Global Courant
As women, especially American women, much of our femininity is centered on our breasts. Wherever you look, there are pictures, billboards, commercials, TV shows and movies featuring women with these beautiful breasts and ample cleavage. The thought of losing one or both breasts to breast cancer can be devastating for many of us. Sure, there’s a reconstruction, but will it ever really look the same again? Even if you have reconstruction you will never have sensation there again and for many of us that definitely affects our sexuality.
I had two separate mastectomies for my breast cancer, despite wanting to have them both done at the same time. Two different surgeons told me that was not necessary. They later found out it was because I had the same breast cancer in both breasts. These surgeries have taught me a few things about what to expect and how to get back to work after a mastectomy for breast cancer.
The first thing to realize is that, apart from the emotional aspect of such an operation, this is a simple operation. The breast is mainly composed of fatty tissue and of course milk ducts and lobes. Removing this breast tissue is much easier than organ surgery, but has much more emotional impact for most of us. Most surgeons will remove as much breast tissue as possible to reduce the chance of your breast cancer recurring. You will usually end up with a horizontal scar about four inches long. The scar may be red for a while, but should eventually fade to where you can barely see it.
You’ll want to make sure you bring loose-fitting, button-up shirts (raiding your husband’s closet is helpful) with you to the hospital, since you won’t be able to raise your arms above your head for a while. You will also need a sports bra and I would highly recommend one that closes in the front. They will put them on after your operation. You should normally be able to stay in hospital for one night. If you need to have lymph nodes removed, a small pillow to slip under that arm will help make you more comfortable. Check with your local American Cancer Society as they may have small pads for you. An extra pillow to hold against your chest if you have to cough, sneeze, or laugh can help keep your incision from hurting.
When you wake up you will have a few drain hoses for each side you did. These tubes are important because they drain the excess fluid your body will produce. If you didn’t have them, the fluid would have to be aspirated with a needle. The drains, even though they’re not fun, are better than that. These drains need to be emptied a few times a day, and you’ll need to write down how much fluid you’re draining so the doctor knows when you’ve slowed down enough to remove them. You may not know where to put these drains under your clothes. I pinned mine to the sports bra and that way they didn’t pull when I moved.
When you get home, make sure someone is there to help you for the first few days. You may not be able to reach into your closets and certainly not be able to clean the house or pick up your kids, if you have little ones. You will be sent home with painkillers and be sure to take them if you need them. Studies show that you heal faster if you keep yourself away from pain, so don’t be afraid to take them as directed.
If you have a recliner, you might want to consider moving it to the bedroom, since you won’t be able to lie flat for a while. You must sleep in a partially seated position. If you don’t have one, or don’t have room for one in your bedroom, lots of pillows will work too. That’s what I used. Just make sure you have enough pillows to keep yourself comfortable.
If you want someone who has been there for you to visit with, call your local American Cancer Society and ask for a Reach 2 Recovery volunteer. This is an American Cancer Society program where they try to match you with one of their volunteers who has the same experience as you. This woman will visit you and bring you all kinds of brochures and information about conventional treatments. She will also give you a list of exercises you can do to regain your mobility and range of motion.
This is very important. It hurts to stretch your arm up after surgery, but if you haven’t had reconstruction and you don’t start soon, you’ll lose that range of motion. I would recommend starting with gently, slowly reaching your arm up…let your body be your guide…the day after your surgery. This is ONLY if you have not had reconstruction. If so, have your plastic surgeon tell you when to start stretching. Push to where it hurts a little, but don’t push too far past that. Little by little you will find that you can stretch a little further every few days.
Above all, allow yourself to heal both emotionally and physically. Some of us just can’t see that incision right away. That’s no problem. Take as much time as you need. I know I felt like some kind of freak with no boobs and even six years later, sometimes still do. But remind yourself that these scars are your battle scars. They don’t make you less of a woman. They make you a warrior.
Breast cancer treatment: coping with a mastectomy
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