Did you know that breast cancer is the most common type of carcinoma among women both in North America and worldwide? According to data from the World Cancer Research Fund, more than two million new cases are discovered every year.
The treatment for this disease is very critical. Mastectomy was the first medical procedure to cure cancer. But it requires the removal of the breasts partially, unilaterally, or completely to prevent the tumor from developing further and spreading to other organs.
Have you ever stopped to imagine what it would be like to lose a part of your body? In addition to providing a form of connection between mother and child through breastfeeding, the breast is also a symbol of sexuality and beauty. Naturally, women find it difficult to accept their bodies and may develop low self-esteem after such a surgery.
Upon careful analysis, we find that the impact of cancer on a woman’s life is monumental. There is the possibility of death; there is the traumatic experience of going through chemotherapy and radiotherapy, hospitalizations, and side effects such as hair loss which, in addition to the loss of a body part. These can have a negative effect on a woman’s emotional and physical quality of life. In view of this, psychological monitoring before and after treatment is essential for the rehabilitation of patients.
Some organizations are dedicated to bringing joy to many women who have undergone mastectomies. These groups develop projects that offer wigs, photoshoots, emotional and psychological care, as well as tattoos that reconstruct the appearance of the breast, among other things.
Oncologist Ricardo Caponero mentions that “these projects encourage vanity in a healthy way as well as a better understanding of one’s self-image.” Ultimately, after everything these women go through, what they deserve the most is to know that there is a beautiful life ahead to be lived.
The most important thing to understand is that, no matter how difficult it may be to accept, one part of your body (or the sum of all your body parts) doesn’t define the beauty that exists within it. You are made up of countless experiences, stories, memories, and many smiles and tears. Therefore, it’s worth knowing that the true superpower of the complete woman is to keep her head up at all times, to have the determination and courage to face every day, to have a character and a personality that matches the image and the likeness of God.
If you are reading this today and you have gone or are going through a painful battle with cancer or any other illness, know that despite all the difficulties, you continue to be a complete and stunning woman.
In the eyes of the Father, you are a masterpiece that He planned and which he painted with His own hands.
VALADÃO, 2001 [free translation]
Never let someone say you are not wanted; before you were born, God dreamed of you!
You are so beautiful, perfect in the eyes of the Father.
I have never seen anyone like you.
Don’t allow doubt and insecurity to control you, because the image that is reflected in the mirror is nothing other than a wonder woman!
My flesh and my heart may fail but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Psalm 73:26
Valadão A. P., “Aos Olhos do Pai” Belo Horizonte: © Sony / ATV Music Publishing LLC, BMG Rights Management US, LLC, 2001.
