Treatment to eradicate breast cancer may also damage otherwise healthy surrounding tissue. Luckily, side effects related to breast cancer treatment are generally temporary; symptoms usually subside when treatment ends, or soon after.Side effects differ from woman to woman and from treatment to treatment. Here are the most common problems associated with the various facets of breast cancer treatment.

Discomfort is common after any surgery. The short-term pain that follows surgery may require pain-controlling medication. If you are in pain, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor about a method of relief that works for you. Removal of a breast affects the muscles and nerve endings in the shoulder and arm. Movement may be painful and limited, and there may be loss of strength on the side of the surgery. Consult a physical therapist who for targeted exercises to improve flexibility and strength.

When lymph nodes under the arm are removed, the flow of lymph (fluid that carries infection-fighting cells through the body via the lymphatic system) slows down and can build up. Lymphedema, swelling of the arm or hand on the side of the surgery, can make it easy for even small cuts or scrapes to become infected. Women with lymphedema need to prevent injury to the affected arm and hand, and have any infections that may develop there promptly treated.
There are special programs available for women with lymphedema that use massage, arm wraps, and pump-like devices to relieve symptoms. If you develop swelling in your arm or hand, be sure to speak up about it and actively pursue treatment. Many doctors just don't pay enough attention to this potentially severe complication.

Radiation therapy affects the skin in much the way sunburn does, causing redness, itchiness, soreness, blistering, or peeling. Exposing the skin to the air will help any weepy sores to heal more quickly. The breast skin may also become shiny or darker than normal. And sensation in the breast can change, becoming more or less sensitive than normal. Many women find that during radiation treatment, loose, lightweight tops are more comfortable to wear than traditional bras.

Fatigue is another effect of radiation, especially after treatment has gone on for a few weeks. Poor wound healing at the surgery site may also be a problem if radiation is performed too close to the time of breast cancer surgery.

After treatment is over, you, your family, and friends might expect you to go right back to "normal." But this is easier said than done. All the physical and emotional changes, like fatigue, hot flashes, fear of recurrence, and most of all issues about self image, as well as issues related to daily activities, career & relationships may be making your life difficult.

The breasts are a profound source of female self-image. Cancer of the breast may seriously affect a woman's perception of her identity, and breast loss can be very psychologically damaging. About 30% of women with the disease suffer from prolonged anxiety and depression, which are natural responses to the loss of a breast or fear of the disease. Women who fail to adjust often have other life crises such as divorce or unemployment.

These psychological problems can be helped by referral to a psychiatrist (specialist in mental illness), who may recommend psychotherapy or medications to aid recovery. Physical and sexual rehabilitation can be helped by providing the woman with an adequate prosthetic device (breast form) and by encouraging the woman and her partner to discuss sexual problems in an open way.( which is against the norms of our society, & prohibited too) The decision to use a prosthesis or to undergo breast reconstruction usually is based on the woman's own body image, family back ground, moral & economical support from family. Other key factors include her level of physical activity, style of clothing, and her willingness to reveal the diagnosis of breast cancer to others. The majority of women can return to normal life.

Certain breast cancer myths still exist and may affect a woman's sexuality. The woman's partner may have fears of "catching cancer." Although such beliefs are unfounded, they may interfere with there establishment of a healthy sex life. Therefore, the spouse - as well as the breast cancer patient - should be involved in discussions about breast cancer diagnosis, risk factors, treatment options, and potential side effects of therapy. Cooperation in post-treatment care often enhances the ability of the woman and her husband to adjust to the disease and its treatment.