How Breast Cancer Transforms You Inside and Out
Elizabeth Soto’s Yahoo Beauty makeover. Photo: Henry Leutwyler
Twenty-nine-year-old Elizabeth Soto was pregnant with her second child when she discovered a lump in her breast. She thought it might be hormonal, but when she went for a biopsy she was diagnosed with breast cancer. “It was heartbreaking because we were trying to have another baby,” says Soto. “At that point the doctors told me that if I were to continue with the pregnancy, the cancer could get aggressive. So I went straight into surgery: two lumpectomies, and four months of chemotherapy.”
Throughout her chemo treatment, Soto continued to work at Bed, Bath & Beyond in New York City, eventually telling her coworkers when she lost her hair. After genetic testing, Soto found out she carries the BRCA-gene and will undergo a double prophylactic mastectomy on October 30 to reduce the risk of a future diagnosis. “That was another really hard decision,” says Soto. “I am a young woman and everything I have been through with losing my hair and now this big procedure, I am scared.”
Related: Why I Wore Lipstick to My Mastectomy
The physical transformation has been one of the most challenging elements for Soto, who loved her long hair and has experienced allergic skin reactions to the chemo. “I just feel not the same anymore,” she says. “I have never really been much of a makeup wearer, but ever since the diagnosis I have been wearing more. I get scarves and tie them different ways, I got big earrings, and I’ve got this beautiful wig that my mom got for me. I do anything I can to make me feel good about myself throughout this whole process.”
Photo: Henry Leutwyler
Soto is grateful for all the tips from pros and strangers when it comes to her new beauty routine. “A very big fear for me was losing my eyebrows and my eyelashes,” says Soto, who’s turned to YouTube and the pros at Sephora for grooming guidance for filling in brows and giving more color to her face. “There’s also great website for women who have had breast cancer called CureDiva. They have tips and products like post-mastectomy bras, makeup, and deodorant for your hot flashes when you have your radiation done.”
Related: Ohio Girl Bullied After Cutting Hair for Cancer Charity
If anything, Soto cares more about her appearance now than ever. “I didn’t really care much about clothes, but now I want to look more presentable to feel good and not think about this whole fiasco.” She’s also using this as an opportunity to eat healthier and exercise more, and breast reconstruction is a big part of her path to recovery. “I am still young and I want to feel sexy,” she says. “I am kind of excited about getting my new pair of boobs! I am going to keep them the same size as they are now—maybe a little bigger.”
Her advice to young women everywhere is to do self-breast exams, be aware of your body, stay strong, and don’t sweat the small stuff. The first time she went to chemo she was in tears, and shaking, but she kept her head high. “You’ve just got to stay positive,” she says. “I always say to myself, ‘This is not going to define me.’ I’ve had my bad days, but I realize I am really blessed and I am going to make it through this, and that’s what keeps me going.” She plans to go back to school and live life to the fullest. She also wants to try and have another baby once she’s given the all clear. “We were working with some medications that they were giving me, so I may be able to try again later. It is not guaranteed, but I will try.”
