After the Diagnosis - A Breast Cancer Story

Friday, October 23, 2009 11:46 AM

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. While the diagnosis of cancer is difficult and life-altering, at least there are options in both treatment and reconstruction.

Evelyn was shocked the day she learned that she had breast cancer. Dozens of questions flooded through her mind immediately: what will I tell my husband? How will my family react? Will I be able to take time off of work? How will this affect my children? Most important of all, Evelyn wondered—will I even make it?

Because so many treatment options existed, Evelyn was concerned that she wouldn’t choose the right one. With the guidance of her doctors and advice from her friends and loved ones, she chose to have a mastectomy, realizing that the cancer could return otherwise. While the decision was difficult, she realized that the support of her family was enough, and she decided to have her breast removed. The confirmation of her doctors as to her decision regarding the course of treatment bolstered her confidence.

After her surgery, Evelyn realized that a difficult road lay ahead. From what she’d heard of breast reconstruction, she could only assume that the procedure would result in less than satisfactory results—it would be long, recovery would be difficult, and the appearance of her breasts would not match the way they looked before. Her doctors assured her that, if nothing else, reconstructive surgery could help to rebuild the form and shape of her breasts. They explained that after such a surgery, she would be able to wear and enjoy most of the clothing that she’d loved before, and, most importantly, that she would be able to regain the poise and confidence that her cancer surgery and recovery had taken from her. Evelyn discussed the options with her husband, explaining that the appearance and shape of her breasts may not be the same as before, but that surgery would help her to feel fit and confident. Her husband agreed that reconstruction was the right decision.

The doctors informed Evelyn that a variety of procedures were available when it came to reconstructing her breasts after surgery: saline-filled implants would restore the size and shape to her breasts that other procedures might not, although complications included leaking implants and infection that could result in further surgeries. Tissue flap procedures would use her own body fat to produce a more “natural” pair of breasts, although the shape might not be as consistent as with a saline procedure. She also learned that she could have a procedure that would reform her nipple and areolas, which would make them look much more natural, and that this procedure would be performed after the initial surgery. Evelyn opted for this procedure.

Following breast reconstruction, Evelyn needed several weeks to recover. Fluid had to be drained, scars needed to heal, and Evelyn required some time for the pain of the procedure to recede. While she noticed a difference in the appearance of her breasts after the recovery period (especially when her shirt was off), she found to her surprise that no one else did. Her breasts looked as normal to others as they had before—she didn’t even have to worry about the shape of her breasts or the appearance of scarring when wearing a bathing suit, something she was worried about beforehand. The sense of wellbeing and emotional wholeness that she had preserved by undergoing reconstruction was empowering, as she was able to maintain her femininity and be known by others as a proud breast cancer survivor.

Evelyn’s story, while fictional, is not unique. Many women have talked about the incredible perks of having reconstructive surgery following breast cancer treatment. With an array of options available, treatment and reconstruction can be transformed from a period of worry and fear to a season of celebrating life.

Related Topics: Breast Cancer Awareness | Breast Reconstruction | Mastectomy

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