Perioperative psychological counseling for women with breast cancer

“Perioperative psychological counseling of Breast Cancer” Hello, I am Fan Huiwen from the Department of Breast Surgery, Yancheng First People’s Hospital. Welcome to watch my popular science. Breast cancer, this terrible word, for women, not only means physical pain, but also brings psychological storms, especially in the perioperative period. Before the operation, the patients felt as if they were in a dark maze. Fear is their most loyal “partner”, and every time they think of the upcoming operation, it seems that there are countless cold tentacles tightly wrapped around them. Uncertainty about the effect of surgery is like a sword hanging over the head. “I’m afraid that if the cancer cells are still not cleaned up after the operation, then all my sins will be in vain.” The words of a patient express the aspirations of countless people. They are also worried about the risk of anesthesia, about sleeping on the operating table and saying goodbye to their loved ones forever. The change of body image is also a heavy mountain. Breasts, for women, are a symbol of beauty, self-confidence and motherhood. They were filled with desolation at the thought of losing it. How can I face my body in the future? Will my husband dislike me? Can I still wear beautiful clothes? This kind of worry gnaws at their hearts like a moth, making their self-esteem and self-confidence gradually collapse. Some patients will cry alone at night before the operation, their eyes full of despair and helplessness, as if they saw the collapse of the future world. After the operation, the pain of the body burned like a raging fire. Every breath, every slight movement, is like rubbing salt on the wound. The existence of the drainage tube is always a reminder of their physical disability, so that they fall into a deep sense of inferiority. “I don’t feel like a normal woman anymore. I don’t want anyone to see me like this.” This psychological pain is often more unbearable than physical pain. The mood of depression is like a dark cloud. They look at their strange selves in the mirror and are full of confusion about their future life. The road to recovery seems far away, and the color of life is fading. Some patients even refuse follow-up treatment and feel that everything is meaningless. In this critical perioperative period, psychological counseling is the light that illuminates the darkness. Healthcare workers should give them warm and patient companionship and use professional knowledge to answer their doubts, such as informing them of the success rate of surgery and the possibility of rehabilitation, so as to alleviate their fears. For body image problems, information such as breast prosthesis and breast reconstruction can be introduced. Family members should also give unconditional love, a hug, a word of encouragement, can become a source of strength for patients. At the same time, organize patient exchanges, let people who have experienced the same suffering encourage each other, let patients know that breast cancer is not the end of life, but the beginning of another new life, and guide them to regain courage and confidence in life.