When 33-year old mother of two Amanda Stewart from Carluke, Scotland, decided to get a double mastectomy to reduce her chance of getting breast cancer, she turned to the Internet for preparation and advice on just what was in store for her. Though Stewart did not have the BRCA1 gene that increases the risk of cancer, two of her aunts died of the disease and her mother also had it. (Her mother has been in remission for seven years.)
So she and her four family members decided the surgery was necessary to reduce their likelihood of being diagnosed—from 97% to 5%. Unfortunately, the internet failed to provide her with the kind of intimate information she was looking for.
"I couldn't find any preventative post-surgery photos or stories in the lead up to my operation, only post-cancer ones and they were all very sombre and sad," Stewart told The Independent.
So she took matters into her own hands and set up a Facebook page called "Cancer. You Lose," where she chronicles her journey through personal accounts and "before and after" photos that courageously show the reality of going through the surgery.
"I wanted to share my scars in a positive way," she said.
The page has geared a strong following, probably because Stewart doesn't shy away from posting about some of the emotional and physical challenges of losing your breasts.
But users are also inspired by the way Stewart handles the serious situation with a great deal of humor and strength.
"I didn't think I'd be this positive afterwards but it's six weeks down the line and I'm getting better instead of facing breast cancer," she said. "I'm going to be around for my kids. It's a gift that's been given to me...and I've grabbed it with both hands."
CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story said Amanda Stewart's mother had died of cancer. This was incorrect. Her mother, who is alive, battled cancer and has been in remission for seven years. Marie Claire regrets the error.
Follow Marie Claire on Instagram for the latest celeb news, pretty pics, funny stuff, and insider POV.
-
Zendaya Changes From Off-Duty Basics to Springtime GlamThe actress packed three outfits into less than 24 hours.
-
Sophie Grégoire Trudeau’s Next Chapter Is Still Being WrittenHalf of a power couple for the last two decades, she’s learning through projects like her new book ‘Closer Together’ how to be more whole.
-
Prince Louis Turns 6—See the Adorable New PhotoPrincess Kate was behind the lens.
-
Senator Klobuchar: "Early Detection Saves Lives. It Saved Mine"Senator and breast cancer survivor Amy Klobuchar is encouraging women not to put off preventative care any longer.
-
How Being a Plus-Size Nude Model Made Me Finally Love My BodyI'm plus size, but after I decided to pose nude for photos, I suddenly felt more body positive.
-
I'm an Egg Donor. Why Was It So Difficult for Me to Tell People That?Much like abortion, surrogacy, and IVF, becoming an egg donor was a reproductive choice that felt unfit for society’s standards of womanhood.
-
The 20 Best Probiotics to Keep Your Gut in CheckGut health = wealth.
-
Simone Biles Is Out of the Team Final at the Tokyo OlympicsShe withdrew from the event due to a medical issue, according to USA Gymnastics.
-
The Truth About Thigh GapsWe're going to need you to stop right there.
-
3 Women On What It’s Like Living With An “Invisible” ConditionDespite having no outward signs, they can be brutal on the body and the mind. Here’s how each woman deals with having illnesses others often don’t understand.
-
The High Price of Living With Chronic PainThree women open up about how their conditions impact their bodies—and their wallets.
