This reality star's photos show what a mastectomy really looks like

anwar danjaji

April 21, 2017 1:42 PM

Back in March, Murphy announced that she would be having a preventative double mastectomy after testing positive for the BRCA2 gene mutation.

Reality star, Leslie Murphy shows double mastectomy.

"The Bachelor’s" Lesley Murphy tested positive for the BRCA2 gene mutation.

Lesley Murphy, a travel journalist and TV personality who appeared on the 17th season of The Bachelor, is sharing stunning powerful photos documenting her recent double mastectomy to help inspire others.

Back in March, Murphy announced that she would be having a preventative double mastectomy after testing positive for the BRCA2 gene mutation. This mutation causes an increased risk of breast cancer.

"A couple of weeks ago I found out I'm BRCA2 positive, which means I'm at a high risk for breast and ovarian cancer one day," Murphy wrote in an Instagram caption. "Buzzzz kill. I know. But it's true what they say—knowledge is power. I'm left with a few options and have decided that preventative surgery is what I want over various screenings multiple times a year. A double mastectomy at 2freaking9. Wtf?! Yep, it's happening."

Murphy has a family history of breast cancer—her mother was diagnosed with the disease three years ago. She made the difficult decision to undergo preventative surgery, and has chronicled her journey on Instagram.

Before her mastectomy, Murphy threw a "ta-ta to the tatas" party complete with themed games and cake.

She kept her followers updated from the first day after her surgery, which she had done in her home state of Arkansas.

On the second day after her surgery, Murphy was able to take a few steps through the hall of the hospital. She was then discharged and taken home to further recover.

Murphy's mom has been caring for her at home, helping her with everything from taking her medications to washing and drying her hair.

It's now been a week since Murphy's surgery, and she says she's been overwhelmed by the support she has received from complete strangers.

"I'm amazed by all the stories told in comments, emails and DMs," she wrote. "Young, old, sad, happy, preventative, or a fight of a lifetime. Each one is inspiring, so thanks for telling your story and being so open and vulnerable here with me. Together we are creating so much awareness for early detection, screenings, gene mutations and how to work with the options we have. Thank you, thank you, thank you."

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anwar danjaji