Breast cancer and its therapies can alter your body and appearance.

For instance, following surgery, you will have a scar or scars. You may have lost hair as a result of chemotherapy. Many patients gain weight during or after therapy as well.

While many of the side effects of therapy are temporary, they can be distressing and significantly impact how you view your body.

If you are a breast cancer patient about to undergo breast cancer surgery in Kolkata, here are some physical changes that you can expect.

 

Bruised or Swollen Breast Area

The majority of women with breast cancer will need to undergo surgery. The first time you see your body following surgery can be challenging.

Your breast/chest area will likely be bruised and swollen following surgery, although this will subside with time.

 

Weight Gain

Weight gain can occur due to various reasons during and after treatment. Certain medications can increase appetite; you may experience decreased activity while receiving treatment or eat more if you are anxious.

Making simple changes to your exercising routine and diet, can help you lose weight.

 

Hair Loss

Hair loss is another common symptom of chemotherapy, says Dr. Soumen Das, breast cancer doctor in Kolkata.

Hair may play a significant role in how you feel about yourself, and losing it can hurt your self-esteem.

Hair loss is almost always temporary, and begins to grow back shortly after chemotherapy treatment gets completed.

 

Menopausal Symptoms 

Menopausal symptoms are a frequent side effect of breast cancer treatment. This is because breast cancer treatments can either neutralize the impact of female hormones or eliminate their production.

Menopausal symptoms that may occur after your breast cancer surgery in Kolkata include:

  • hot flushes
  • night sweats
  • lack of desire
  • altered orgasmic experience
  • vaginal dryness and pain

 

Lymphoedema

Lymphoedema is a swollen arm, hand, or breast area caused by an accumulation of lymph fluid in the body’s surface tissues.

If you have lymphedema, you may be required to wear a lymphedema sleeve.

 

Prostheses And Reconstruction

Several women desire to reclaim their natural appearance following breast cancer surgery.

One of the ways you do that is by undergoing breast reconstruction. Breast reconstruction can improve your quality of life and help you feel more confident about your overall physical appearance following a mastectomy, says Dr. Soumen Das, a breast cancer surgeon in Kolkata.

Several studies have demonstrated that immediate breast reconstruction can assist a woman in adjusting to her physical changes.

The majority of women who go through breast reconstruction are pleased with the outcome.

However, not every woman has a positive experience. Some women are unsure of their new shape or are hyperaware of their new breast (s).

Breast reconstruction can only restore the shape of the breast. It cannot restore your breast or breast and nipple sensations that you experienced before surgery.

Some women may choose a prosthesis as a temporary solution until they can undergo reconstruction. Other women may elect not to have reconstructive breast cancer surgery in Kolkata (or may be unable to do so) and may find wearing a prosthesis an effective and long-term solution.

A breast prosthesis is an artificial breast form that fits inside your bra cup, either with or without a specially formed ‘pocket,’ to replace all or part of the removed breast.