BREAST CANCER AWARENESS
What to expect before and after
mastectomy surgery
BY THE VILLAGER STAFF
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 nonprofi t 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 fi tted
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.
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 nonprofi t 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
ft
Learn about what is involved after a mastectomy surgery
and how to prepare beforehand.
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.
Women should routinely examine and massage
their breasts to detect any abnormalities.
In addition to scheduling clinical screenings and mammograms,
women should routinely examine and massage
their breasts to detect any abnormalities. These
breast self-exams can be an important part of early breast
cancer detection.
Although many women are aware that they should become
Breast self-exam guidelines
familiar with their bodies, many are unsure about just how
frequently they should conduct breast examinations. Experts
at Johns Hopkins Medical center advise adult women of all
ages to perform self-examinations at least once a month.
That’s because 40 percent of diagnosed breast cancers are
fi rst detected by women who feel a lump. Establishing a
regular breast self-exam schedule is very important.
Begin by looking at the breasts in a mirror. Note the
size and appearance of the breasts, and pay attention to
any changes that are normal parts of hormonal changes
associated with menstruation. Breasts should be evenly
shaped without distortion or swelling.
Changes that should cause concern include dimpling,
puckering, or bulging of the skin. Inverted nipples or
nipples that have changed position, as well as any rash or
redness, should be noted. In addition, the same examination
should be done with arms raised over the head.
The breasts should be felt while both lying down and
standing up. Use the right hand to manipulate the left
breast and vice versa. Use a fi rm touch with the fi rst few
fi ngers of the hand. Cover the entire breast in circular
motions. The pattern taken doesn’t matter so long as it
covers the entire breast. All tissue, from the front to the
back of the breast, should be felt.
The same pattern and procedure should be conducted
while standing up. Many women fi nd this easiest to do
while in the shower.
It is important not to panic if something is detected. Not
every lump is breast cancer. And bumps may actually be
normal parts of the breast, as certain areas can feel different
than others. But bring any concerns to the attention
of your doctor.
Breast self-exams are a healthy habit to adopt. When
used in conjunction with regular medical care and mammography,
self-exams can be yet another tool in helping
to detect breast abnormalities. Doctors and nurses will
use similar breast examination techniques during routine
examinations.
14 Oct. 8, 2020 Schneps Media
/Breastcancer.org
