How to Cope After a Mastectomy

A mastectomy is the recommended form of treatment for some breast cancers and can involve removing the entire breast or just part of it (in the more conservative lumpectomy operation). Some patients who have a high genetic probability of developing breast cancer have mastectomies before cancer is ever diagnosed. It takes an incredible amount of adjustment and support, but life after a mastectomy can be just as full and wonderful as it ever was.

Instructions

• 1

  Develop a good support network. Ask your surgeon for names of other patients who may be interested in talking about the experience if there are no support groups in your area. Or start a support group yourself.

• 2

  Stay in good general health. When your chemotherapy and radiation is over, your incisions are healed and your doctor gives you the okay, try to get a little exercise every day and watch what you eat.

• 3

  Get fitted for a prosthetic if you have opted not to have reconstruction. A specialist can help you find the right size prosthetic, together with a mastectomy bra. Some insurance plans cover this service.

• 4

  Find health care providers that you love, not just like. You will be seeing the doctors who treat you for breast cancer frequently and for a long time. You should never feel that you can't call your surgeon if you develop a fever on a Saturday or if your anxiety has reached an extreme level.

• 5

  Consider reconstruction, if you haven't already had it. Contact your insurance company to see what it will pay for. If you choose not to have plastic surgery, get a prosthesis just so you have it even if you don't wear it every day.