Mastectomy Experience Research Articles

The mastectomy experience: patients' perspectives.

This paper reports information gained from in-depth structured interviews of 27 women who had undergone mastectomy regarding their experiences from time of detection of the breast lump until complete recovery was achieved. Special emphasis was placed on the emotional/psychological aspects of the mastectomy experience. Although the experience was different for all of the women interviewed, some common elements emerged. Nearly all of the women discovered the breast lump themselves. Most of them recalled the reactions of significant others in their environment, including their physician, as supportive, although nearly half of them did not feel that they had been adequately prepared by health care professionals for what to expect from the mastectomy. They overwhelmingly supported the idea of a coordinated program for post-mastectomy patients to ensure that the needs of future patients are met.

Sex therapy and mastectomy.

Because the emotional trauma associated with a mastectomy exceeds the physical trauma, the recovery of the woman is greatly affected by the response of her husband or lover. Sex therapy, therefore, involves the couple. The approach described here is aimed at assisting the couple to confront and intergrate the mastectomy experience. The use of a prosthesis is discouraged during intercourse because it delays such confrontation; certain sex therapy exercises (body imagery and sensate focus) are usually recommended because they facilitate confrontation and acceptance. These, modified for the circumstances, are described. It is suggested that intercourse be attempted as early as possible, and that if physical weakness or psychological trepidation intervenes, the physical desire and caring of the husband be expressed nonetheless. The "professional" attitudes that psychotherapy is always indicated for mastectomy patients and that the proper role of the husband is matter-of-fact denial are rejected; emphasis is placed on the beneficial consequences of sharing of all emotions.