Mastectomy and breast reconstruction - what to ask your doctor

Definition

You may be having a mastectomy, surgery to remove your breast. Most often, a mastectomy is done to treat breast cancer. You may also have breast reconstruction, surgery to create a new breast after mastectomy.

Below are some questions you may want to ask your doctor or nurse about mastectomy and breast reconstruction.

Alternate Names

Mastectomy - what to ask your doctor; Breast reconstruction - what to ask your doctor; TRAM flap - what to ask your doctor; Latissimus dorsi flap - what to ask your doctor; What to ask your doctor about mastectomy and breast reconstruction

Questions

What is the best treatment for my type of breast cancer?

• Do I need to have surgery, or will other treatments work? Do I have a choice of what type of surgery to have?
• What types of cancer treatment will I need before or after surgery? Will these treatments be different, depending on the type of surgery I have?
• Will one type of breast surgery work better for my breast cancer?

What are the different types of mastectomy?

• How is the scar different with these surgeries?
• Is there a difference in how much pain I will have afterward?
• Is there a difference in how long it will take to get better?
• Can I have breast reconstruction surgery afterward?

What are the risks of the type of mastectomy I will have?

• Will I have shoulder pain? Will I be able to do the work and sports activities that I want to? Will I have swelling in my arm?
• For which of my medical problems (such as diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure) do I need to see my doctor before my surgery?

Can I have surgery to create a new breast after my mastectomy (breast reconstruction)?

• What are the different choices? Which choice will look more like a natural breast?
• Can I have breast reconstruction during the same surgery as my mastectomy? If not, how long do I need to wait?
• Will I have a nipple also?
• Will I have feeling in my new breast?
• What are the risks for each type of breast reconstruction?

How can I get my home ready before I even go to the hospital?

• How much help will I need when I come home? Will I be able to get out of bed without help?
• How do I make sure my home will be safe for me?
• What type of supplies will I need when I get home?
• Do I need to rearrange my home?

How can I prepare myself emotionally for the surgery? What types of feelings can I expect to have? Can I talk with people who have had a mastectomy?

What medicines should I take the day of the surgery? Are there any medicines I should not take on the day of the surgery?

What will the surgery, and my stay in the hospital, be like?

• How long will the surgery last?
• What type of anesthesia will be used? Are there choices to consider?
• Will I be in a lot of pain after surgery? If so, what will be done to relieve the pain?
• How soon will I be getting up and moving around?

What will it be like when I go home?

• What will my wound be like? How do I take care of it? When may I shower or bathe?
• Will I have much pain? What medicines can I take for the pain?
• When can I start using my arm? Are there exercises I should do?
• When will I be able to drive?
• When will I be able to return to work?

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