The simple answer is YES…and no. This is a difficult question to answer because it involves so much and our bodies have changed physically which affects us mentally as well. I can only speak about my experience and I do realize it can be different for every person depending on their initial treatment plan and continued treatment plans.
I do feel like my “old self” in many ways but definitely a new improved version! Let me explain more. Physically, it took a long time (about a year to 18 months) to feel like my body didn’t have some foreign objects stuck to the front of them. These new breasts are definitely not the same but they’re not all bad either! Let’s be honest, as we age our breasts start heading more and more South! I never planned on getting these fake boobs but I can’t complain now that they are not inching closer and closer to my waistline any longer!
What about the mental anguish and depression I had to deal with? Well, that’s gone too. I have a much better appreciation for life, don’t take the little things for granted and am very thankful for each day I have living as a healthy and happy person the best way I know how. When you hear about other women getting a recurrence and living with a stage 4 cancer diagnosis, it definitely puts things into perspective! By the way, I am in awe of these women and they inspire me every single day. They are a wonderful example to me and many others. They are the true fighters and thrivers who never give up!
So…YES, you will feel like yourself again, maybe it will take some time, but you will get there!