I had the honor of sitting down with my own breast surgeon, Dr. Lisa Guerra, to talk about something we don’t discuss nearly enough, the after.
So much of the conversation around breast cancer focuses on diagnosis and treatment. But what happens after? The physical changes, the emotional weight, the process of finding your way back to yourself.
I asked Dr. Guerra a few questions about what she commonly sees in women who have experienced a breast cancer diagnosis or have chosen preventative surgery due to genetic predispositions.
POST SWIM: First, what made you choose this field?
Dr. Guerra: When you go into medicine, your hope is to help people. Breast cancer care became especially meaningful to me after someone close to me was diagnosed, it shaped the path I chose. What makes this field unique is the continuity of care. You’re not just performing surgery, you’re walking alongside patients through their journey, before, during, and long after treatment.
POST SWIM: What are some of the most common concerns you hear from women after surgery?
Dr. Guerra:There’s often a deep sense of loss, whether it’s after a partial or full mastectomy. Many women are trying to come to terms with a “new normal” they never expected.
Other common concerns include:
- Ongoing pain or discomfort
- Changes in intimacy
- Scar visibility and sensitivity
And something I see often, women feeling like they’re alone in this. They’re not.
Organizations like Living Beyond Breast Cancer exist to remind women that there is an entire community navigating this alongside them.
POST SWIM: For people who may not be familiar, can you walk us through the most common surgeries and where scarring can occur?
Dr. Guerra: There are two primary approaches:
- Lumpectomy (partial mastectomy): Removing a portion of the breast while preserving as much as possible
- Mastectomy: Removing all breast tissue
Scarring varies depending on the approach. Surgeons often try to place incisions in less visible areas: around the nipple, along the natural fold of the breast, or near the underarm. In some cases, the nipple-areola complex is removed depending on the cancer’s location.
For a deeper breakdown of these procedures, resources like Breastcancer.org offer helpful, easy-to-understand guides.
And for women navigating decisions due to genetic mutations like BRCA, FORCE (Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered) provides incredible support and education.
POST SWIM: Do patients talk to you about scar sensitivity, sun exposure, or feeling comfortable in clothing—especially swimwear? What do you see as the true needs post-surgery?
Dr. Guerra: I hear less about sensitivity at the scar itself and more about overall tissue sensitivity.
Sun exposure is important, especially early on. If scars are exposed to the sun too soon, they can darken permanently, so we recommend keeping them covered during healing.
For many women, there’s also a confidence component. Swimwear can feel especially vulnerable. Patients often look for pieces that offer coverage, comfort, and support, while still helping them feel like themselves again.
That’s where thoughtful design can make a real difference. Pieces with higher necklines, more coverage through the chest, or layering options can help women ease back into situations like the beach or pool at their own pace.
For example:
- A long-sleeve option like our Melanie Rashguard Bikini Top can offer added coverage and sun protection while healing
- A higher-neck silhouette like the Lauren One Piece helps keep the focus on how you feel, not on what you’re trying to hide
- And supportive tops like the Kim Top are designed with comfort and flexibility in mind, including options for prosthesis or flat closure
POST SWIM: What would you want women to know as they’re navigating this phase of their bodies?
Dr. Guerra: You are not alone. Your body may have changed, but it does not define you. The people who love you, love you, not your body.
If you’re looking for additional guidance, the American Cancer Society offers resources that support patients through every stage, including survivorship.
The Takeaway
There is no one way to move through the “after.”
For some, it’s about coverage. For others, it’s about reclaiming confidence. And for many, it’s both...on different days.
At POST SWIM, we design for all of it. Not to hide your story, but to give you control over how and when you share it.
Additional Resources
If you’re looking to learn more or find support, these organizations offer trusted information and community: