Journey Through Mastectomy

A Breast Cancer Diagnosis and the Journey Through Mastectomy:

The Physical and Emotional Path Forward

Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis changes everything. Whether you are a woman or a man, the words “you have breast cancer” bring fear, disbelief, and a flood of uncertainty. For many, the road ahead involves surgery — often a mastectomy — a deeply personal and life-altering decision that affects far more than the body. It touches identity, confidence, and emotional wellbeing.

The Physical Impact of Mastectomy

A mastectomy involves the surgical removal of one or both breasts, depending on the extent of disease and personal or genetic risk factors. For some, breast reconstruction is chosen; others decide to remain flat or partially flat, based on preference, medical condition, or lifestyle.

Physically, the surgery can bring pain, tightness across the chest, limited arm movement, and nerve sensitivity. Healing takes time, typically several weeks to months and includes both physical rehabilitation and adaptation to a changed body image. Drains may remain for days after surgery, and regaining range of motion in the shoulder and chest area often requires gentle exercises or physical therapy. Fatigue is common, especially if radiation or chemotherapy follow surgery.

When radiation or chemotherapy are necessary, side effects such as skin burns, nausea, hair loss, and bone or joint pain can compound the recovery. The physical toll is undeniable, yet the emotional and psychological aftermath often lasts even longer.

The Emotional Recovery for Women

For women, breasts are often linked to femininity, motherhood, and identity. Losing one or both can feel like losing a part of oneself. Looking in the mirror for the first time after surgery is often one of the hardest steps in recovery. Feelings of grief, anger, or loss of self-image are natural and valid.

Reconstruction may help some women restore a sense of normalcy, but others find empowerment in embracing their scars and their strength. Support groups, counseling, and connecting with others who’ve undergone similar journeys can be powerful tools for emotional healing. Moving forward often means redefining what beauty and femininity truly mean, learning that survival, courage, and resilience can be just as defining.

The Unique Experience for Men

For men, a breast cancer diagnosis carries an additional and often overlooked burden — stigma. Because breast cancer is widely viewed as a “woman’s disease,” men can feel isolated or even ashamed. Many men delay diagnosis or dismiss symptoms, not realizing that they too have breast tissue and can develop the disease.

When a man undergoes a mastectomy, radiation, or chemotherapy, the emotional and social challenges can be intense. Scarring across the chest may bring feelings of embarrassment or confusion about masculinity. "At first, I was embarrassed to take my shirt off on the beach, then I realized I could help bring awareness of male breast cancer without my shirt on" was how Harvey Singer felt after his mastectomy as a man. Discussing a diagnosis publicly can be difficult, especially if they encounter disbelief or stigma.

Men often report feeling invisible in breast cancer clinics or support groups dominated by women. Yet their journey is equally valid and equally brave. Removing the stigma begins with awareness, education, and inclusion in breast cancer conversations, medical forms, and advocacy campaigns. Men need to know they are not alone with a breast cancer diagnosis and those in need of support.

HIS Breast Cancer Awareness, a non profit organization along with their private Facebook male support group are making strides for change.

Recovery and Moving Forward

After mastectomy, the road to recovery is not only physical but also deeply emotional and spiritual. It involves rediscovering self-worth, body confidence, and a new sense of normal. Partners and families also undergo adjustment, learning new ways to offer support and intimacy.

Healing includes:

• Physical therapy and exercise to restore motion and strength

• Emotional support through counseling, peer groups, or online communities

• Medical follow-ups to monitor recurrence and manage side effects

• Lifestyle adjustments, including diet, stress management, and mental wellness

Physical therapists trained in exercise oncology rehabilitation provide guidance on safe movements, posture, and gradually increasing activity levels. As healing progresses, incorporating gentle exercises like stretching, walking, or yoga can help boost circulation, energy, and overall well-being.

Some find purpose through advocacy — using their story to help others understand that breast cancer affects both men and women. Survivorship becomes a badge of courage, and scars become symbols of endurance.

Moving Forward: Healing Beyond Surgery

No matter one’s gender, healing after a mastectomy involves acceptance, adaptation, and the support of others. Both men and women must learn to live with new scars, altered self-image, and sometimes lifelong medical monitoring. But this journey also opens doors to renewed appreciation for life, advocacy, and community.

Survivors often find meaning in sharing their stories — educating others, supporting newly diagnosed patients, and helping to dismantle the stigma surrounding male breast cancer.

Editors; HIS Breast Cancer Awareness

Harvey I. Singer & Vicki Singer Wolf, Co-founder