Baring all after breast cancer

Friday 09 October 2015

A photo of an ex-police officer baring all after a mastectomy has gone viral at the start of Breast Cancer Awareness month.

Susie Hazlewood’s picture has been shared over 18,000 times in less than a week and she hopes it will help get more women checking their boobs.

Susie said: "The more aware we can make people the better – that’s why I’ve done it to give people hope and raise awareness.

"The response has been amazing. So far I've had over 18,000 shares of my picture all over the world. Australia, America, New Zealand, Canada, Thailand, Eygpt, Spain, Germany, Denmark, UK, Scotland, Ireland, Wales to name a few.

"I’m receiving so many personal messages telling me how inspirational I am etc from people I have never met again from all over the world telling me I’m so brave. They are taking the time to share and like my post and also to write me a message or a comment. It’s all so lovely."

The mum-of-three, who's own mum died of the disease at the age of 51, was diagnosed with grade three breast cancer last August and found out after the mastectomy that the cancer was also in her lymph nodes.

She said: “All women and men for that matter should check their boobies as breast cancer doesn’t discriminate, it can happen to anyone, anytime. I don’t smoke, drink only once in a blue moon and then only a couple and I’m fit and healthy, yet it picked on me.”

Susie has since undergone chemotherapy when her hair fell out and 15 lots of radiotherapy and is now waiting to have breast reconstruction. But in the meantime she's determined to raise awareness of the local charity After Breast Cancer, who helped her through her treatment.

She said: “The support I received was fantastic, they give you a toiletries bag full of goodies to come round to after your operation, arrange and pay for weekly cleaners post op as you can’t lift or do anything for six weeks, and a company to collect all your ironing.

"Also, as you have to go to Southampton for radiotherapy as it isnt available here, After Breast Cancer Care will pay for your weekend flights home to see your children instead of having to stay the 4/6 weeks in Southampton. They are amazing.”

Susie hopes to raise funds as well as awareness for the charity and is working with them to set up a JustGiving page during Breast Cancer Awareness month.