Finding confidence after breast cancer is a journey that looks different for every woman. For many, body image, scars, and the impact of surgeries like mastectomy or DIEP flap reconstruction can make something as simple as wearing a swimsuit feel complicated. At POST SWIM, we create mastectomy-friendly swimwear with scar coverage, prosthesis support, and flat-closure comfort, designed to help women feel confident again. Today, we’re honored to share Alayna’s story about her breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and how she found joy (and confidence) again.
Discovering My Breast Cancer Diagnosis
I noticed a lump in my breast early January of 2024. If I’m being honest, I was 27 and I didn’t think it could be anything too serious, so I put off being checked (which I now regret and urge people not to do!) until the end of February.
I was diagnosed in March with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC) and lymph node involvement on my right side. I soon found out I have the BRCA2 gene mutation and, because of that and the lymph node involvement, things moved very quickly from there.
It all feels a little blurry in my mind, like a haze is over all the memories.
Navigating Treatment: Chemo, Surgery & Radiation
I did 4 weeks of AC and then 16 of Taxol. After chemo I had a double mastectomy (DMX) with lymph node dissection/removal. Then it was 28 days of radiation and I was finally done with active treatment!
I teach fitness classes and was super active before treatment, and I tried my best to stay working out and moving throughout each phase. It was super hard for me that I couldn’t keep up with my normal workout schedule and my body image definitely took a hit because of that. Even when you have a great excuse, it’s still hard to give yourself grace, especially when all you want to be is normal again.
Rebuilding Confidence After Breast Cancer
A new cute outfit that I felt confident in was actually a great way of turning bad thoughts around and I did use retail as therapy sometimes, oops!!
In May I had DIEP flap reconstruction and that added one major scar on my abdomen and four new drain scars.
My POST SWIM swimsuit amazingly covers my abdomen scar, mastectomy scars, belly button scar, six drain scars AND my port scar. I am so impressed by the coverage and it’s sooo nice to not have to worry about sun damage on all these fresh scars.
Living in “Maintenance Mode”
I’m now in what I’ve been calling “maintenance mode.” I think chemo, surgery and radiation are talked about so much, but it surprises people (including cancer patients) that your cancer treatment doesn’t necessarily end when you are in remission.
I joke that it’s a part-time job keeping up with Lupron shots, bloodwork, oral chemo meds, and scans. I’m in medical menopause at 29, which comes with its own set of symptoms and body image struggles!
I found POST SWIM right before going on my first true vacation since being diagnosed and I was so happy to find such a cute swimsuit that I could feel confident wearing in my new, healing body.
Learning to Share My Story
Before my first surgery, I kept my diagnosis a semi-secret. I told my family and some friends, but for the most part tried to proceed with my normal life as much as possible.
Because I cold capped, I was able to go about (most) of my daily activities without feeling like a cancer patient 24/7, and it gave me a much-needed break from the realities of cancer.
I sometimes say I was a little “delulu,” but I’d literally go to work and act like nothing was wrong, even though I felt sick, and it helped me so much mentally in the long run.
That’s one of the major reasons why I appreciate POST SWIM so much, I am extremely proud of my scars, but sometimes I just want to be at the pool or beach without cancer creeping into my thoughts or conversations. These suits give me that opportunity.
The Power of Community
Part of my healing is slowly being able to focus less on my diagnosis and more on the things that bring me joy.
It’s so nice to be seen by others who have gone through similar health experiences and know you are being thought of when each piece is designed!
There are a lot of “cancer”-related or scar-coverage clothing items, but most of them are made purely for function and without considering that cancer patients and survivors still care about style, too.
It makes me feel less alone knowing others wearing these suits have also been through similar experiences. Joining communities was a huge help to me, and I’m so happy to have found another one here.
Closing
Stories like Alayna’s are the reason POST SWIM exists. We believe survivors deserve swimwear that doesn’t just fit, but empowers them to feel confident in their skin: scars and all.