Heather Story Skarlette: Unexpected Gifts from Cancer
At 46 I found a lump in my breast and needed chemo, lumpectomy surgery and radiotherapy as it was an aggressive type of breast cancer. Unfortunately, after a few months of “normality” it returned on New Year’s Eve.
I had my first mastectomy to begin another round of cancer treatment and in 2020 I had a preventative mastectomy on my “healthy” side. To be honest, I really didn’t like my asymmetry for the year I was lopsided. I used a prosthetic breast during that time, but when I was flat, I didn’t like using my fake boobs.
Putting a bra with ready made boobs on each day, then removing it at night, served as a permanent reminder to me as to who I wasn’t any more. I felt much better accepting and embracing my new shape.
Just like I am driven to raise awareness of breast cancer in my role as an ambassador for Prevent Breast Cancer, I am determined and passionate about raising awareness of flat closed after mastectomy. I think women should have all the information so they can make a choice that is right for them.
With that said, I was disappointed to see there was no attractive lingerie for me to choose for my flat chest. On the days I felt I wanted a bra, I thought I should have that option. So I asked my seamstress friend (who’s a trained commercial pilot!) if she could make me one.
When it arrived on my doorstep (during lockdown) I was blown away. The incredible feeling of femininity, strength, beauty, empowerment… I could go on! I wanted to run out and show the world. That’s when Skarlette was born. I felt that women everywhere with a naturally flat chest, or through breast cancer like me, deserved to feel this way.
We manufacture our products in the U.K. it’s tough, it’s hugely expensive but it’s incredibly rewarding, and I pinch myself to think this has been born out of a terrible experience and that in my 50s I have become a cofounder of a business and a lingerie model!
Now you can download our free mobile app for patients in the Apple and Android stores. Its free, zero ads!
Heather Glover
Thank you for sharing – this is just the kind of story and pictures I really could’ve done with seeing when I was going through my treatment / surgeries, and it’s exactly what I couldn’t find. Hopefully, it will make a difference and offer hope and support to others facing these challenges.