Coping with Life After Mastectomy

Breast Cancer Treatment

Treatment options for breast cancer are usually considered depending on the tumor’s subtype, nodal status, stage, and mutations in the cancer genes. The patient’s profile, including age, preferences, menopausal status, and overall health, are essential considerations.

Surgery is usually the first course of treatment when the tumor is invasive and early-stage. Chemotherapy and hormonal therapy may be advised in cases with larger tumors or more aggressive ones.

Lumpectomy and mastectomy are the most common surgical procedures in treating breast cancer. While both forms enjoy their treatment successes, they both cause a change to the breast’s composition and structure in their way.

While breast cancer surgery is the most common and preferred method, adjuvant therapy or treatment following surgery is highly significant for patients in remission.

Life After Breast Cancer

While the most significant hurdle is crossed when tumors and lumps are removed, women’s battle begins once they return home. The fallouts of surgery, including subsequent treatments, the changes in hormonal levels, and the psychological impact of going through something so severe, can prove challenging.

Although the bruising and initial discomfort gets better with time, it isn’t easy for women to accept changes in their body. Many women feel incomplete. Some start looking at themselves as lop-sided. Many women experience lymphoedema. This is also a disturbing change in their body since not all doctors warn them about it.

The percentage of women who remain unaffected by changes in their appearance is relatively low. Several women start experiencing a negative self-image and begin feeling more self-conscious. Life after mastectomy can be emotionally trying for women.

Breast Reconstruction

Breast reconstructions have helped several women build on their confidence and ability to feel normal once again. Although it may not restore sensation, it can help them enjoy a more positive outlook towards life and physicality.

Reconstruction has enjoyed good results in women who have undergone a mastectomy and lumpectomy. Whether performed during, immediately after, or even much after a mastectomy, reconstruction has helped women tremendously.

Women today are more aware and actively asking for reconstruction immediately following a mastectomy. They are keen to restore their physical appearance and look for ways to build their confidence and esteem. Several women even opt for prostheses in the interim. It helps them transition from life after mastectomy to the experience of reconstruction more smoothly.

Reconstruction — An Informed Choice

While the options available in reconstructive surgery continue to grow, women are still struggling to come to terms with the idea — the percentage of women who opt for reconstruction during a mastectomy. Life after breast cancer gives women so much to think about and deal with that immediate implants can prove intimidating.

A large percentage of women try to hold off reconstruction. It has also been noticed that women who need time with the idea are found rejecting it altogether. Several women opt for a prosthesis as a transition but prefer sticking with it for life.

Breast Prosthesis — A Popular Choice

The science of breast prosthesis has evolved significantly. Prostheses themselves have changed. There are now many more varieties available. There are more customized sizes and shapes for a natural experience. From slip-ins to adhesives, breast prostheses are now an industry in themselves.

There are two main kinds of breast prostheses available:
· Foam and polyfill: This is a good option soon after surgery. It is extremely light and comfortable and can be washed easily.

· Silicone: This is the latest and more commonly sought choice. Although they are heavier than a foam or polyfill prosthesis, they are the closest to the natural experience. They look more realistic, feel like a natural breast does, and help you get over the absence of your natural breast sooner. The silicone prosthesis also improves the satisfaction of experiencing a natural breast’s feel during sex.
Today, silicone prostheses are available in symmetrical styles that can be worn on either side interchangeably or in a customized fit for just one side.

Artificial Breast Prosthesis is an excellent option for breast replacement post-mastectomy. They can be used instantly to enhance the appearance of the breasts

Women with larger breasts may feel slightly heavier due to a silicone breast’s weight compared to foam or polyfill. However, the breast’s natural weight and the balance of weight on both sides help keep the posture and balance intact. This is hugely beneficial for women who feel lop-sided or an imbalance following breast cancer surgery.

Lymphoedema — Managing it Right

Among the realities of life after breast cancer is lymphoedema. Almost 1 in 5 women experience lymphoedema after breast cancer. While doctors actively consult with women and advise them on its possibility, its inconvenience and risks cannot be ignored. Whether in the arm, breast area, or hand, it is difficult for women to cope with the fluid build-up and changes in their appearance. The associated dryness, stiffness, and tightness do not make it any easier.

Lymphoedema sleeves can help direct the lymph in the right direction and help reduce the appearance of swelling. While there is no conclusive evidence to suggest that sleeves can be the only form of treatment for lymphoedema, there is certainly enough to tell us that the sleeves have given women much more comfort and confidence. The ease of wear and immediate relief make it an amazing boon for women embracing life after mastectomy.

Lymphoedema Stockings helps reduce lymphatic fluid accumulation and stops the flow of the fluid from the lymphatic vessels. It creates a pressure gradient to help with the upward flow.

Conclusion

They say that life begins after you have had cancer surgery. There are several challenges and hurdles to be crossed, but there is also a beautiful life waiting to be explored. Thankfully the advances in science have made it possible to experience much of what we had before. With a little help, women today can share much more.