36. Boob Job?

I have signed up for the Moon Walk with some friends: a 42 km overnight walk in aid of Breast Cancer charities. We have been gradually increasing the length of our walks and are now up to 26 km – some days my new breasts ache after a walk or I get unexpected jolts of pain when I’m not expecting it. But generally exercising is getting easier and easier – I start some classes at the gym and book some physiotherapy sessions to start to build up my pectoral muscles in particular. I explain to the Pilates teacher in the first session that I have recently had an operation – she asks if I’ve had a boob job. Not exactly, I say. I explain that I’ve had a double mastectomy – she surprises me by replying that she has the BRCA gene and is due to have a double mastectomy in six weeks’ time. She admits she is terrified – I stay after the class to talk with her. I reassure her that my experience has been a very positive one and answer her questions as best I can. She says she is reassured talking to me and from looking at my profile and observing how I coped during the class (although the push-ups were challenging). I suggest she reads this blog and feel pleased if a little nervous at the thought.