A 24-year-old breast cancer survivor has revealed how she came to terms with her stage three diagnosis in April last year.
Sofi Leota, who underwent a mastectomy at just 23, said that the physical changes were confronting.
‘Some days were definitely harder than others,’ the Queensland woman told FEMAIL. ‘It was hard to look in the mirror.’
‘It was hard to look in the mirror’: A breast cancer survivor who underwent a mastectomy at just 23-years-old, revealed to FEMAIL on Friday how she came to terms with her diagnosis
Survivor: Sofi Leota (pictured) was diagnosed with stage three invasive breast cancer in April last year. She has undergone a mastectomy of her right breast, lymph node removal, multiple rounds of chemotherapy, radiation and IVF treatment
Sofi described herself as feeling ‘numb’ when diagnosed with stage three invasive breast cancer.
‘I felt numb and my mind went into a frenzy,’ she told FEMAIL.
‘I had zero words. It was a horrible, horrible feeling. I would never wish it upon my worst enemy.’
Sofi underwent a mastectomy of her right breast, lymph node removal, multiple rounds of chemotherapy, radiation and IVF treatment within a week of being diagnosed.
Challenges: She admitted that she had to come to terms with the mastectomy ‘pretty quickly’ as she had no choice, however the loss of hair and weight gain were harder to face
She admitted that she had to come to terms with the mastectomy ‘pretty quickly’ as she had no choice but to have it, and so within a week of being diagnosed it was carried out.
However, it was the loss of her hair and weight gain that were the hardest to face.
‘With the mastectomy I came to terms with it pretty quickly because I had no choice,’ she said.
‘I was diagnosed on a Tuesday and had the mastectomy booked in for the following Monday.’
‘All of the other physical changes were a work in progress,’ Sofi added. ‘Some days were definitely harder than others, especially when looking in the mirror.’
Acceptance: Sofi said she finally came to terms with the physical changes, when she realised it was all temporary: ‘My physical features did not define me as a person or as a woman. I was more than a head full of hair or two boobs’
Sofi said she finally came to terms with the physical changes, when she realised it was all temporary.
‘I knew it was all temporary and it was necessary for me to live a long life afterwards. I also came to know that my physical features did not define me as a person or as a woman. I am more than a head full of hair or two boobs.’
Going into remission in January this year, Sofi said she now pays more attention to how she’s feeling, having never taken much notice a year prior.
‘I never paid attention to my body or wondered why I was feeling a certain way,’ she admitted. ‘I hadn’t taken much notice. If I hadn’t of felt the lump, I probably wouldn’t have thought something was wrong.’
Her diagnosis has given Sofi a new appreciation for life and has redefined her idea of beauty.
Reflection: Going into remission in January this year, Sofi said she now pays more attention to how she’s feeling, having never taken much notice a year prior. Pictured prior to her diagnosis
‘Life is too short and beauty truly does lie within,’ she said. ‘We need to care more about ourselves and love ourselves. We are all so wonderful and beautiful in our own ways, both men and women.’
With Friday March 8 being International Women’s Day, Sofi believes an emphasis needs to be placed on regular self examinations, and for women to notice any changes in their bodies.
‘We’re told not to really worry about these things until we’re older, so I think it’s important for all women to check regularly, and to know what they’re checking for,’ she said.
Beauty lies within: Her diagnosis has given Sofi a new appreciation for life and has redefined her idea of beauty. ‘Life is too short and beauty truly does lie within,’ she said. ‘We need to care more about ourselves and love ourselves’
Worthy cause: Sofi, who is an ambassador for skincare brand Biologi, is campaigning on International Women’s Day, to raise $100K for Breast Cancer Network Australia
‘We’re told not to really worry about these things until we’re older, so I think it’s important for all women to check regularly, and to know what they’re checking for,’ she said.
‘I definitely didn’t know or realise any of this, prior to finding the lump on my breast.’
Sofi, who is an ambassador for skincare brand Biologi, is campaigning on International Women’s Day, to raise money for Breast Cancer Network Australia.
She is hoping to raise at least $100,000 over 24 hours, with 100 per cent of profits on Biologi products going to Breast Cancer Network Australia.
Head to www.biologi.com.au to purchase products or make a donation today.