Meet the Models
Rachel's story
Rachel was 23 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, but initially discovered a lump when she was just 17. After being told it was nothing to worry about, Rachel relaxed and thought nothing more of it for a further six years.
It was only when her Mum was diagnosed with breast cancer, both Rachel and her Mum naturally became more concerned about the lump especially when 3 more were discovered. So, if not just for peace of mind, Rachel and her Mum decided it was probably best the lumps were removed.
So, in 2008 Rachel had the lumps removed. She was again reassured it was nothing to worry about and as a formality they would be tested. Two weeks later at the follow up appointment the test results confirmed it was in fact cancerous. Rachel was sent into absolute shock.
Rachel explains "It was really tough as I had seen what my mum had been through and I knew what was to come. In some ways though it helped as mum knew what I was going through and was able to help me get through it."
Sadly Rachel’s journey didn’t end there - she then discovered in February 2010 another lump, which again tested cancerous. Rachel underwent further chemotherapy and surgery. Rachel explains "I found it really hard losing my hair again, I’d only just got it all back."
"Having a mastectomy was the toughest thing for me. I loved my boobs and my figure - it was even harder than going through all of the treatment! I couldn’t find anything pretty to wear and got really upset thinking about what I had lost. Not only my boob but also all the lovely clothes I used to wear - until now!"
Rachel said "Modelling today has been brilliant and I felt attractive again. The lingerie is so lovely and I felt fabulous in them. I cannot choose my favourite as they are all so lovely."
Alex's story
Alex, 26 discovered a lump two years ago. Following what proved a challenging and often painful journey; Alex had both breasts removed, as well as her lymph nodes. After 6 months of remission, sadly Alex is now battling again having learnt it's returned to her lungs.
Alex is grateful to her amazing friends and family for their endless love however she says that she also gets tremendous strength from her local young women support group, Alex said "I try and stay positive and keep going – I love horse riding and getting back on my horse gives me a goal to aim for - after some operations it been know for me to be back in the saddle within days!"
In modelling for Chantilly Rose Alex said "I have struggled with my body image but today has given me so much confidence. I used to model but I didn't think I'd be doing this a year ago." Wearing a gorgeous real-hair wig supplied and fitted by Chris Chapman at Brooke, Alex said "I think that it's fantastic that Chantilly Rose uses models that have had surgery – I get so annoyed looking at naturally busty women in magazines!"
"I think the sets are wonderful – I love them all – I particularly like the black diamante one – and I think that I might buy the cream one for my wedding!" "I wish I'd known about Chantilly Rose earlier, the tankini would have been perfect for my recent beach holiday!"
If nothing, cancer has taught me to love life, appreciate it and I definitely try to make the most of it." "I'm getting married in May next year, and I'm so excited."
My top tip to other ladies is, don't go back to old ways – stick to the promises you made to yourself.
Liselle's story
Liselle is married with two boys. Liselle discovered a lump while pregnant and was diagnosed with cancer in September 2008. After having six months of chemotherapy and a mastectomy - together with massive support from her friends, family and young women's support group, Liselle is now well on the way to a full recovery.
Liselle says "I think that the hardest point in my journey has been dealing with the way I look". "Albeit a little nervous at first, I'm so proud to be modelling today. I know for me finding underwear has been a struggle, particularly when I look in a brochure and see a beautiful model with all of her anatomy intact smiling back at me" – "I hope in me doing this I will be helping other ladies to realise how beautiful they can look." "It's given me so much more confidence!"
Talking about the Chantilly Rose sets and swimwear, Liselle said "I absolutely adore the sets – they are so beautiful, and really comfortable." She added "This might sound odd, but they are like any normal bra you would pick off the shelf, and that means a lot! The designs are such a refreshing change from so many other mastectomy bras out there. They are young, feminine and pretty."
"I would definitely recommend Chantilly Rose – anyone could wear these bras."
"I've had a brilliant day! I've really enjoyed it – I'm leaving on a real high!
My best bit of advice to ladies out there is to be positive – and be strong."
"I know I take each day as it comes, and make the most of it."
Mel's story
Mel, 35 first discovered a lump five years ago.
After it first being dismissed by medical professionals, six months passed and Mel finally got the diagnosis she always knew to be true. Mel says "Instinctively I knew it was cancer, so when they told me it didn't come as a surprise." Mel went onto have a lumpectomy, but when it was realised that they had not got all of the cancer they performed a mastectomy. Mel explained "At the time I had a lot of positivity around me – in fact I met my husband to be, Paul, and my friend returned from travelling to stay with me." Mel adds "It gave me an opportunity to revaluate my life – and ensure that I made the most of it. I now try and do things that perhaps I wouldn't have before. Proving that exact point, Mel is now embarking on a new career taking groups of people out walking up mountains!
Talking about her day with Chantilly Rose, Mel said "I loved modelling today, it's been great! I never thought I'd do something like this. I feel comfortable with my body but this has given me the belief I can actually be quite sexy too!" "I would do it again in a heartbeat."
Mel adds "I think it's essential to look through a catalogue and know that the models have had the same surgery. My favourite is the pink one, it's so feminine, and it fits so well. I would totally recommend Chantilly Rose."
