Navigating Life After Mastectomy
September 25, 2025
Introduction
Mastectomies are powerful procedures: not only can they be lifesaving, but they can also be life-changing in ways you didn’t anticipate. Adapting to the physical, mental and emotional effects of a mastectomy is a deeply personal journey – and one that looks different for everyone. Whether you're preparing for surgery, recovering or looking for ways to better support a loved one, read on for tips and resources to help you navigate life after a mastectomy.
Navigating Your Mental Health and Emotions Post-Mastectomy
A mastectomy is a major physical change, and one that can take time to mentally and emotionally adapt to. Some days will feel easier than others, and that’s okay. Here are some things you can do to accept and even embrace these changes.
Seek Professional Support:
Talking with a counselor or therapist, especially one with experience in cancer recovery, can be incredibly healing. They can help you work through feelings of loss, anxiety, identity shifts and the many conflicting feelings that may arise. And some healthcare providers, including AtlantiCare, offer both in-person and virtual counseling services so that you can find support on your own terms.
Practice Mindfulness and Self-Compassion:
Healing isn’t linear for anyone. Be kind to yourself, give yourself permission to grieve and grow, and be honest with your friends and family about how you’re feeling. And when things feel chaotic, never underestimate the power of meditation or journaling. Just ten minutes a day can make a difference.
Find Your Community:
No matter what headspace you’re in, connecting to others who understand what you’re going through can be a lifeline. Support groups are a great way to find community and learn how others are navigating similar situations. Get connected through resources including AtlantiCare’s breast cancer support groups, your local Gilda’s Club1chapter, the American Cancer Society2, Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC)3, and numerous online forums and social media groups.
Navigating the Physical Effects of Mastectomies
Sometimes mastectomy recovery comes with additional physical challenges, especially if cancer factored into your procedure. Dealing with new scarring, fatigue and even your clothes fitting differently can be aggravating, but there are steps you can take to ease that aggravation and feel like yourself again.
Take It Easy:
Rest, rest, rest. Even if you’re feeling better, your body has been through a lot. Fatigue is normal after surgery and especially so if you’re recovering from cancer, and rest is always integral to healing. Don’t overexert yourself, either – when you’re ready, and with the OK from your doctor or care team, try light movement or physical therapy to regain strength and mobility.
Explore Adaptive Clothing:
Even if a mastectomy alters the shape of your body or how your clothes fit, you don’t have to give up your personal style. Brands like Amoena4, American Breast Care5, Pink Hope6 and Knix7 specialize in adaptive and/or mastectomy-friendly adjustable bras and more, all designed with comfort and dignity in mind.
Consider Reconstruction or Prosthetics:
There is no shame in missing your breasts, even if your mastectomy saved your life. Fortunately, with modern cosmetic surgery and technology, you don’t have to choose between your health and your figure. Some people may want to consider permanent reconstructive surgery, while others might prefer the flexibility of external prosthetics. Each choice is valid. What matters most is that it’s your decision, made with the guidance of your care team.
Looking Ahead
You have a life to get back to, and a lot to look forward to. Still, there may be points throughout your life when the mental, physical and emotional effects of your mastectomy linger or creep back in, even long after you’ve healed. It’s OK to acknowledge these feelings when they come knocking, but don’t let them overstay their welcome. In the meantime, here are some evergreen steps you can take to keep them at bay – and keep moving forward:
Focus on your Long-Term Wellness:
You’ve taken a major step for your health. Now you can focus on maintaining your wellness with nourishing, balanced meals, regular movement and exercise, and keeping up with your medical checkups and exams as recommended.
Celebrate Your Strength:
You’ve been through so much. Pause and recognize that. Whether it’s your first time out of the house after surgery or the first time you laugh in a while, these, too, are victories that deserve to be celebrated. Small steps matter.
Life after a mastectomy looks different for everyone, but the important thing to remember is that there is life after a mastectomy. While unforeseen challenges might make your recovery rockier than you expected, you might get to know yourself – the version of yourself that committed to, and is now on the other side of, a lifesaving decision – along the way. You should be proud of that. But if those various challenges are making pride feel impossible, remember these tools and tips. You already have everything you need to keep moving forward towards a post-mastectomy life that’s all about thriving, not just surviving. For additional information, resources and more about Women’s Oncology and breast health, visit www.AtlantiCare.org/Flannery.
1Cancer Support Community New Jersey at Gilda’s Club
2American Cancer Society Cancer Survivors Network
7Knix