Your Opinion Please — Scars on Show - Changing Room

This would not upset me in any way. To be completely honest it might surprise me for a nano second to see a woman without the usual silhouette but as a person whose own Mother had a mastectomy I would know why and not think about it again. No one has a perfect body.

All the lovely comments and support from Grans. I only dip in and out and move on if replies to posts seem unhelpful or spiteful, but i’ve read all of these. Enjoy life and do let us know how you get on.

Wouldn't bother me either.

I probably wouldn't notice as I would be too busy getting myself dried and dressed asap to get my old baggy body covered up!

Well done building up your fitness

No it wouldn’t bother me
I would be glad to see a survivor, and have empathy with what you have been through

You are alive, and that is what matters. I know some people look at my [purple] legs, and I know they are dying to ask me about how and why I have them... but unless they formulate the words, I do not say anything. People shouldn't be looking at the bodies of others, anyway. So just do what you need to do.

I’m a very private person so wouldn’t use a communal changing room.
HOWEVER I was always taught to “be proud of your scars” they are a part of you. x

I hope it doesn't concern you enough to stop you swimming. All the folk I see at our Health Club are all shapes and sizes. I'm very conscious of my large 72 year old bosom which I absolutely hate so I pop on my bra before coming out of the shower cubicle. Could you possibly do something similar with a vest or camisole? But only if it would make you feel better. I'm sure no one would ever knowingly be unkind enough to stare or comment. Keep swimming !!

I think the person worrying about your scars the most is you. I had a series of operations on my chest, resulting in bilateral mastectomy and a patchwork of scars resembling a map of the London Underground. I am self conscious in situations such as yours, but I see myself as a survivor and also have a sense of pride. You are alive, who cares what others think!!

madcatwoman

Yours scars are your Badge of Honour. They're testament to the trauma, pain and heartache you have been through. Wear them with pride and don't be concerned about anyone else. Any other woman, seeing your scars, can only give you a nod of approval or a smile of support. You are a brave lady, so hold your head high ... and enjoy your shopping! Whatever you buy, you deserve it.

I disagree that scars are a badge of honour.

No one has the right to judge or make comments however well meant, on my body.

I don't need the approval of other women looking at my body and claiming I was brave.

No I wasn't, I was just getting the right and necessary treatment for illness. I am very grateful every day, but brave?

No.

Wear your scar with pride love! No wouldn’t upset me. You carry on enjoying your swimming x

Absolutely no way would I be worried or upset at seeing your scar ...I probably would notice it as I am really ditsy and do not concentrate on what I should be doing...but I would be thinking...good for you girl...you wear that scar with pride. I have ta particularly horrid scary after hip surgery and on the odd occasion I have seen someone looking pityingly at it ..I just smile and say..'The shark didn't survive'!!!!!!!

aggie

I would be sympathetic , but not upset , and I’d probably pretend I hadn’t noticed

Same here.

It absolutely wouldn’t upset me. When I see a woman with a mastectomy scar, I admire her for getting on with her life and not hiding herself. Please don’t feel the need to hide yourself. You are a survivor 💪

Another vote for you and good for you improving your fitness.
I would notice but probably pretend that I hadn't and I would not be at all shocked.
Just , like many others, sorry for what you have had to endure and glad that you've got through it.
Swimming is the most wonderful exercise that you can take very gradually. Don't let anything make you give it up.

Yours scars are your Badge of Honour. They're testament to the trauma, pain and heartache you have been through. Wear them with pride and don't be concerned about anyone else. Any other woman, seeing your scars, can only give you a nod of approval or a smile of support. You are a brave lady, so hold your head high ... and enjoy your shopping! Whatever you buy, you deserve it.

Personally. I would want to give you a hug and say well done

Same as Aggie 🩷💜💚

Sorry.........TOWELLING bag!

Hi, I have a narly scar from having a lung removed last year. Wear the scar with pride. It saved you. And no a scar wouldn't bother me one bit.

Kateykrunch

I just want to garner some opinion please.
I have had a double mastectomy (4 years apart) and have a full scar running across the whole of my chest. I consider the scar to be ugly (it is). I am trying to build up my fitness and have started swimming regularly (12 lengths today). The private changing cubicles are tiny, so today when I was getting dressed I discreetly turned away to put my top on BUT although it wasnt very busy the Lady nearby would have seen my flat scared chest. It really would be easier for me not to have to juggle my towel for the fleeting time it takes to dress my top half but I dont want to freak anyone out, so… My question to you please, is would this sight upset you. Opinions will colour my decision moving forward and I could try to shoehorn myself into a cubicle if I am likely to frighten the horses. Thanks to anyone who is happy to give me an opinion on this sensitive subject (I apologise if anyone is offended my my light hearted approach, but….)

Here are some flowers for you.

TwinLolly

A friend of mine had a double mastectomy and doesn't give a fig if women see the scars. She holds her head up high. She is a survivor and is showing the reality of cancer. She's beautiful inside and out, and so are you!

Very well said and I totally agree, wear your battle scars with pride.

I send you a bunch of flowers.

Of course I would not have been upset about seeing your scars, I would think what a very brave lady you are for what you have been through and hope that you have a long and healthy life in front of you.

Our daughter in laws mum has just had the same operation as yourself and has been given the all clear.

Good luck to you and your family.

Please excuse the random punctuations - my lap top has a mind of its own sometimes.

It wouldn't upset me in the least - you won your battle, wear. your scars with pride!

If. you. have. trouble in a tiny changing room you might consider a changing coverall - like a tolling bag with a hole for your head - bags of room to dry and dress yourself unhindered

It would not bother me at all.
If I had my grandchildren with me I might be concerned that they might point it out and my worry would be that you would take it personally.
My response to them would be on the lines of. Yes it looks like the lady had to have a big operation. They both know about scars as their father has had surgeries so they might ask questions. As 4yr old children are inclined to do.