Introduction:

Mastectomy is a painful transformation, with diverse emotional repercussions. The woman who faces this process as a consequence of cancer finds herself in a difficult position, with few options, when considering the possibilities of continuing with her existence and the changes this implies.

Objective:

To know the lifestyle changes experienced by women with breast cancer after mastectomy.

Methods:

Qualitative study with interpretative design, conducted in the Oncology Unit of the Regional Hospital of Lambayeque, Chiclayo, Peru, from January to June 2021. By non-probabilistic sampling, six mastectomized women, older than 18 years, with a follow-up in consultation of more than one year and a cohabiting relative older than 18 years were selected. The data were obtained by semi-structured interview and were analyzed according to Callista Roy's adaptation model.

Results:

The information collected was categorized, according to each element of Callista Roy's adaptation model, as follows: physiological need, changes in diet, role dominance, changes in the role of mother and wife, and interdependence: relationships with those around her (friends, family) and the work-professional aspect. Drastic changes in food selection, isolation, reduction of activities; effect on workload; importance of family support were highlighted.

Conclusion:

Cancer and mastectomy require adaptations in the patient and family. However, emotional transformations occur, which move feelings, appreciation, admiration and closeness, which reinforce the couple, family and friends bonds, so necessary to deal with the process.

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