Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer form among women. In Sweden, approximately twenty women receive a breast cancer diagnosis every day. Most of the women who get affected with breast cancer get surgical treatment. Mastectomy is a surgical method of treatment involving the removal of one or both breasts. This may lead to several emotions regarding body image, sexuality and their womanliness. Aim: The aim of this study is to describe women's experiences of having undergone a mastectomy as a result of breast cancer. Method: A literature-based method were used to obtain woman´s experiences of having undergone a mastectomy. The results of the studies were analyzed using a five- step model. The analysis resulted in three themes and eight subthemes. Results: The results had three themes and eight subthemes. The theme To lose a part of their identity as a woman with the subthemes To lose a breast and Not to live up to the women's ideals. The theme To feel insufficient with the subthemes A changing relationship and A sense of shame. The theme To be reconciled with having undergone a mastectomy with the subthemes Alone is not strong, A sense of gratitude, Not a big deal and The influence of time on the experience after a mastectomy. Conclusion: A mastectomy can give women experiences that may seem difficult to handle and that adversely affect their lives. Yet women can still achieve health because the negative experiences can be alleviated. Nurses can be an important function for supporting women to health