Skip to content

After surgery, how to feel whole again?

Page last modified on: August 18, 2008
Question from Two Fancy: How do you get over feelings of not being whole, when half of your breast has been removed?
Answers —Leslie Schover, Ph.D.: It takes some time to start feeling good about yourself again. Sometimes it helps to focus on the things about yourself that were attractive before, instead of focusing on the small part of yourself that has changed. It may help to do things that make you feel vital and attractive. Physical exercise, wearing clothes that you like, and getting comfortable looking at and touching the area of your scars are all things that can help.
Marisa Weiss, M.D., president and founder: Body image is usually much more of a problem for the woman herself than for her partner. The fact that sex usually occurs in the dark and under covers may give you a little bit more comfort or help you feel less exposed. I would recommend Dr. Schover's book, "Sexuality and Fertility After Cancer." This is a great resource.
Leslie Schover, Ph.D.: It has some exercises to help you get comfortable with your body again.
Marisa Weiss, M.D., president and founder: Don't expect that you will feel better about your body overnight. It will take time. But you also have to be willing to choose to support and nurture yourself and let go of some of your self doubts.

On Wednesday, February 21, 2001, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Intimacy and Sexuality. Leslie R. Schover, Ph.D., and Marisa Weiss, M.D. answered your questions about how breast cancer diagnosis and treatment affect your sex life.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

A production of LiveWorld, Inc.
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.

Email Updates

Stay informed about current research, online events, and more.

Please leave this field empty

Meet the Experts

Leslie R. Schover, Ph.D.Leslie R. Schover, Ph.D. is a renowned psychologist with a special interest in helping people resolve or manage their sexual problems, especially those problems connected with a chronic illness such as cancer.

Marisa Weiss, M.D. is a radiation oncologist specializing in breast cancer and the founder, president, and guiding force behind Breastcancer.org.

Back to top

Breastcancer.org 7 East Lancaster Avenue, 3rd Floor Ardmore, PA 19003

Learn more about our commitment to your privacy

© 2009 Breastcancer.org - All rights reserved.

Breastcancer.org is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing information and community to those touched by this disease. Learn more about our commitment to providing complete, accurate, and private breast cancer information.