I didn't have much time to research, worry, and think before my mastectomy. The best thing I did was ask every question that came to me, even if they seemed silly. I also talked to some women who had been through what I was facing. Physical healing from the surgery was simple compared to the emotional toll and stress created by my cancer.
- Anonymous
I think there are a few things that are good to be sure you understand before getting a mastectomy. This answer is assuming you already know it is a necessary procedure. You should know what to expect after the surgery and if there will be any side effects (medication, pain, infection, etc). It will also be important to understand what you need to do as follow up care following the surgery. Looking beyond the surgery itself, it is good to understand the ongoing impacts to your self-image and sexuality as well as where to get support if you need it.
- Anonymous
The first comment hit the nail right on the head. You need to be asking any and all questions you can before you get a mastectomy. Nothing is trivial, especially if it makes you more comfortable about the procedure. I would also recommend, as others already have, that you seek out a support network prior to the procedure if you can. Not only will you have access to individuals with first hand experience who can answer your questions honestly, but you will also have someone to turn to after it is done.
- Anonymous
I appreciate the first comment about talking to people who have been through the procedure. Ideally, you want to be part of a cancer support group of some type. This is the easiest environment to find someone who knows what you're going through. This person can reassure you, or perhaps give you helpful information that you may not have known before getting the procedure done. With all the questions you have to ask, it helps to have someone who has shared the experience guiding you through the process.
- Anonymous
Before you go and decide to have a mastectomy, first be sure that it is the most appropriate treatment. If the cancer is very small, it may be treatable with a lumpectomy, and the chances of it returning (with the proper chemotherapy and radiation) aren't much higher than if you have a total mastectomy.
- Anonymous
Before getting a mastectomy, it is good to arm yourself with as much knowledge as possible. If you have a doctor who does not have good answers to your questions, it may be time to find another one. Write down all of the questions you have and bring them to an appointment with you. Some important questions you could ask should relate to possible complications, how you will feel afterwards, time lost from work and how to deal with your new appearance.
- Anonymous
Before seeking dramatic surgical treatment for breast cancer, it is important to learn more about the seriousness of the condition. Early detection allows for higher success rates and less tissue removal. Detecting the cancerous cells early can allow for a partial mastectomy rather than a more radical alternative, which can lead to the removal of the entire breast(s) and auxiliary tissue.
- Anonymous
I didn't have much time to research, worry, and think before my mastectomy. The best thing I did was ask every question that came to me, even if they seemed silly. I also talked to some women who had been through what I was facing. Physical healing from the surgery was simple compared to the emotional toll and stress created by my cancer. - Anonymous
I think there are a few things that are good to be sure you understand before getting a mastectomy. This answer is assuming you already know it is a necessary procedure. You should know what to expect after the surgery and if there will be any side effects (medication, pain, infection, etc). It will also be important to understand what you need to do as follow up care following the surgery. Looking beyond the surgery itself, it is good to understand the ongoing impacts to your self-image and sexuality as well as where to get support if you need it. - Anonymous
The first comment hit the nail right on the head. You need to be asking any and all questions you can before you get a mastectomy. Nothing is trivial, especially if it makes you more comfortable about the procedure. I would also recommend, as others already have, that you seek out a support network prior to the procedure if you can. Not only will you have access to individuals with first hand experience who can answer your questions honestly, but you will also have someone to turn to after it is done. - Anonymous
I appreciate the first comment about talking to people who have been through the procedure. Ideally, you want to be part of a cancer support group of some type. This is the easiest environment to find someone who knows what you're going through. This person can reassure you, or perhaps give you helpful information that you may not have known before getting the procedure done. With all the questions you have to ask, it helps to have someone who has shared the experience guiding you through the process. - Anonymous
Before you go and decide to have a mastectomy, first be sure that it is the most appropriate treatment. If the cancer is very small, it may be treatable with a lumpectomy, and the chances of it returning (with the proper chemotherapy and radiation) aren't much higher than if you have a total mastectomy. - Anonymous
Before getting a mastectomy, it is good to arm yourself with as much knowledge as possible. If you have a doctor who does not have good answers to your questions, it may be time to find another one. Write down all of the questions you have and bring them to an appointment with you. Some important questions you could ask should relate to possible complications, how you will feel afterwards, time lost from work and how to deal with your new appearance. - Anonymous
Before seeking dramatic surgical treatment for breast cancer, it is important to learn more about the seriousness of the condition. Early detection allows for higher success rates and less tissue removal. Detecting the cancerous cells early can allow for a partial mastectomy rather than a more radical alternative, which can lead to the removal of the entire breast(s) and auxiliary tissue. - Anonymous