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
Learn about what is involved after a mastectomy surgery and how
to prepare beforehand.
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.
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.
MATILDA CUOMO
Former First Lady, New York State
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