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Breast Cancer Recovery First

Mastectomy Surgical Recovery Brief

It is difficult to say exactly what the outcome will be of any Mastectomy surgery because each patient reacts differently to medication, each patient recovers differently because of their own bodies immune system. Another factor is the type of surgery encountered that can also determine our recovery status. As with any surgery it is very important to follow your doctor's advice and his/her strict guidelines for a good recovery. Something that most patients do (or asked to do) is keep a diary of any affects they feel after the procedure. Things of this nature can help your doctor keep better track of your recovery status. Any specific questions you have about this procedure should be addressed directly with your physician.

Patients have found exercise can help the healing process. It is important for a patient to discuss any type of exercise with their physician especially in this type of situation. Your doctor can tell you if it is permissible and when appropriate to start. If you would like some reading material about exercise, you can visit Staying Abreast® Rehabilitation Exercises for Breast Cancer Surgery.

Breast Cancer Reconstructive Surgery

The good news for patients who have had a mastectomy is they can have breast reconstruction. This issue should be discussed with your surgeon about recovery time in between the mastectomy and the breast reconstruction. They will be able to most likely provide you with answers on what techniques you can have, how it will be completed and the time frame as to how soon it can be completed. Depending upon the type of surgery you have had will determine what reconstruction you can have performed on you.

Options available for breast reconstruction can be things such as breast implants or reconstruction using fat from other parts of the body. For less evasive procedures and to avoid a second surgery there can be the use of breast forms such as breast pads or even breast enhancers which will enlarge the area. Many women who want to better their appearance but not go through surgery will decide to choose this option.

Breast reconstruction can be a costly procedure because it is plastic surgery. That should be taken into consideration when making a decision on bettering your appearance. Your surgical team will help you decide what is the best route for you to take for improving the quality of your appearance. Questions to ask your surgeon and/or doctor who has given you the option of breast reconstruction:

Am I a candidate for breast reconstruction? What results are realistic for me?

When can I have reconstruction done?

What types of reconstruction are possible in my specific case?

What is the average cost of each type? What type of reconstruction is best for me? Why?

How much experience do you (plastic surgeon) have with this procedure?

Will the reconstructed breast match my remaining breast in size?

How will my reconstructed breast feel to the touch?

Will I have any feeling in my reconstructed breast?

What possible complications should I know about?

How much discomfort or pain will I feel?

How long will I be in the hospital? How long is the recovery time?

Will I need blood transfusions? If so, can I donate my own blood?

What type of care will I need to do at home?

How much help will I need at home to take care of my drain and wound?

When can I start my exercises?

How much activity should I have at home?

What do I do if I get swelling in my arm (Lymphedema)?

When will I be able to return to normal activity such as driving and working?

Can I talk with other women who have had the same surgery?

Will reconstruction interfere with chemotherapy?

Will reconstruction interfere with radiation therapy?

How long will the implant last?

What kinds of changes to the breast can I expect over time?

How will aging affect the reconstructed breast?

What happens if I gain or lose weight?

Are there any new reconstruction options that I should know about?

Question reference Cancer.org

 

It is important to ask questions and record each answer to determine all options that will work best for your health. 

Your health comes first!

We are a breast cancer prevention site. We post information about breast cancer facts, mammograms, chemotherapy, breast cancer clinics and much more. REMEMBER: This is an information only site, not medical advice!