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Mastectomy is
a treatment
for women diagnosed
with breast
cancer or those who
are genetically predisposed
to cancer.
The removal of one
or both breasts, mastectomy
surgery may
involve removing just
the breast tissue or, in
some cases, the lymph
nodes as well.
Data from the
Agency for Healthcare
Research and Quality
says its analysis
points to a 36 percent
increase of both single
and double mastectomies
between the period
of 2005 and 2013,
the most recent year
for data.
Women on the precipice
of mastectomy
surgery will naturally
have many questions
concerning the procedure
and projected
recovery. The process
of recovering is different
for everyone, and
not all mastectomies
are the same. The following
is a general
idea of what patients
can expect before and
after mastectomy surgery:
BEFORE SURGERY
A mastectomy is performed
under general
anesthesia, advises the
nonprofit group Susan
G. Komen. Therefore,
patients should expect
to undergo routine
physical exams and
may require a surgical
pre-clearance from a
doctor and the surgical
hospital or center.
Blood tests and an EKG
may be ordered as well.
Prior to surgery, patients
can begin making
plans for childcare,
meal preparation, shopping,
work requirements,
and more. As
mastectomy is an invasive
procedure, patients
may experience
pain and fatigue after
surgery. Having various
plans in play well
before the surgery date
can relieve some stress
and help patients focus
on their recoveries.
Purchase comfortable
clothing that will
be loose around the
arms and chest. Zip-up
tops or those with front
buttons afford easy access.
Some women also
opt to get fitted for postop
garments, including
a lymphedema sleeve.
Lymphedema is a swelling
of the area, and it is
a common side effect.
It is helpful to be prepared
before such items
are needed.
AFTER SURGERY
Mastectomy surgeries
typically last between
two and three
hours. Some may last
longer if reconstruction
is performed at the
same time. Patients will
be admitted to a hospital
stay for a day or two
and moved to a recovery
room, and will need
to be driven home upon
discharge.
Expect to be bandaged
and possibly have
a surgical drain at the
wound site. The nonprofit
resource Breastcancer.
org says the drain
usually remains in
place one to two weeks
after surgery. Fluid will
have to be emptied from
the detachable drain
bulb a few times per
day. Sutures that are
dissolvable will not require
removal.
Patients should follow
the recovery plans
outlined by their doctors.
Rest is most important
during this time, so
do not overdo exercise
or other activities, although
some movements
to relieve shoulder stiffness
may be advised.
Pain, numbness,
itching, and myriad
other symptoms may
occur. Take pain medications
only as needed
and directed. Weakness
is expected in the
arms and shoulders.
Ask for help lifting,
moving, or picking up
items.
Emotional side effects
can be just as
profound as physical
ones. Fear of the cancer,
body image issues,
and a sense of loss can
occur. Having a strong
support team can help,
as can speaking with a
professional counselor.
It can take several
weeks to start feeling
like oneself again after
mastectomy surgery.
Women should not hold
themselves up to anyone
else’s standards
and be patient and
hopeful because this
challenging time is
temporary. Learn more
at Breastcancer.org.
What to expect before and
after mastectomy surgery
Learn about what is involved after a mastectomy surgery
and how to prepare beforehand.
/agewellnewyork.com
/Breastcancer.org