Adjusting Emotionally

After you've had a mastectomy, you'll have a lot of things on your mind. You may think about the fact that you've just been treated for a serious disease. You've had an operation that has changed your appearance, perhaps your self-image. You might wonder how the mastectomy will affect your lifestyle and your personal relationships. You might even be unsure how to act toward your family and friends.

Though every woman reacts to mastectomy differently, these types of concerns are common. Just as you will be taking action to help yourself physically recover from treatment, you can take steps to ease your emotional adjustment as well.

Expressing your feelings to your doctor and the people you love can be important emotional medicine. If you try to handle your problems alone, everyone will lose. You will lose chances to express yourself, your family and friends will lose opportunities to share your difficulties and help you work through them, and your doctor may not understand what you need to fully recover.

Remember, your family and close friends can be your strongest supporters. But chances are, they aren't quite sure how they can show their support. You can help them by being open and honest about the way you feel.