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PICS: Breast cancer survivor poses topless to show mastectomy scars

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Gemma Cockrell. (Photo: CATERS/WWW.MAGAZINEFEATURES.CO.ZA)
Gemma Cockrell. (Photo: CATERS/WWW.MAGAZINEFEATURES.CO.ZA)

This courageous mom-of-three is embracing her mastectomy scars and flat chest after beating cancer three times.

Gemma Cockrell, from Kingston-upon-Thames, England, was first diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2013.

The 49 year old had three lumpectomy surgeries to remove the cancerous cells, followed by a month of radiotherapy. Although the treatment left her feeling exhausted Gemma worked throughout her treatment.

“I was also part of a trial called The Big Trial, which was to see how many women would have a recurrence of breast cancer after differing times of radiotherapy,” Gemma said.

READ MORE: Every woman should know about how breast cancer affects fertility

“Although I was scared, I was more worried for my children and how they would feel and cope if anything happened to me. 

“All throughout treatment I continued to work. I would just dive in and out for treatment.”

Gemma Cockrell

After being in remission for two years Gemma’s cancer returned in the same breast and scans revealed it had spread into her lymph nodes.

In December 2015 she had a mastectomy, followed by emergency surgery.

“I knew it was much more serious this time and so the impact on my life was far greater,” she said.

This time it took Gemma longer to recover but she was well looked after by hospital staff, her husband, James, and three children, Reid, 25, Torrin, 20, and Jove, 14, and was declared cancer-free.

“The only problem with having treatment was really the physical effects and having to rely on others to do things for you,” Gemma said.

READ MORE: "TB put me in a wheelchair but I love myself and my body even more now"

“Juggling a family and working is always difficult, even when you’re not fighting an illness! My boys ate a lot of pasta,” the mom said.

In February 2017, Gemma felt something wasn’t right in her remaining breast and opted to have it removed. Doctors later found there was cancer present.

Since her second mastectomy the attractive businesswoman, who opted not to have reconstruction surgery, has been cancer-free.

She recently posed in a sensational photoshoot celebrating her chest and scars and hopes to empower others through her decision to show them the “real” side of surviving breast cancer.

“After I decided to have a mastectomy I really felt I’d let my surgeon down, and that I was a bit of a disappointment to them,” she said.

READ MORE: “I took my nipples for granted — until I got breast cancer”

“They obviously know what they can make you look like with reconstruction, but I felt quite strongly that the decision should be mine. I was really encouraged by the hospital to have reconstruction, but I didn’t want to.

“I decided to do the photoshoot as it’s important to me that other women in my situation feel empowered to make their own decisions and that you’re still the same person inside. You can still love and be loved.

“I also felt there weren’t enough ‘real’ photos out there. I was given a booklet with a black-and-white drawing.

“I actually feel normal. I rarely think about it, other than if I’m in a situation where I have to get dressed/undressed with other people, like at the gym.

“I know I’m fine with how I look; I’m just aware that others might not be. I’m very lucky that my husband is just super happy I’m still on the planet and isn’t bothered by how I look,” she said.

Gemma Cockrell

Gemma hopes her act of bravery will also encourage people to make their own decisions surrounding their bodies and not feel pressurised into any procedure they’re not comfortable with.

“Make your own decisions about your health and your body and don’t be bullied into an immediate decision. Feel happy in your own skin,” Gemma said.

“I don’t really think of deliberately wanting to be inspirational, I just want others to know that life can go on as normal even if you don’t quite look the same.”

Source: Magazine Features

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