Table 7 Consequences of the decision

Regret

P05

The lump was small and I wish they had removed just the lump. I am still affected by the mastectomy.

P08

I was not happy with the final decision. It was made only because the doctor said so. There was no one to advise me to think carefully and discuss more clearly with the doctors.

P12

The only thing I worry about is that I’ve lost an organ in my body.

Relief

P04

Before the surgery I was crying, but then I realized that if I hadn’t removed the breast fully, I might have been anxious and would be checking frequently if the tumor has spread.

P10

I am happy now after removing the entire breast. If only a part of it is removed, we will have to suffer….

P11

I’m not worried about surgically removing my breast, because now I’m free of illness

Shame and stigma

P02

I feel embarrassed …I don’t look forward to going out as I did before.

P08

It was a huge shock …I am saddened. One side feels odd.

P03

I get hurt when people talk about me having my breast removed, so I don’t go out. My children are also very concerned about this and even physically assaulted a woman who spoke ill of my condition. …The surgery per se does not affect me. What gets to me is when people talk about this behind my back.

P07

I hesitate to out and my children are even more hesitant to send me out.

P14

I am unable to step outside the house. I am stuck inside the house. Other people talk about me, and I feel hurt.