Changes After a Mastectomy

Undergoing breast cancer treatment can bring a lot of changes to your body.

One such treatment is a mastectomy which is the surgical removal of the breast. Depending on the surgery type, patients may have a complete, modified, radical, skin-sparing, or nipple-sparing mastectomy.

Patients might find it challenging to look at their bodies after the operation when this happens. In most cases, the breast area is likely to be bruised and swollen but will eventually improve.

While some women may not feel different after surgery, others do. The latter may find it difficult to accept their new body, which can affect their confidence and self-esteem. Some may even feel "incomplete" because they are self-conscious.

Fortunately, research says that people who confront the physical changes in their bodies sooner are more likely to find it easier to regain their confidence. If you need some help with getting used to your new body, here are some tips:

1. Stand in front of the full-length mirror, fully clothed. Name three physical traits you like about yourself.

2. Do the same exercise but this time wear your underwear. It may need time to get used to, but the point is to look at yourself neutrally—with zero judgment and expectations.

3. Try the same exercise but stand naked. Describe what you see and ask yourself why you feel awkward or uncomfortable.

4. Touch your scars or get used to the feel of your body. You have survived treatment. The scars are living proof you have made it despite the struggles. Your body may differ, but you are still alive, which is most important.

5. Talk to your doctor about possible breast reconstruction. Breast reconstruction surgery after a mastectomy may help women adjust to changes in their bodies faster. 

If you believe this is your best option, talk to your doctor about the procedure. Remember, however, that reconstructing cannot bring back the sensations of your breast and nipple, but they do help.

Takeaway: Getting used to a "new" body after a mastectomy can be challenging for some. However, these scars prove that you've become a survivor and still have hope for the future. If you need help and support, contact your doctor or join a breast cancer support group.

What To Do After Beating Breast Cancer

Being a cancer survivor changes you—both physically and emotionally. When your treatment ends and your support group return to a more typical life, you may feel a combination of complex emotions.

Some of these emotions you feel may be fear that cancer may come back, sadness that you won't see much of the healthcare team who cared for you, joy with beating the beast, and anxiety of the unknown future.

Whatever you're feeling, it's completely normal. After all, you don't endure cancer treatment, beat cancer, and return to your regular routine like never before.

If you are feeling confused about what to do next, here are some things you may need to do even after beating cancer:

1. Care for your body.

It's essential to keep yourself healthy. This step means having a healthy diet with fruits and vegetables, having a regular exercise routine, and making sure you have a steady sleep schedule. While these are simple steps, keeping yourself consistently healthy helps keep your body in tip-top shape.

2. Go to all your follow-up appointments.

Even if you worry about the future or feel reluctant, you must go through your follow-up appointments. You can use this time with your healthcare provider to ask any questions and ask for help like therapy or support groups.

3. Be open about your emotions.

If you decide to go to therapy or join a support group, it helps to be honest with your thoughts and feelings. Keeping your feelings inside can be a source of stress and can lead to depression or other issues.

However, suppose you're not ready for therapy or to join a support group. In that case, you can start journaling or pick up other creative outlets to express your emotions honestly.

4. Keep yourself busy.

Sometimes we get too stuck in our heads that we forget to look at the world around us. One way to pull ourselves out of a negative funk is to keep ourselves busy, whether it's through creative projects, going for a walk in the park, or meeting up with friends.

Takeaway: Surviving breast cancer is a feat that should be celebrated. However, feeling conflicting feelings is also expected because a person may worry that cancer will return. Fortunately, you can manage these fears and anxieties by caring for yourself physically, mentally, and spiritually.