Really not sure what to title this!

[MrsSkylerWhite]

Prompted partly by another thread, how would you feel about seeing a woman who’d had mastectomy as a result of breast cancer and chosen not to reconstruct topless on a beach?

40andlovelife

I suppose then my first thought would be that I am glad the person is well after experiencing such trauma in her life. I would then tut for all of 4 seconds, at every female who is topless because I just don't agree with it! But that's just me. I do of course respect everyone's choice to do as they please ( within the law), including going topless. Mastectomy or full boobage.
My point I suppose is that I wouldn't feel any different about seeing a woman with a mastectomy than I would about a woman with big/small/saggy/ perky boobs

Well, fair enough then.

I’d think good for you, you are a brave, strong woman.

Many years ago I went on a day boat trip in Turkey. When queuing up for lunch on board, I saw an athletic built woman in a bikini bottom and no top. Did a double take as topless and Turkey don't go together. She had had a double mastectomy and as she had no boobs she had not opted for the bikini top. Thought good on you and mentioned to my BF who also shared how impressive her confidence was. She was with her adoring partner and nobody was fazed. She looked super happy and fit. I thought she was amazing.

I would feel happy for you that you made it. You've been through enough, please don't worry about what strangers might be thinking.

I would wonder whether the warmth and sunlight would feel soothing on your scars and perhaps assist with healing.

Then I'd probably go back to my book whilst quietly wishing you well

From my one experience of sunbathing topless, I'd think "good on that woman, I hope she's got factor 50 on though". Seriously, I wouldn't think anything of your shape.

I would probably think, "oh that woman looks like she's had a mastectomy," I might momentarily wonder how she is/if she's in treatment, but that's it. Probably then go back to worrying about how I look in my own bikini tbh! We're all so consumed with ourselves half the time aren't we!

snowlady4 · Today 23:01
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I would probably think, "oh that woman looks like she's had a mastectomy," I might momentarily wonder how she is/if she's in treatment, but that's it. Probably then go back to worrying about how I look in my own bikini tbh! We're all so consumed with ourselves half the time aren't

Yes, we are. This is a very self-indulgent thread 😁

I wanted to know what people thought, though and it’s been very, very helpful.

Night, night everyone.

Exactly like this on the inside.. on the outside id try not to let you catch me looking because I don’t wanna set back your confidence, but if you did I’d give you a polite smile/grin and a little head-nod.

I would have nothing but admiration and respect for her.

How would you know she had breast cancer and not just did for cosmetic reasons?

I'd think fair play

I would be curious because I've never seen anyone sunbathing topless with only one breast before. I know it's not the right thing to say, but I would. So I would probably have a few sneaky looks from a distance. Sorry.

Then I'd get on with my day. I wouldn't think anything one way or another after my initial curiosity. I certainly wouldn't be repulsed or think she should cover up. Its just someone's body.

Sorry, i assumed one breast. But if double mastectomy then I probably wouldn't really notice unless I was up close or your scars were very obvious.

I would be entirely unfazed and feel pleased that you were enjoying yourself. I had breast cancer surgery last year, but I had a reconstruction. I feel very comfortable around other women who have experienced breast cancer, particularly women around my own age. I would imagine that lots of the people on the beach will either have experienced it themselves or been close to somebody who has.

Having said that, people do stare. They just do. They all think that they don't, and that they're being discreet, but I remember very well how many people spent an awfully long time looking at me and doing double takes when I was bald. I guess to the double taker, it seems very minor, and only a second of their day - nothing to get upset about, but it feels very different when you are the person who has a constant stream of people gawking at you.

What I really want to say is that you should do whatever you want, and fuck everybody else, but if you're feeling fragile, it might be worth considering how you'll feel if you get lots of curious glances.

I'd think she was a badass and want to befriend her.

i would feel happy if I saw a woman like this topless sunbathing because I think it demonstrates positivity and bravery which can be infectious, however i would wear a bikini top myself because i feel like my chest is my business even after a mastectomy.

I would feel huge admiration for her. What she's been through. That's she's here and my god, if she wants to sunbathe topless, crack right on girl! I would also feel delighted that she's well.

I would think how brave she must be to have dealt with what led her to have a mastectomy and to still be strong enough to face funny looks and stares. I would be silently cheering her on.

I'd feel proud of you, for being a survivor and sticking two fingers up to cancer and the people who are shallow. Be proud of coming out the other side!

Well because cancer is the most obvious and common explanation for having such drastic surgery.

I'd think she was a brave lady who beat cancer and I wouldn't make a deal (or a thread on Mumsnet) about it.

I'd think wow, she really deserves this holiday. I hope she has a good one.

Wouldn't bat an eyelid

Now, if you had loads of horrid tattoos I would be silently tutting and being all judgey but even then I wouldn't say anything.

• I hate tattoos on women. Irrational but there you go.

But honestly I wouldn't bat an eye at anyone topless.

Boobs or no boobs..