Jasmina Lukić, a former patient of Dr Kosovac and a chairwoman of the Belgrade society for women who have been diagnosed with and treated for breast cancer called “Let’s Be Together”, categorically states that no woman deserves to be without this fundamental signifier of femininity. The importance of reconstructive and aesthetic surgery comes into focus during periods of further treatment and recovery.
“I personally did not undergo a mastectomy, although I was twice diagnosed with breast cancer, but I know how the breast mastectomy operation impacted my mother. Despite being 78 when she underwent the operation, it was a huge blow for her. Indeed, women who undergo mastectomies feel as if they have lost their femininity and sexuality, regardless of their age. In mature women this can in some way represent a denial of the underlying diagnosis, and in younger women there is a “maelstrom” of emotions such as fear, uncertainty, worry, and loss of physical appearance which brings with it a sense of fear and helplessness in relation to intimate relationships and social acceptance.
Breast reconstruction is necessary because it prevents women from developing psychological traumas due to a significant change in their personal appearance, and it helps speed up the recovery process. I was present on one occasion when a female patient categorically refused to have a mastectomy because she had not previously discussed and agreed this with her husband, and was worried about her husband’s reaction to her breast being removed. It is precisely in situations such as these that the medical expert has a crucial role by having the right approach and by explaining to the patient priorities of health, as well as what options exist following the completion of treatment.
“The Belgrade society for women who have been diagnosed with and treated for breast cancer called “Let’s Be Together”, brings together breast cancer treatment and breast cancer recovery patients, their family members and friends with the aim of disseminating information and offering psychological support”, says Jasmina Lukic, the Society’s president. She points out that Dr Olivera Kosovac, cosmetic and reconstructive surgery specialist, and Sandra Bjelac, social rehabilitation and disability specialist at the Institute of Oncology and Radiology in Serbia, support the work of the society in an important way, as expert consultants in the area of psychotherapeutic support for women who have undergone mastectomies.
“This type of support is necessary for women, so that they can access complete and factual information both about possible surgical interventions and about further oncological treatment. When I received a cancer diagnosis for the second time, on my left breast, I had no qualms as to what needed to be done. I was only interested in preserving my health. I am the sort of person who is in love with life, all the great and small joys of it and the secrets it has to offer. When I entered the operating theatre I told them to do whatever they felt was best for me. Thanks to the expertise of my surgeon, Prof. Dr. Džodić, who performed the operation, and the expertise of Dr Kosovac who carried out my breast reconstruction, I didn’t have to undergo a total mastectomy. I was very pleasantly surprised by the look of my breasts and their symmetry” – says Jasmina Lukić.