This is a multifaceted question with a range of answers. I face this question a lot. Those who are considering breast reconstruction want to know what their post-surgery body and breasts will look like. I know I did. There are a variety of situations those affected by breast cancer are portrayed in media and photography. I want to share my personal thoughts, tell you a touching story, and consider the answer to the title of this blog, “Breast Reconstruction Photo Sharing: Should We?”
Public Breast Reconstruction Photo Sharing
The media and those in business have an end result, to reach a wide audience and to draw them in. This is often done through artistic and visual enticement. There is a certain curiosity and arousal that is the end goal to draw people into an article, event, photo, or social media post. I understand the business aspect of this, but I believe the psychological reasons can run much deeper for the individuals involved, the breast cancer and breast reconstruction patients.
Scars and nakedness seem to be a big draw. It reminds the viewer of the sacrifices and difficult path breast cancer and breast reconstruction patients have been through. I understand there is a variety of reasons those who agree to “bare their souls” are doing this. The general population is curious and often wants to understand the emotional trauma these woman and men have been through. It is a natural human phenomenon. This is what draws people in and is the commercial world of public sharing at events and in the media.
Breast Reconstruction Photos on Physician’s Web Sites
This is what I was drawn to when I decided to have DIEP flap breast reconstruction. I lived without my breasts for a few months so I wasn’t sure what I would look like after reconstruction. I would flip through the photos hoping to be somewhere near the pictures I was looking at.
There is a caveat to this. No two bodies are created equal. There are long torsos, short waisted women, various body habitus that can include larger breasted women, athletic builds, skin laxity due to aging and childbirth, skin color, pre-existing scars or tattoos. The list goes on, no two bodies are created equal.
Breast Reconstruction Photos. A Touching Story
Social media rules have in some people’s minds, placed restraints on photo sharing for breast reconstruction and breast cancer patients. When you administer a site, the rules must be adhered or you may temporarily be blocked or banned. These are complex waters to navigate.
Putting all else aside I have addressed about photo sharing in this blog, an incredible story unfolded recently on the Facebook page I refer to as “The Journey”. I often tell the members who include women, men, physicians, and health care providers they are #JourneyStrong. The stories are so poignant, unique, and individual with one member recently asking:
“Post DIEP ladies, would you mind posting a clothed picture of yourself? Looking to feel inspired…”
A flood of photos started flying in and at this writing they haven’t stopped yet! All clothed, all proud, strong members sharing the photo portraying them after they had breast reconstruction in various settings and at celebratory events. There was one of our male breast cancer members who weighed in commenting how brave all these women are. I wasn’t going to let him off the hook. Knowing his background, I simply replied to his comment and said, “I have one thing to say. Show us your KILT! #MaleBreastCancer” Thanks, Jaccob!
No nakedness necessary for this thread and it grew daily in a private Facebook group of strong members supporting each other through their breast reconstruction Journeys. So, to circle back to the title of the blog, “Breast Reconstruction Photo Sharing: Should We?” I end with this….#JourneyStrong!
Thank you! I know the world is not all puppies and rainbows. However, the shock a nudity when I open Facebook is hard for me to handle. So I do appreciate your boundaries on photos. And I think clothed people make a much bigger statement.
Thanks so much for your comment, Kirstin. I truly appreciate your statement, “clothed people make a much bigger statement.” It is in large part why I wrote the blog when I saw the warmth of the group sharing photos and the depth of the confidence reflected on the faces of those who did. Always good to hear feedback. ~Terri