Aurore Ernest, a 52-year-old breast cancer survivor from Nîmes, shares her journey on Instagram (@amazone.et.alors) during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. After a shocking diagnosis and a total mastectomy, she chose not to undergo breast reconstruction, embracing her scars instead. Aurore emphasizes that femininity goes beyond physical appearance, advocating for self-acceptance and emotional well-being. Her story inspires other women to find strength and harmony with their bodies post-cancer, illustrating that happiness can thrive without conforming to societal expectations.
Aurore Ernest, a 52-year-old woman from Nîmes, is the founder of the Instagram account @amazone.et.alors. On the surface, Aurore appears to be an ordinary individual, yet her journey sets her apart. A few years ago, she faced a life-changing challenge: a diagnosis of breast cancer.
Beyond the treatments and the mastectomy she endured, Aurore made a surprising and, to many, a courageous choice: she decided against breast reconstruction. In honor of Pink October, dedicated to breast cancer awareness, she shares her story, showcasing her resilience and a newfound perspective on her femininity.
The Harsh Reality of a Breast Cancer Diagnosis
‘I vividly remember June 20, 2017—a day filled with promise,’ Aurore recalls. ‘While taking a shower, I performed an autopalpation, and that’s when I discovered a lump in my left breast, measuring 2.5 cm. It was painless, and aside from feeling fatigued and having lost some weight, I felt fine.’ At her age, she did not think anything serious was wrong. ‘I assumed it was probably a hormonal cyst.’
However, after her menstrual cycle, the lump remained. Following her doctor’s advice, she had a mammogram. Aurore remained calm, believing it was nothing to worry about. But during the ultrasound, the radiologist delivered the shocking news: ‘This is cancer, you will need surgery and chemotherapy.’ This brutal diagnosis left Aurore in disbelief. ‘The impact of that announcement was overwhelming.’
Coming to Terms with Total Mastectomy
Aurore subsequently consulted an oncologist who confirmed the diagnosis. Initially, she resisted the idea of a mastectomy. ‘I only wanted a lumpectomy to remove the tumor.’ But as her situation evolved, she ultimately decided on a total mastectomy. ‘Although it was tough to consider losing my breast, I recognized it was the healthiest choice, and within an hour of talking with my oncologist, I embraced life.‘
After undergoing the mastectomy, Aurore met her scar for the first time. ‘I was taken aback by its length—25 cm. Accepting my new body was a challenge. But as I touched my scar, I thought, ‘Look at what cancer has brought you.’ I found beauty in that scar; it became a symbol of the life I had ahead.‘
The Choice to Forego Reconstruction
After her experience, the topic of breast reconstruction emerged. While many women opt for it, Aurore chose differently. ‘I was not interested in reconstruction. I feared I might not like how my body was reshaped. Most importantly, I refused to deceive myself or society. I had a mastectomy, and I fully embrace my transformed body—there’s no shame in that!‘
For Aurore, this decision primarily focuses on her mental health. ‘Seeing reconstructed breasts, even with prostheses, would rekindle my anxiety from that initial diagnosis. I feel comfortable as I am, with my scars. I have never used prostheses or padding because I don’t want to mislead society about my experience. It’s vital for me to reveal the true face of cancer.’
Redefining Femininity
Many women contemplate how a mastectomy impacts their femininity. For Aurore, the answer is distinct: ‘I don’t feel “less of a woman” without my breasts. Rather, I feel more aligned with who I am. Femininity extends beyond physical attributes; it’s our personality, our actions, and our behaviors that define us as women.’
Now, her “aerodynamic bust”, as she calls it, brings her joy. ‘It has completely reshaped my understanding of femininity.‘ She has taken great care of her scars, treating them with love and is no longer apprehensive about anyone touching them, whether a doctor, physiotherapist, or loved one.
“You’re considering reconstruction, right?”
Facing societal pressures and opinions, she stands firm in her decision not to have reconstruction. ‘‘I frequently hear comments like, “You’re having reconstruction, aren’t you?” Some view it as a chance for “perfect breasts.”