"Bodyshamed after a year of cancer treatment"

Today I had an appointment in the gynaecology department to discuss the removal of my ovaries and Fallopian tubes. This is because last year I was diagnosed with breast cancer, and after undergoing surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy along with ongoing hormone therapy,having my ovaries removed will prevent me having to have horrible hormone preventing injections for the next 5 years at least. 

I’m 42 and the breast cancer treatment has already put me into an early menopause. This operation will obviously make my situation irreversible. 

The consultant today was great, but when I had to go with a nurse to have my weight and height taken I was made to feel terrible.

They mentioned on the way to the room that I shouldn't worry, only they will see my weight, and that we’ve all put on a few pounds over the last year. And then when I got on the scales they said we both know my BMI isn’t going to be pretty but we’ll work with what we’ve got. 

This nurse had no right to say these things to me. I have put on weight during the last year for sure, and some of this is due to my steroid medication as well as a lack of activity due to treatment and the fact the lack of hormones in my body leaves me feeling elderly most days. I had to buy a set of hiking poles to allow me to go out for walks because some days it hurts so much.

I’m now in a situation where cancer has robbed me of a natural breast, made me menopausal at 42 and is now taking my ovaries. I wasn’t planning anymore children but it’s a horrible feeling as a woman to have these things taken away from you. 

The lack of empathy today has shattered my confidence. My care up until today has been wonderful, but I want to raise the fact that a few small words that may have been said as some kind of joke can be really harmful to someone who is already struggling emotionally.