Quality of life after postmastectomy breast reconstruction.
OBJECTIVE
To explore women's expectations about postmastectomy reconstruction and factors affecting their quality of life after reconstruction.


METHODS
Qualitative focus group study.


METHODS
Integrated healthcare system in a midwestern suburban community.


METHODS
17 women who had undergone mastectomies with immediate reconstruction between 1.4 and 5 years previously and had participated in a study of women newly diagnosed with breast cancer.


METHODS
An experienced focus group moderator conducted two focus group sessions. Comments from the sessions were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. The sessions involved semistructured, open-ended questions about perceptions of preparation, experience, and satisfaction regarding postmastectomy reconstruction. Thematic content analysis began with open coding at the level of individual comments and proceeded through two levels of higher-order categorization.


RESULTS
Although women felt well informed about breast surgery, they wished they had been more informed about some issues. Ratings of satisfaction generally were high despite some concerns about cosmetic outcome and persistent anxiety about recurrence.


CONCLUSIONS
Reconstruction allows women to feel comfortable in clothing, but recovery can be difficult, and reconstruction does not neutralize the biggest emotional challenge of breast cancer: fear of recurrence.


CONCLUSIONS
Women appreciate thorough information to prepare them for reconstruction and recovery. For aspects of recovery in which substantial variation exists, the range of experiences should be provided.
Nissen
Mary J
MJ
Park Nicollet Institute, Minneapolis, MN, USA. nissem@parknicollet.com
Swenson
Karen K
KK
Kind
Elizabeth A
EA
D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D016462:Mammaplasty / Q000523:psychology; D008408:Mastectomy / Q000523:psychology; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011788:Quality of Life