title: The mastectomy experience: patients' perspectives.
abstract: This paper reports information gained from in-depth structured interviews of 27 women who had undergone mastectomy regarding their experiences from time of detection of the breast lump until complete recovery was achieved. Special emphasis was placed on the emotional/psychological aspects of the mastectomy experience. Although the experience was different for all of the women interviewed, some common elements emerged. Nearly all of the women discovered the breast lump themselves. Most of them recalled the reactions of significant others in their environment, including their physician, as supportive, although nearly half of them did not feel that they had been adequately prepared by health care professionals for what to expect from the mastectomy. They overwhelmingly supported the idea of a coordinated program for post-mastectomy patients to ensure that the needs of future patients are met.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg 39406-9371.
authors.forename: B J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Hailey
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Lavine
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Hogan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008408:Mastectomy / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011300:Preoperative Care; D019736:Prostheses and Implants