Answer to Case Study #1:

Following a mastectomy, effects may include numbness of the skin, scarring, swelling of the arm and hand with the removal of the lymph nodes, and emotional stress from the loss and changed body image. If skin grafting will be performed to reconstruct the breast, you may experience changes in touch and sensation in your breast. Although some women see mastectomy as disfigurement, others have used it to reaffirm the “positiveness” of survival in the face of change. Keep communications open between yourself and your partner, so each of you can discuss your feelings and fears. Allow your partner to provide comfort and affection. Encourage your partner to respect your need to be alone at times as you go through a range of emotions in the process of adjustment—allowing you to grieve your loss.

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