Life after cancer - Putting the pieces back together

For many women who survive cancer, their journey is not over, with reconstructive and preventative surgery and genetic testing prolonging their ordeal, writes Norma Costello.

CANCER means decisions. Some involve established, well-travelled pathways while others rely on personal intuition and are sensitive to the different needs of each individual. Most discussions on cancer centre around the decisions people make when diagnosed. Unfortunately, the spotlight tends to steer away from people who have come out the other side — people who are now faced with a whole new range of decisions. For women dealing with the aftermath of breast cancer these decisions concern identity, beauty and survival.

Vicky Janssens, 38, a college lecturer from Cork, says cancer has haunted her since her teens.