Mastectomy Before Breast Cancer: One Woman's Choice
In a new book, TV writer Jessica Queller faces up to carrying the BRCA gene mutation
You're single and looking for Mr. Right. How does what you've been through affect your dating life?
Right after my surgery, I met my ex-boyfriend, an amazing man. We were together over a year. He really cured me of my fears, about my body and about ruining the rest of my life. He made me feel beautiful and normal. I will be forever grateful to him. That relationship was a gift for me. He thought I was beautiful and brave—for other reasons, we didn't get married.
Since then I haven't dated much. I won't go out with anyone unless he knows in advance about my mastectomy and reconstruction. I have scars, there's no hiding that. My friends set me up, and alert the guy in advance. I don't want to tell the guy about it over dinner. I've had some bad experiences doing that. It is a way to separate the wheat from the chaff. Only a sensitive, evolved mature man can understand.
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