A BREAST cancer survivor has spoken of how she regained her confidence after a mastectomy left her struggling to cope with the “dramatic change” in her body shape.

Maggi Paul, 65, who had the operation almost seven years ago, said: “You just can’t imagine how much a woman is affected by losing one of her breasts - I would not look at myself for a long time and would definitely not let my partner see me undressed.

“Some people might find it hard to understand but even though I was delighted at having survived the cancer I was devastated at losing my breast.”

As time went by Maggi, who lives in South Woodham Ferrers with long-term partner Andrew, learned to cope but, despite being her normal outgoing, bubbly self on the outside, inside she lacked confidence, particularly when it came to buying clothes.

But things changed for the better when Maggi met with Julie Blanche of Southminster-based The Bra Consultancy.

“For seven years I had been using ordinary bras with pockets sewn in as, try as I might, I just, couldn’t find a mastectomy bra in my size. I realise that 34GG is not a common size but with the looks I got from some sales assistants you’d have thought I’d just landed from Mars!

“Julie simply turned up armed with prosthesis and some very pretty bras - she was very sensitive to my plight and we had a lovely few hours as I ‘indulged’ myself in selecting lingerie that made me feel womanly again,” said Maggi.

“Now shopping for clothes is fun again and I feel much more confident in my body and in myself.”

Julie has now joined forces with the Spire Specialist Care Centre in Chelmsford to hold regular clinics for breast cancer patients – catering for women whom have undergone breast reconstruction surgery as well as those who haven’t.

Shaun Sae-Lieo, Centre Manager and Lead Dosimetrist at the Spire Centre, said: “Recovering from the loss of one or both breasts can be a very traumatic time for women whether or not they have reconstructive surgery. Anything that introduces ‘getting back to normal’ into the recovery process can only be beneficial.”

The Bra Consultancy, which launched 18 months ago, offers women a bespoke personal service to help them find and fit the correct-sized bra after undergoing breast surgery and mastectomies.

The clinic at The Spire Specialist Care Centre in West Hanningfield Road, Chelmsford, launched on March 9 and will run on the first Thursday of each month.

Booking is by appointment by emailing thebraconsultancy

@gmail.com