Louise Butcher, a breast cancer survivor, has learned to embrace her new body after a double mastectomy. She shares her story in her own words.
In March 2022, Louise discovered a tiny thickening on the side of her left breast while showering. Despite having a clear mammogram three weeks earlier, she decided to get it checked out. Her husband, Paul, encouraged her to see a doctor, saying
“Best to get it checked out”.
After visiting her doctor, Louise was referred to the breast clinic for a scan. Although her doctor wasn't too concerned, saying
“It might not be cancer”and
“I don’t think it’s anything sinister”, Louise tried not to worry and focused on her family and training for a marathon.
Louise was a keen runner and had signed up for a marathon in October, which served as a welcome distraction from her concerns.
Author's summary: Breast cancer survivor runs marathons topless after double mastectomy.