Mastectomy evokes strong feelings of anguish and fear. Breast cancer involves both psychological and physical pain. What is the ultimate symbol of femininity – your breast after mastectomy, is so dramatically altered after all. A breast cancer diagnosis naturally leads to emotional, physical, and cultural turmoil. But life is about expecting the unexpected. What matters is how we face the challenge.
At Health Products For You, we are with you to ease your journey from mastectomy surgery to healing. Before going under the knife, a woman needs to be ready psychologically, physically, and financially. Additionally, she must get her home and family prepared for a hospital stay for mastectomy.
Parting from your breasts is a tough decision. Remember it is natural to grieve for your breasts. Try to come to terms with your reality. Calm your mind through yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises. Mentally prepare yourself for breast cancer and all that comes with mastectomy. Talk to other breast cancer survivors and read about their journey. Their insights will help prepare for the potential side effects of the treatment of mastectomy. You will gather strength to combat the illness.
The next step is to prepare your body for the surgery. Nutrition and physical activity before surgery play a vital role in healing and recovery after mastectomy. It is important to eat a nutrition-packed diet including protein, zinc, and vitamins A and C. Protein and vitamin supplements help your body repair cells, heal incisions and prevent infection. Incorporate high protein foods such as cheese, fish, turkey, almonds, and peanuts into your diet. Studies show that preoperatively active individuals have a significantly better chance of recovery. The pre-surgery exercise routine should include cardio exercises, stretches, and muscle strengthening. If you are unsure which exercises are safe for you, check with your physician before starting a rehabilitation program.
Ensure that your mastectomy or reconstruction surgery expenses, including the cost of the surgical facility, post mastectomy products, and the entire surgical team, are covered by your health insurance. Even if your insurance covers the surgery expenses, there would still be some out-of-pocket costs for you. Get your resources ready beforehand for them.
Try to finish all your work at least one week before mastectomy incision so that you can concentrate on yourself. You must remain stress-free for a while. Post-mastectomy care for your body to aid its recovery; but emotional recovery is going to take time. You must practice good self-care.
Schedule an appointment with a salon to pamper yourself. Listen to music, read a book, watch a movie, eat something you like, …. these things can be incredibly helpful.
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Sailaxmi Chennuru, has been a Health Products For You contributor since 2017. A business management graduate, the study of anatomy has always been of interest to her.
After working as a medical transcriptionist for several years, she developed a keen interest ...
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