Mastectomy Preparation

A woman confronting mastectomy can do several things to prepare for the emotional loss of her breast. Losing one's breast will have an impact on body-image, self-esteem, and sexuality.

To help with body-image the woman can educate herself regarding options post-mastectomy such as reconstructive surgery or the prostheses and bras that are available. If the woman is prepared for one of these options prior to mastectomy she will feel more empowered and less vulnerable than the woman who waits until she has already lost her breast. Investigating reconstructive options can take place prior to surgery and reconstruction can even take place at the time of surgery, dependent upon the type of surgery and the reconstruction chosen. For a woman who does not choose reconstruction it would also be helpful to learn about available prostheses and bras prior to surgery. Although it isn't advised to wear a prosthesis until the chest wound has healed, educating oneself about the options available can help prepare the woman for body image changes.

Reaching out to other women who have had mastectomy can be very valuable emotionally. Many hospitals or private practice settings have arranged for cancer survivors to be available to talk to others who are in a similar position; much like the American Cancer Society's Reach to Recovery program. Talking to someone else who has survived mastectomy can provide hope for emotional healing.

Losing one's breast can be an assault on a woman's sense of femininity and wholeness both of which play an important part in self-esteem. Expressing one's feelings about the impending loss of one's breast is very important. This should begin at the time the decision of mastectomy is made. Sharing with a partner, a friend or confidant can begin the process of grief. Grieving the loss of the breast is normal and should be encouraged so that healthy psychological recovery can take place. Losing a body part is devastating and the emotions associated with the loss require a healthy outlet. If a woman cannot confide in a partner or friend then therapeutic intervention in the form of counseling is advised.

Mastectomy affects the total being, including the sexual aspect's of one's self. The breast plays an important role in our sexuality. Sexuality not only refers to intercourse but also to intimate body language, hugging, kissing, and touching. Mastectomy can alter a person's sexuality but it cannot take away a woman's sense of her sexual self. If a woman can express the role that her breasts play in her sexual being, this is a first step in identifying how the loss will be translated emotionally.

Empowerment occurs when the necessary insight takes place for the individual to successfully meet the challenges faced with mastectomy. Preparing emotionally for losing a breast depends upon grieving the loss and gaining insight into the meaning of that loss for the woman. A woman confronting mastectomy can do several things to prepare for the emotional loss of her breast. Losing one's breast will have an impact on body-image, self-esteem, and sexuality.

To help with body-image the woman can educate herself regarding options post-mastectomy such as reconstructive surgery or the prostheses and bras that are available. If the woman is prepared for one of these options prior to mastectomy she will feel more empowered and less vulnerable than the woman who waits until she has already lost her breast. Investigating reconstructive options can take place prior to surgery and reconstruction can even take place at the time of surgery, dependent upon the type of surgery and the reconstruction chosen. For a woman who does not choose reconstruction it would also be helpful to learn about available prostheses and bras prior to surgery. Although it isn't advised to wear a prosthesis until the chest wound has healed, educating oneself about the options available can help prepare the woman for body image changes.

Reaching out to other women who have had mastectomy can be very valuable emotionally. Many hospitals or private practice settings have arranged for cancer survivors to be available to talk to others who are in a similar position; much like the American Cancer Society's Reach to Recovery program. Talking to someone else who has survived mastectomy can provide hope for emotional healing.

Losing one's breast can be an assault on a woman's sense of femininity and wholeness both of which play an important part in self-esteem. Expressing one's feelings about the impending loss of one's breast is very important. This should begin at the time the decision of mastectomy is made. Sharing with a partner, a friend or confidant can begin the process of grief. Grieving the loss of the breast is normal and should be encouraged so that healthy psychological recovery can take place. Losing a body part is devastating and the emotions associated with the loss require a healthy outlet. If a woman cannot confide in a partner or friend then therapeutic intervention in the form of counseling is advised.

Mastectomy affects the total being, including the sexual aspect's of one's self. The breast plays an important role in our sexuality. Sexuality not only refers to intercourse but also to intimate body language, hugging, kissing, and touching. Mastectomy can alter a person's sexuality but it cannot take away a woman's sense of her sexual self. If a woman can express the role that her breasts play in her sexual being, this is a first step in identifying how the loss will be translated emotionally.

Empowerment occurs when the necessary insight takes place for the individual to successfully meet the challenges faced with mastectomy. Preparing emotionally for losing a breast depends upon grieving the loss and gaining insight into the meaning of that loss for the woman.