Life after a Mastectomy

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What is life like after a mastectomy?

Life after a Mastectomy

A mastectomy is a procedure to remove most or all of the breast tissue from either one or both of the breasts. This type of surgical procedure is a common treatment for breast cancer patients in a variety of different situations. Situations where a mastectomy is the most viable treatment option for breast cancer include pregnancy in the first or second trimester where radiation treatment would be damaging to the baby, two or more tumors exist in separate locations in the breast, the size of the tumor encompasses most of the breast, previous radiation treatments were ineffective, there is a strong family history of breast cancer or the patient carries a gene mutation which makes the recurrence of breast cancer likely. However, despite the fact that many women undergo a mastectomy for a variety of reasons, dealing with life after a mastectomy procedure can be traumatic.

Women who undergo a breast reconstruction procedure with the mastectomy may find an easier transition back into life after the mastectomy. The breast is reconstructed during the process of the mastectomy, therefore when the patient wakes up from anesthesia, the breast has already been reconstructed. This means the patient never has the shock of seeing her body with one or both of the breasts missing.

However, women who are not eligible for an immediate breast reconstruction may find life after a mastectomy procedure to be troubling. This is because they will have to cope with the loss of the breast and may feel as though they are deformed. Additionally, the patient will have to either use clothing to mask the signs of the mastectomy or deal with the obvious signs that their breast is missing.

   

Comments

4/21/2009 7:33:57 PM
monica said:

I do not feel deformed. I feel like a warrior. I endured and survived the whole process. To suggest that a woman would be troubled and try to hide it is offensive to me. Breast cancer is nothing to be ashamed of. I am still the same person. Stronger emotionally and spiritually. I have chosen to forego reconstruction but I do not frown upon those who do choose it. It is a very personal decision. I just don't think a woman should be made to feel embarrassed or self conscious because of her appearance.


6/11/2012 11:59:36 AM
Cant understand the boob theory said:

Is it not better to be alive than to worry what we will look like? Besides it isnt that we all walk around topless anyway! Set the priorities people and have reconstuction on your spirits not the body.




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