiful. I underwent a prophylactic double mastectomy with reconstructive surgery, oophorectomy, and full hysterectomy. I traveled a couple years later to Maryland for 3D nipple tattoos. I never regretted my decision, even though every once in a while I still mourn the loss of everything that biologically made me a woman. It definitely is like a club full of women that know exactly how you felt. Hugs to you! 🩷🩷🩷
This was beautifully written with so much open, honest sharing of a difficult journey that many women will take, dread taking. So glad the box is no longer front and center, the pain mostly dissipated. Wishing you much good health in the years ahead
Thank you! A beautifully written, brave, and honest story that resonates with me because of my work as a radiation oncologist with breast cancer patients. My career began in the era when many women were subjected to mastectomy for breast cancer without the option of reconstructive surgery. It was the pioneering Canadian oncologist Dr Vera Peters who recognized the suffering caused by mastectomy and found that lumpectomy cured just as many women without the mutilation of radical surgery. Your surgeries were prophylactic, but the impact was similar to that of women undergoing mastectomies for cancer. I'm sure your experience will help women everywhere faced with this decision.
I ponder mastectomy on and off due to my genetic cancer risk but have so far decided against. I know it’s a complicated decision and am thankful you recovered. Thank you for sharing your journey!
"I've always been a doer." This phrase hit me harder each time I read it. This is such a powerful and important piece (and timely for Breast Cancer Awareness month.)
I had a mastectomy two weeks ago and at age 72 I have no interest in reconstruction. I am so sorry to read how much reconstruction added to the challenges you faced. Thank you for sharing so vulnerably and, for me, reconfirming my choice.
thank you for sharing this. I'm a breast cancer survivor and had a mastectomy. I was so grateful when I learned that I didn't have the brca mutation and was spared those horrifying stats. These conversations are important.
Oh WOW Sonali… thank you for sharing your story. As a fellow South Asian woman, I’ve rarely — if ever — witnessed such vulnerability from someone who shares my identity. I mourn with you the loss of your physical sensations and celebrate the control you have wrested back. I will pray for a long life for you with your family.
Thank you for sharing this. Your writing is beautiful. I underwent a prophylactic double mastectomy with reconstructive surgery, oophorectomy, and full hysterectomy. I traveled a couple years later to Maryland for 3D nipple tattoos. I never regretted my decision, even though every once in a while I still mourn the loss of everything that biologically made me a woman. It definitely is like a club full of women that know exactly how you felt. Hugs to you! 🩷🩷🩷
This was beautifully written with so much open, honest sharing of a difficult journey that many women will take, dread taking. So glad the box is no longer front and center, the pain mostly dissipated. Wishing you much good health in the years ahead
Wow, what a horrific decision and ordeal, but mission accomplished. Bravo.
Your writing is intimate and engaging. Thank you for writing this. May your experience inform and help others.
I once lived in LA and would have been thrilled to ride that train filled with women against T.
Best wishes for your future in Pasadena Paradise....
Thank you! A beautifully written, brave, and honest story that resonates with me because of my work as a radiation oncologist with breast cancer patients. My career began in the era when many women were subjected to mastectomy for breast cancer without the option of reconstructive surgery. It was the pioneering Canadian oncologist Dr Vera Peters who recognized the suffering caused by mastectomy and found that lumpectomy cured just as many women without the mutilation of radical surgery. Your surgeries were prophylactic, but the impact was similar to that of women undergoing mastectomies for cancer. I'm sure your experience will help women everywhere faced with this decision.
I ponder mastectomy on and off due to my genetic cancer risk but have so far decided against. I know it’s a complicated decision and am thankful you recovered. Thank you for sharing your journey!
"I've always been a doer." This phrase hit me harder each time I read it. This is such a powerful and important piece (and timely for Breast Cancer Awareness month.)
Sonali, you are incredibly brave. And STRONG.
I had a mastectomy two weeks ago and at age 72 I have no interest in reconstruction. I am so sorry to read how much reconstruction added to the challenges you faced. Thank you for sharing so vulnerably and, for me, reconfirming my choice.
thank you for sharing this. I'm a breast cancer survivor and had a mastectomy. I was so grateful when I learned that I didn't have the brca mutation and was spared those horrifying stats. These conversations are important.
As an oncology nurse , I so appreciate your authentic and heartfelt and courageous writing ✍️
Excellent piece! So heartfelt, informative, and inspiring! Thank you for opening up about your experience.