Breast Cancer


Your body can undergo changes as a result of breast cancer and its therapies. Your relationship with your body can become more challenging once you begin treatment. You might even begin to experience self-consciousness.


A mastectomy, or the removal of one or both breasts, can result in a variety of emotions and body image issues. Body image and self-esteem can be negatively impacted by things like hair loss, weight fluctuations, exhaustion, and other physical side effects.


Remember that there are options available to you if you're having trouble adjusting to your physique.


Each person's experience with this process will probably be unique, but with a little assistance and encouragement, you can and will feel more at ease in your body even if you have breast cancer.


During Therapy, How To Feel Your Best


Every person receiving treatment for breast cancer will experience some form of physical changes.


It's critical to constantly remind yourself that making these adjustments will help you battle cancer and improve your chances of surviving.


Of course, it makes sense to be worried about these changes and want to figure out how to feel good in spite of them.



Dealing With Hair Loss


Not everyone has hair loss after treatment, but when it does, it nearly always only lasts a short while.


However, hair loss may cause you to feel as though you have lost a significant aspect of your identity. For some women, their hair can play a significant role in defining their femininity, self-expression, and identity.


As your therapy progresses, you might experience hair loss in the shower or find that it clumps when you brush it. After waking up, you can also discover hair clumps on your pillowcase. You can lose your eyebrows, pubic hair, and eyelashes as well.


It's crucial to act in a way that makes you feel the most assured at this time. dependable source


  • Shaving your head before all of your hair has fallen out may feel liberating.
  • To adapt to the change, you can also progressively cut your hair shorter over the course of a few days or weeks.
  • You might wear a wig that closely mimics your own hair or one that completely changes the way you look.

  • You Have The Option Of Donning A Hat, Cap, Or Scarf.


Additionally, you might want to enquire with your medical staff about scalp cooling, a chemotherapy treatment that entails wearing cold headgear. Your scalp's blood flow is slowed down by the cold, which means your hair follicles will be less exposed to chemotherapy. This may indicate that you lose less or no hair while undergoing therapy.


It's significant to note that not all cancer treatment facilities offer scalp cooling. Due to the fact that scalp cooling is still not often covered by health insurance in the United States, it is typically an expensive out-of-pocket charge.


Dealing With Physical Symptoms Such As Weariness


You may become less active due to pain and weariness, which could result in weight gain while undergoing treatment. Additionally, some drugs, such as steroids or hormonal therapy, can make you gain weight. In actuality, the majority of women trusted Source receiving treatment for breast cancer put on weight.


During this time, it's crucial to avoid punishing yourself for gaining weight.


Although weight gain may not be entirely avoidable, dietary changes may be able to reduce it.


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  • Ensure that you consume a lot of fruits and veggies.
  • Every meal, include a source of lean protein.
  • Avoid sugary foods and beverages, processed meats, and processed foods.
  • Skip the high-fat, especially trans-fat-containing foods.


There's no need to work out hard but try to move about every day. You can improve fatigue, keep active, and minimize depression with even brief walks or bike rides. a Reliable Source that will assist you in keeping your ideal weight.


Ask your care team for a recommendation to a nutritionist or dietician who focuses on patients receiving cancer treatment if you're experiencing problems with your diet.


Following Therapy, How To Feel Your Best


Undoubtedly, your body will change after breast cancer surgery. It's crucial to be kind to yourself even though the therapy may have damaged your relationship with your body.


The development of a positive body image takes time, tolerance, forgiveness, and work.



Dealing With A Mastectomy And A Reconstruction


It might be upsetting to lose one or more breasts as a result of a mastectomy. One facet of a woman's femininity, sexuality, physical attractiveness, and motherhood for the majority of women is her breasts.


Even while the breasts can be rebuilt through surgery or implants, it will still take some getting used to a new body. You must also be aware that the breasts that are rebuilt will not be an exact replica of your natural breasts. They could have surgical scars, a harder feeling, or no sensation.


According to Research Trusted Source, psychosocial interventions like counseling or therapy are the most effective strategy to deal with these body image issues.


There are no right or wrong emotions. There will also be better and worse emotional days than others.


Therapy can provide you with the skills you need to get through difficult times and make the most of your good days as you grow used to your new body.


Addressing Concerns With Closeness And Sex


Sex and intimacy might become more challenging as a result of breast surgery, weight changes, and adverse effects from hormone therapy including vaginal dryness. You can start to lose interest in sex or experience pain during sex.


Request prescriptions for some of these symptoms from your physician.


such as poor sex drive, dry vagina, and soreness during intercourse, according to a reliable source.


Relationship problems can also arise from body image issues and a loss of desire for sex. It's crucial to keep the lines of communication open with your partner throughout this period.


Your partner could be unclear about how to express his or her love and support for you. They might be awaiting your command to proceed.


But intimacy need not always entail sexual activity. Holding hands, hugging, cuddling, or kissing could still be enjoyable for your partner until you have control over your symptoms.


Additionally, there are mental health professionals who focus on sexual intimacy after cancer therapy. Get a recommendation from your doctor. To assist you to improve your sexual desire and lessen any pain or discomfort during sex, they could employ a method called cognitive behavioral therapy.