The diagnosis way towards rehabilitation: feelings and support network of women experiencing cancer and mastectomy

Objective: The study's goal has been to know the feelings of women before the diagnosis of breast cancer and the need for mastectomy, identifying their support network in coping with the disease. Methods: It is a descriptive-exploratory study with a qualitative approach. A script with semi-structured questions was used for data collection and the data arrangement occurred through content analysis. Results: There were ten mastectomized women residing in Chapeco city, Santa Catarina State. The feelings about the cancer diagnosis ranged from despair and fear of death, up to the effort to overcome it. Regarding the feelings associated with experiencing the mastectomy, the shock came out, also negative thinking, understanding of the need to removing the breast and resilience. The support networks were described mainly as family, friends, and faith. Conclusion: When facing the diagnosis, women come up with many uncertainties; therefore, it is necessary stimulating health professionals to support women in the disease coping process.