One mother's account of living through breast cancer has gone viral after she posted a picture to highlight the realities of a mastectomy.
Christi Salcedo shared a topless picture of herself, along with a lengthy explanation about why she chose not to have reconstructive surgery following the removal of both her breasts.
She starts the post by asking the viewer to 'take a good hard look' at her chest before asking them not to 'feel weird about doing it'. She then goes on to reveal that she thinks that 'there is nothing sacred or sexual left to see.'
Christi explains her thoughts on breast cancer, writing: 'What is there for you to see is a hollowed arm pit. Breast cancer spreads first to your underarm lymph nodes. Seeing as mine was under my left arm, they removed all of my lymph nodes & a lot of tissue. You may also note an incision that is disfigured as this kept opening up post surgery.
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'While I can see that the pink ribbon brings comfort to some... I want you to know that breast cancer is ugly. It's not an easy or a glam cancer to have. In fact cancers are one & the same to me. Cells run wild. Immune system compromised.'
[Facebook]https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=643423522471973&set=a.102299613251036.4590.100004129923766&type=3&theater[/facebook]The mum also describes her heartbreak of being 'robbed of a precious part' of her self, the part that she once 'nourished' her children with and something that was part of her 'sexual identity.'
Of her decision not to have reconstructive surgery Christi says she forwent the operation because of her children. 'I wanted them to see me strong again. I wanted them to have their Mother they knew.'
Further down in her post she goes on to discuss the reactions she has from people who stare at her. 'I want to scream, YES! You are seeing it right! This is Breast Cancer... Please check yourself!' She says.
Christi's post has been shared over 4000 times, with hundreds of comments expressing how moved people felt by her story. One follower Karen Antonucci wrote, 'You are a beautiful woman inside & out! Don't ever let anyone take that from you! Some people are simply ignorant & go through life wearing blinders. Thank you for sharing your story & the beautiful picture 💗'
