What are the psychological preparations needed for mastectomy?

Question

Hi doctor,

My 41-year-old wife is diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. The doctor suggested a double mastectomy because of family history. She is getting anxiety attacks every night thinking about the surgery. How do we handle this? More than the cancer, her mental state right now makes my heart break. What physiological intervention can help her with this? How do such patients with anxiety face this disease?

Kindly help.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

The following suggestions will help in the management of her condition:

Reassuring her that doing surgery is not the end of her life and doing it on time will help prevent the spread of the cancer cells. She needs all the support from you and other family members.
She needs to be aware that after the surgery, she will not be less of herself, and there are prostheses available that she can use.
Also, breast cancer is a deadly disease, and having the surgery done on time will help prevent the spread and increase survival. She can be linked to supportive groups, which will help her recover fast.
I will advise consulting a psychologist where she can have cognitive behavioral therapy. It will help her overcome her fears and have positivity.

I hope this information helps you.

Feel free to ask further queries.

Thank you.