This Reality Star’s Photos Show What A Mastectomy Really Looks Like?
“A couple of weeks ago I found out I’m BRCA2 positive, which means I’m at a high risk for breast and ovarian cancer one day,” Murphy wrote in an Instagram caption. “Buzzzz kill. I know. But it’s true what they say—knowledge is power. I’m left with a few options and have decided that preventative surgery is what I want over various screenings multiple times a year. A double mastectomy at 2freaking9. Wtf?! Yep, it’s happening.”
Related: Why I Decided to Have a Double Mastectomy at Age 23
Murphy has a family history of breast cancer—her mother was diagnosed with the disease three years ago. She made the difficult decision to undergo preventative surgery, and has chronicled her journey on Instagram.
Before her mastectomy, Murphy threw a “ta-ta to the tatas” party complete with themed games and cake.
A post shared by Lesley • The Road Les Traveled (@lesleyannemurphy) on Apr 9, 2017 at 4:38pm PDT
She kept her followers updated from the first day after her surgery, which she had done in her home state of Arkansas.
Learn how to do a breast self exam:
A post shared by Lesley • The Road Les Traveled (@lesleyannemurphy) on Apr 12, 2017 at 12:08pm PDT
On the second day after her surgery, Murphy was able to take a few steps through the hall of the hospital. She was then discharged and taken home to further recover.
A post shared by Lesley • The Road Les Traveled (@lesleyannemurphy) on Apr 13, 2017 at 2:47pm PDT
Murphy’s mom has been caring for her at home, helping her with everything from taking her medications to washing and drying her hair.
Related: What It’s Like to Be a Mom Who’s Been Diagnosed with Stage 4 Breast Cancer
A post shared by Lesley • The Road Les Traveled (@lesleyannemurphy) on Apr 16, 2017 at 7:56pm PDT
It’s now been a week since Murphy’s surgery, and she says she’s been overwhelmed by the support she has received from complete strangers. (Subscribe to Women’s Health newsletter, So This Happened, to get the latest trending stories sent straight to your inbox.)
“I’m amazed by all the stories told in comments, emails and DMs,” she wrote. “Young, old, sad, happy, preventative, or a fight of a lifetime. Each one is inspiring, so thanks for telling your story and being so open and vulnerable here with me. Together we are creating so much awareness for early detection, screenings, gene mutations and how to work with the options we have. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
A post shared by Lesley • The Road Les Traveled (@lesleyannemurphy) on Apr 18, 2017 at 8:11pm PDT
You can follow Murphy on Instagram here.