Your Opinion Please — Scars on Show - Changing Room

Kateykrunch I know exactly how you feel, but no it would not upset me in the slightest.
However, for the same reason I dislike communal changing rooms. We used to have a lovely little swimming pool not far away which was part of a retreat, the public was allowed there and there were changing cubicles there but it closed down, unfortunately.

Have you seen the advert where the woman has had a tattoo across her mastectomy scar? I don't think I'd be that brave!

No it wouldn't worry me in the slightest. 😊

I hope you can relax now you have read all these responses, which I absolutely endorse.

I know when my sister had her first mastectomy she told the surgeon it looked like a Cornish pasty - she has always found humour to be helpful in a sticky situation!

On the beaches in the South of France women who have has mastectomies sunbathe topless quite openly. It didn't bother me, why would it? It did not appear to bother anybody else either.
I was mildly perturbed by the number of badly done breast enlargements that looked like beach balls but I can't say I lost sleep over them.

Where we get changed on the beach there’s all shapes and sizes sometimes towels drop or bottoms or boobs pop out who cares we ve all got bodies what ever shape or size.
In a communal changing room I always admire the women who just step out of their cosies with not a worry I always tuck a towel round me but not sure why 🤣

A retired surgeon friend of mine had a mastectomy. Because she was determined to have a shower during treatment she partly washed off the marks that showed where the radio therapy needed to be directed.

So she came to me, with a felt pen, and had me draw them on again! The point is, I could see her scar and I thought to myself "I could live with that" - "live" being the important sentiment.

It wouldn't upset me either. Let the cancer research advert of the tattoed mastectomy scar be your touchstone. Many people have seen it and now know what a woman looks like post op.

It wouldn’t concern me one bit. I think you are a very brave lady 💐

Oh no, of course it wouldn’t upset me, other than feeling sad you e had to go through this!

kateykrunch Your scar is your badge of courage. You've survived hard times. Hold your head high.
Sending you a hug. x

Gosh, some lovely comments, thank you, I really appreciate them.

I wouldnt be looking at other people in a changing room and would hope they would show me the same courtesy.

All power too you. Your scars would not offend me.

I have had surgery twice, for bowel cancer in the last two years. I have 4 medium sized scars on my belly, and three small ones (where the camera was inserted). The scars were very unsightly, red and vivid for a long time. I use Bio Oil all the time, after shower/bath, and I feel that it has helped enormously, and they look so much better. Superdrug have their own brand of it too, and I have used both.

I would encourage you to use this or similar if you feel that your scars are troubling you, and if not, the regular application of the oil will help you see you skin and scars more kindly.

I apologise if this is unwanted advice/unnecessary intrusion.

All power 'to' you, not 'too'. Doh

My three goods friends had mastectomy just one is embarrassed about her scars.
It most certainly would not bother me seeing a woman's scars. You have been through a lot be very proud of yourself.

If other people don’t like it they don’t have to look! If it was a scar from open heart surgery it would be the other way but still something to be proud of! x

Many years ago I was in a communal changing room trying on a number of dresses. I have had three major emergency surgeries and my abdomen bears a resemblance to the London tube map. A younger woman looked hard at the mass of scars and asked, "Are those scars real?" Seriously?

On the contrary kateykrunch, I’d feel very proud of you.
My daughter in law had a mastectomy four years ago. She refused reconstructive surgery and wears her scars with pride as a survivor and an inspiration to all women. Just like you.

It would not upset me in the slightest. And if it does upset someone then that is their problem not yours.

The first time I saw a double mas I was shocked I admit, and as you honestly say OP it’s not a pretty sight.
That said, if it doesn’t upset you to see anyone looking at you, then just get on and dry and dress out in the open.It may frighten a child tho?

No, not at all.

Your scars are now a part of you and your journey to get this far. Be proud. I wouldn’t mind one bit if you were changing next to me, and can’t think why anyone would be upset, get out there and live your life without giving it a second thought.

Wouldn't upset me at all I would just be happy that you felt fit and healthy enough to swim. I have a large hysterectomy scar and when the changing rooms were being revamped had to change out in the open and just decided to go for it. Another lady standing by said "snap" as she had the same scar and we had a laugh about it. If someone is upset it is their problem not yours.

It breaks my heart that you would need to ask! Of course I wouldn't be upset, as others have said your scars are a badge of your courage and you shouldn't be worried about offending anyone. If offence is taken, that person/s isn't worth your concern.

No it wouldn’t upset me.
I used to go to a pool where one of the members had had breast surgery and made a point of showing me her tattoo on the op- site.
I would think of you as a role model, just as I did her.