Abstract

OLIVEIRA, Márcia Melo de  and  MONTEIRO, Ana Ruth Macêdo. Mastectomized women: re-evaluation of existence. Texto contexto - enferm. [online]. 2004, vol.13, n.3, pp. 401-408. ISSN 0104-0707.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0104-07072004000300009.

This qualitative study aims at describing how Socionomy can act in the re-evaluation of mastectomized women, based on the Socionomic Theory and on a holistic and healthy approach of man and the social systems. The sample was composed of six mastectomized women who weekly participate in a supporting group. The analysis was carried out through thematic categories. The categories were as follows: life before illness; reaction to the diagnosis and surgery; changes after treatment and perception of the meetings. One could notice that the mastectomized women played their social roles in the period that preceded the illness inadequately; that support received from their family and society was very important for their recovery; that the resulting changes after the treatment of the illness were significant and transforming; and that the meetings stimulated the spontaneity and the creative potential of those women, which resulted in a new concept of the world.

Keywords : Women's health; Mastectomy; Mental health; Nursing.