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Caribbean L 34 ife, Oct. 11-17, 2019 BQ
Learn about what is involved after a mastectomy surgery and how to prepare
beforehand.
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 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.
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