What to expect before and after mastectomy surgery
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 post-op 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.
BRONX TIMES REPORTER, O 54 CT. 15-21, 2021 BTR
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
Learn about what is involved after a mastectomy surgery and how to
prepare beforehand.
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.
-Schneps Media
ON FAMILY COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
COUNTY OF THE BRONX
NOTICE OF INQUEST
Docket No. NN-36726-19
In the Matter of
DIANA DUPLESSI (DOB: 11/20/2019)
A Child (ren) Under 18 Years of Age
Alleged to be Neglected By
LAURY DUPLESSI (DOB: 5/30/1991)
Respondent(s)
TO: LAURY DUPLESSI
85 WEST 168TH STREET, Apt. 28 BRONX, NEW YORK 10452
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the above-named child is alleged to be neglected
pursuant to Section 1012 of Article 10 of the Family Court Act.
On October 29, 2021 at 2:00 PM in PART 17, of the BRONX FAMILY COURT
located at 900 Sheridan Avenue, Bronx, New York, proceedings will be forward
on INQUEST to determine;
(X) Whether the above-named child is neglected pursuant to Article 10 of
the Family Court Act.
(X) Whether having found said child to be neglected they shall be placed with
the Commissioner of Social Services for a period not to exceed twelve months.
You can join the hearing by using this link: LINK IN-
https://notify.nycourts.gov/meet/ag3waa or call in to (929) 346-7209 with
dial-in code 226988904#
BE ADVISED that the Court has authority to proceed even if you do not appear.
Said authority is found in Section 1042 on the Family Court Act. The court will
proceed on INQUEST on the date listed above.
Dated: August 30, 2021
ATHENA TSE
Special Assistant Corporation Counsel
Attorney for the Commissioner of the Administration for Children’s Services
900 Sheridan Avenue Bronx, New York 10451 Tel: # (646)-793-1530
/Breastcancer.org
/ag3waa