Are you battling breast cancer? Or perhaps you’ve had a mastectomy and now find yourself on the other side of cancer in remission? Maybe you experience lymphedema daily, whether associated with breast cancer surgery or some other cause. Or, perhaps, like many women, you find yourself considering a preventive mastectomy due to genetic risk factors.
Whatever your relationship with mastectomy may be, it’s fair to say you’ve experienced a lot physically. As you walk through this journey, know that you’re not alone. Self-care is important – critical, in fact – to your recovery. Here are four important keys for pre- or post-mastectomy and lymphedema self-care.
Key 1: Embrace your Emotions
If you don’t acknowledge your emotions, you cannot deal with them. And believe it or not, there is no such thing as a wrong emotion. You can feel the relief of cancer gone or prevented. You can feel sorrow at the loss of a part of your body or fear that somehow your femininity or sexuality is diminished. You can be anxious about recurrence or excited at the opportunity for new adventures. You can even feel all of these things at once. Emotions are not linear or exclusive.
Key 2: Speak Up
No one understands your needs or emotions unless you express them. It’s okay to speak up. It’s okay to say what you need. You can ask for help with physical needs as you recover from your procedure or deal with lymphedema. It’s also all right to ask for emotional support from friends and family members. For some people, help may mean finding a support group.
Key 3: Be Aware
You may find yourself more hyper-aware of changes in your body as well as your emotions and psyche. That’s not only natural, it can be healthy. Being in tune with your body and mentality is important in self-care. If you notice a change, ask your health care practitioner. Don’t be afraid to get it checked. As you probably already know, early detection is important. You’ll also give yourself peace of mind to have answers instead of letting your anxiety have free rein.
Key 4: Connect with the New You
A big part of self-care is embracing and connecting with the new you. Whether you opt for reconstructive surgery, proudly flaunt your new body, or feel more comfortable wearing post-mastectomy garments clothing, you deserve to find what makes you feel confident and beautiful! As you explore new comfort and confidence, know that the team at Pretty in Pink Boutique is here to help.
The Post-Mastectomy Support Garments & You Need to Feel Great
Contact Pretty In Pink Boutique by calling (615) 777-7465 or emailing info@prettyinpinkboutique.com. Schedule a custom fitting at any one of our four Middle Tennessee locations. We offer support, a listening ear, and an incredible selection of prosthetic bras, camisoles, swimsuits, apparel, and compression garments.