The post-cure
If during the whole period of care, women generally feel well supported and supervised by their families and health personnel, however, when the medical ends, they often feel ' abandoned. And even if the disease has been cured, the fear that it continues to evolve is persistent and the manifestation of symptoms reactive fear. It was in the doctor's task to reassure and allay fears, while taking steps to relieve the symptoms and disorders after having researched the exact causes, mostly independent of cancer. Note that a possible recurrence of breast cancer is usually monitored by a simple annual mammogram.
If during the whole period of care, women generally feel well supported and supervised by their families and health personnel, however, when the medical ends, they often feel ' abandoned. And even if the disease has been cured, the fear that it continues to evolve is persistent and the manifestation of symptoms reactive fear. It was in the doctor's task to reassure and allay fears, while taking steps to relieve the symptoms and disorders after having researched the exact causes, mostly independent of cancer. Note that a possible recurrence of breast cancer is usually monitored by a simple annual mammogram.
The consequences of treatment
The psychological consequences are very variable depending on the type of surgical treatment: ablation more or less of the breast, with or without sentinel lymph node, not breast reconstruction or not, immediate or deferred, etc.. In the latter case, the ability to put a prosthetic breast external pending reconstruction is always beneficial to restore body image. Note also that the benefit from radiotherapy may complicate the possibilities of immediate breast reconstruction.
Chemotherapy is a different, often disrupting the menstrual cycle. Thus, in some women, the rules are reappearing after a transitional period, while in others, menopause occurs. Can not predict these disturbances, oral contraception is needed throughout the duration of chemotherapy to eliminate any risk of pregnancy.
The psychological consequences are very variable depending on the type of surgical treatment: ablation more or less of the breast, with or without sentinel lymph node, not breast reconstruction or not, immediate or deferred, etc.. In the latter case, the ability to put a prosthetic breast external pending reconstruction is always beneficial to restore body image. Note also that the benefit from radiotherapy may complicate the possibilities of immediate breast reconstruction.
Chemotherapy is a different, often disrupting the menstrual cycle. Thus, in some women, the rules are reappearing after a transitional period, while in others, menopause occurs. Can not predict these disturbances, oral contraception is needed throughout the duration of chemotherapy to eliminate any risk of pregnancy.
Hormone
This hormone is to reduce the risk of recurrence. It must be followed and for that, well accepted by the patient. Adverse reactions should be managed the same: pain, increased risk of osteoporosis, etc..
What about pregnancy after breast cancer
Carry a pregnancy after breast cancer is not against-said, on condition that a certain period after the end of treatment. Currently recommended to wait 3 years before considering pregnancy, as it was during this time that the risk of recurrence is highest.
However, there is a risk: chemotherapy often diminishing ovarian reserve, early menopause may occur during this interval of three years. Oocyte donation represents the only solution.
This hormone is to reduce the risk of recurrence. It must be followed and for that, well accepted by the patient. Adverse reactions should be managed the same: pain, increased risk of osteoporosis, etc..
What about pregnancy after breast cancer
Carry a pregnancy after breast cancer is not against-said, on condition that a certain period after the end of treatment. Currently recommended to wait 3 years before considering pregnancy, as it was during this time that the risk of recurrence is highest.
However, there is a risk: chemotherapy often diminishing ovarian reserve, early menopause may occur during this interval of three years. Oocyte donation represents the only solution.
What sexuality after breast cancer?
Removal of a breast, loss of hair and pubic hair, weight gain after chemo, are factors that disrupt the libido. But most often, a few years after a breast reconstruction and the regrowth of hair, disorders of sexuality disappear. Meanwhile, it is important to encourage patients to talk about his problems with his intimate partner, her doctor, even a sexologist. This is important to restore a good image of itself.
You should know that the networking between oncologists, gynecologists and general practitioners, coordination of care and monitoring has greatly improved and that women derive many benefits. Meanwhile, patients' associations provide invaluable assistance which should not be deprived.
Read
'The guide to women after 40 years', Dr Pascale This, Editions Odile Jacob.
Removal of a breast, loss of hair and pubic hair, weight gain after chemo, are factors that disrupt the libido. But most often, a few years after a breast reconstruction and the regrowth of hair, disorders of sexuality disappear. Meanwhile, it is important to encourage patients to talk about his problems with his intimate partner, her doctor, even a sexologist. This is important to restore a good image of itself.
You should know that the networking between oncologists, gynecologists and general practitioners, coordination of care and monitoring has greatly improved and that women derive many benefits. Meanwhile, patients' associations provide invaluable assistance which should not be deprived.
Read
'The guide to women after 40 years', Dr Pascale This, Editions Odile Jacob.
