A rollercoaster. That’s what you could call Myrthe’s (36) past years. She was diagnosed with breast cancer twice within two years – even though she wanted nothing more than to start a large family. As if life hadn’t challenged her enough, she suffered an ectopic pregnancy and the relationship with her ex – and the father of her children – broke down. “But I’m okay,” said brave Myrthe. She tells her impressive story to JAN.
29 years old and breast cancer
‘Our son was six months old when I was diagnosed with breast cancer for the first time at the age of 29, in 2016. It was intense, I became bald and very sick from the chemo, but we got through it well. I didn’t even find the breast cancer itself the most difficult thing; the fact that our lives, and therefore the founding of our family, had come to a standstill, even more so. Before my first chemo, I followed an IVF process because we wanted more children in the future. Chemos can affect your fertility. First of all, the tumor in my ‘sick breast’ was surgically removed. Because I was so young, I was then given maximum radiation and the maximum number of chemo treatments. They really threw everything at it.’
Hospital check-up
‘I got better and about three quarters of a year later, in 2018, I went to the hospital for a check-up. Everything seemed to be looking good – and that same day we presented our wish for a second child to the gynecologist. While we were discussing the options, the surgeon received a call from a colleague from radiology. “I don’t have a good feeling about it, I want to do an MRI,” said the radiologist. This came as a bolt from the blue. The MRI showed that I again had three tumors in the same breast. Small tumors, only about half a centimeter, but the cancer was back.
There we went again, down the drain. I hadn’t even fully recovered from the last time. Because I had already had many radiation treatments, my breast tissue had hardened. Therefore, they could not perform a preventive operation. Ultimately, both of my breasts had to be completely amputated. In my “good breast” the surgeon was able to place a prosthesis behind my pectoral muscle; in my “sick breast” no more. To do this, they folded a back muscle, under my armpit, forward. I am very happy with the result, with many thanks to the lovely doctors at the fantastic Antonie van Leeuwenhoek. But of course my scars – near my breasts and on my back – are large.’
Ectopic Pregnancy
‘So I survived breast cancer again. Two years later, during an extensive check-up with a PET scan, it showed that my body was still cancer-free. Our desire for a second child slowly revived – and my doctors supported us in this. It worked: I got pregnant! But it soon turned out to be an ectopic pregnancy, which required urgent surgery. All in all, this has put a lot of strain on my relationship. My ex had to endure at least that much. It was a difficult process in which we unfortunately lost each other. During the second pregnancy I gave birth to our second child while we were going through a divorce. A healthy daughter.’
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Myrthe
Scars after breast cancer
‘Once I had finished the breast cancer process – and wanted to know more about scar treatment, for example – I should have taken the initiative myself. As far as I’m concerned, this becomes part of the treatment. Just like psychological care, both for patients and the “partners of”. How do I look at my scars? I now wear them with pride. To break the taboo – which still prevails – I sometimes almost deliberately put on a V-neck or a shirt with an open back. My wish is that all women with these scars dare to do this; we can be proud of all the misery we have endured.
I now know thanks The Skin Clinic that, if desired, everything is possible to beautify scars. If I knew that five years ago, I might have done it. I’m still considering it, even though I’m so used to them now. By the way, I have not only regained scars from my illness, but also a different view on life. I now have a much more open-minded approach to life, and I don’t really worry about much anymore.’
Myrthe (36) now has a new boyfriend and works as a psychologist in her own practice. She lives with her two children (2 and 8 years old) in Weesp.
What about beautifying scars?
We asked four questions to skin therapist Lieke Bruinsma and founder Renske Ypma van The Skin Clinic.
What treatments can women with breast cancer scars receive?
‘We can use various treatments to reduce (physical) complaints of a scar and/or to beautify the scar. Think of scar massage, microneedling and laser therapy. Depending on the cause, how old the scar is, the type of scar and the complaints caused by the scar, we draw up a treatment plan. We not only look at the cosmetic side, but also at any emotional effects of a scar.’
What can you say about the effect of scar treatment?
‘For optimal results, multiple treatments are often required. We often see a positive effect in the color, thickness and size of the scar within a few weeks. Complaints such as pain, itching, restriction of movement and adhesion of the scar often decrease immediately after treatment. The effect is greatest when the scar is still somewhat “young”. This is because the healing process of the scar is still active. Scar therapy can usually be started as soon as the wound is closed.’
Do you think there is (still) a taboo on treating scars after breast cancer?
‘We notice that there is sometimes a certain threshold for starting scar therapy. Psychosocial complaints, such as trauma, insecurity and shame, often also play a role. This is very understandable. Fortunately, in the twenty years we have that The Skin Clinic (previously Derma2Care, ed.) can already help many women to reduce their scar and the associated complaints. It is extremely valuable and rewarding work.’
Are the laser treatments completely safe – even after having had breast cancer?
‘Because the laser light is only absorbed by water in the skin, this treatment is 100 percent safe and not harmful. Laser light is light with one wavelength that reaches a certain depth into the skin. The light from the lasers that improve scars reaches the “dermis”, also called the dermis and the middle layer of the skin. The light from these lasers is only absorbed by the water in the skin. Because it is light slash When the heat reaches the skin, skin improvement is initiated in a natural way. And the redness in the scar decreases. The fibroblasts (cells in the connective tissue, ed.) are stimulated to produce new collagen and elastin. This will reduce the size and red color of the scar and improve the texture of the skin.’
2023-11-05 23:03:27
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