Exploring the Lived Experience of Women Immediately Following Mastectomy

Abstract

Nurses and other healthcare professionals need to gain a better understanding of the difficulties perceived by women following seeing the scars from mastectomy and implement strategies to assist in successful adaptation to the experience.

Qualitative exploration of sexual life among breast cancer survivors at reproductive age

“…Treatment modalities for BC can lead to various sexual problems among BC survivors [7]. For example, mastectomy can stimulate intense emotional stress, change selfperception and body image, and reduce sexual sensitivity due to losing sensations in breasts [8]. Chemotherapy can lead to premature menopause and radiotherapy can cause painful dermatitis and both reduce sexual desire in these women [9].…”

The mirror viewing experience of women undergoing a mastectomy: An integrative review

“…A few women were able to view themselves in the mirror for the first time while in the hospital (Davies et al, 2017; Freysteinson et al, 2012), but most did not see themselves in the mirror until they were at home (Freysteinson et al, 2012; Gershfeld Litvin & Jacoby, 2020; Kocan & Gursoy, 2016). A lack of privacy when viewing their mastectomy site led to trauma in some women (Herring et al, 2019).…”

“…Many women experienced some form of shock or trauma when looking in the mirror for the first time (Davies et al, 2017; Fouladi et al, 2013; Freysteinson et al, 2012; Gershfeld Litvin & Jacoby, 2020; Herring et al, 2019; Kocan & Gursoy, 2016; McKean et al, 2013). One woman fainted at the sight of herself (Gershfeld Litvin & Jacoby, 2020).…”

“…Some women felt grateful to be alive (Davies et al, 2017; Freysteinson et al, 2012; Herring et al, 2019) and relieved that the cancer was gone (Freysteinson et al, 2012). Women told themselves that breasts do not define them as they looked in the mirror (Davies et al, 2017; Olasehinde et al, 2019).…”

“…Unfortunately, it was difficult for many women to look in the mirror post‐operatively (Davies et al, 2017; Fouladi et al, 2013; Freysteinson et al, 2012; Gershfeld Litvin & Jacoby, 2020; Glassey et al, 2018; Kocan & Gursoy, 2016; Maleki et al, 2021; McKean et al, 2013; Menon & O'Mahony, 2019; Weingarden et al, 2022). Some women were still struggling to look at their scars months and years later (Davies et al, 2017; Gershfeld Litvin & Jacoby, 2020; Kocan & Gursoy, 2016; Slatman et al, 2016). Mirror avoidance was a way to cope with the loss (Kocan & Gursoy, 2016; Menon & O'Mahony, 2019; Weingarden et al, 2022).…”