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A mastectomy is a surgical procedure that is designed to remove one or both breasts and is commonly used to treat breast cancer. While the prospect of undergoing a mastectomy is daunting, it can also be the road to recovery that many patients fear. In this article, we’ll cover what this road looks like and how it will impact training routines, work, and more.
Activity and Exercise
It will probably come as no surprise to learn that you won’t be feeling at your physical peak immediately after a mastectomy. You’re body has been through a lot, and you’ll probably feel depleted of energy along with managing pain in various areas.
In terms of your activity levels, the key is to focus on gradual increases in terms of intensity and frequency. Check out these sitting exercises as a starting point. Focusing on simple stretches and gentle movement is a great way to get your body moving again without putting it under too much stress.
If you’re wondering when you can return to full exercise, there’s no definitive answer. And it will depend on a range of factors, including your age and overall health. Most people can return to intense activity, such as heavy lifting, within three months, but it’s not uncommon for this to be achieved within two months.
Work
Your return to work obviously depends on your job. Those who work in a physical role, especially one that requires heavy lifting, will need to delay their return to work longer than someone who works a desk job.
Again, it’s important to listen to your body. But while physical considerations are important, it’s also important not to think about your mental health too. While battling cancer and undergoing treatment will put a huge amount of physical stress on your body, it’s also not uncommon to experience feelings of anxiety and stress, while also losing confidence due to changes in your physical appearance.
Most people return to non-manual work between one and two months after a mastectomy, but it may be worth speaking to your employer about your return to work if it’s something you are feeling anxious about.
They may be able to make special arrangements that make your return to work easier. For example, could your job be performed from home? Could you start by working shorter hours?
Reconstruction Options
Perhaps the biggest part of your recovery will be your breast reconstruction. Some women choose to combine their mastectomy with a breast reconstruction, but many others take some time to decide on the right option for their body.
If you are undergoing a reconstruction after a mastectomy, the most popular method is to use implants (similar to those that are used in a breast augmentation) to provide a new silicone breast.
Another option is an autologous reconstruction. As this method uses tissue from other areas of the body to create a new breast shape, many patients believe this provides a more natural feel. You may also need to undergo nipple reconstruction as part of your breast reconstruction. It’s important to note that reconstruction doesn’t have to be performed in a certain time frame; some patients choose to undergo a reconstruction years after a mastectomy.
It’s also important to note that some women don’t undergo reconstruction after a mastectomy. If you feel uncomfortable undergoing further surgery, there is absolutely nothing wrong with choosing to ‘go flat’ as it is known.