Life looks brighter after surgery

In three weeks’ time, Fleur Truscott will take to the beach in a new bikini, with her new chest.

The Christchurch mother of two won’t be able to swim, but spending time with her family is what is most important to her.

It was for them that Truscott underwent a preventive double mastectomy almost three months ago. With three great-aunts, a grandmother and a mother lost to breast cancer, Truscott is the only surviving female on her mother’s side of the family.

She knew a mastectomy was in her future from age 10, when her mother Anne was diagnosed.

Truscott’s family history made her eligible for preventive surgery, which she planned to undergo when she turned 30.

On March 3, she went under the knife with her family’s full support. ‘‘What I always said was, I love my boys more than I loved my chest.’’

The 30-year-old awoke from her six-hour surgery with no bruising and temporary saline implants. These will be replaced with permanent silicone implants in July.

Truscott said her only postsurgery challenges were physical. She did not grieve for her lost chest.

"People kind of think, how are you dealing with it, but . . . I gained a future that was potentially out of my hands. A few months of pain and recovery to have peace of mind . . . it was worth everything.’’

After surgery, Truscott was unable to drive or lift heavy objects, but her young sons took her limitations in their stride.

Beau, aged 2, fetched pillows and blankets for his mum in her first days at home, and requested she lift him with her electric reclining chair for a cautious cuddle.

As for her eldest son, Jett, Truscott said he was ‘‘every bit the hero I kind of knew he would be’’.

After eight weeks off work, she returned to her job as the director of an organisation which supports wellbeing in the workplace.

She has also taken on the challenge of managing 9-year-old Jett’s rugby team.

‘‘A few times he’s said, ‘Why wouldn’t you have it [the surgery] if it was going to save your life?’’’ Truscott said. ‘‘Hearing a kid say that takes away all the vanity about it and puts into perspective why I did it – I want to be an old lady, and stand on the rugby sideline and cheer him on.’’

Truscott will travel to Rarotonga with her sons and partner Brad Nicholson in three weeks, where she will be a bridesmaid at a friend’s wedding.

She has bought four new bikinis in anticipation.