Experts agree that a mastectomy might be a good way to prevent or treat breast cancer in some cases. During a mastectomy, the surgeon would eliminate your breast tissue and might, depending on the situation, perform the breast reconstruction. 

Choosing to have the mastectomy is courageous and could support you to live longer, but it could also be an emotional and physical challenge. Research suggests that planning ahead and working closely with the doctor could support the surgery and recovery go as smoothly as possible.

Study objective: To decide whether, if given the choice, patients with breast cancer will prefer conservation or mastectomy treatment, neither treatment has been shown to be preferable.

Interventions: Patients were asked, after counselling and information, which treatment they will prefer. The selected treatment was given without any other question. Mastectomy includes local radiotherapy and node sampling if indicated. Conservation treatment comprising iridium, excision of the lump, and external radiotherapy wire implanted to the tumour bed.

Making a Plan

Talk to the doctor. Explore out ahead of time what you could and could not do after the surgery. You would probably not be permitted to drive, and you might be sent home with JP drains that would require care. Sharing the info with the humans who would be taking care of you after the surgery.

Discussing the alternatives with the surgeon. Asking your family doctor to suggest a surgeon, and meeting with the anesthesiologist and surgeon before the surgery. Asking any questions you have in your mind. They would talk to you about the medical history and make a plan for what kind of surgery you would have and when.

Packing a bag for a hospital. Taking slippers and robes to the hospital to keep comfortable during the stay. Bring the toothbrush and other hygiene items. Packing a book, some magazines, and other products to occupy the time during the initial hospital recovery.

Taking medical leave from work. You would be required to recover at home for a while, possibly for as long as seven weeks. Talking to the head of the Human Resources department at work, and the supervisor. Your doctor could serve you an idea of how long you must miss work, and if essential they could pen up a letter to the employer. You might need to do it this way.

Do the household work ahead of time. After the surgery, you must concentrate on recovering. You might need to do the following beforehand:

• Clean the house

• Do the laundry

• Paying your bills

Purchasing few medical supplies. There are few things that you would need to have on hand, such as over-the-counter pain relievers, gauze bandages, bandage tape, and antibiotic ointment. The doctor might serve you a few of these, but it’s great to have a few just in case. Getting supplies at the drug store or local pharmacy.

Stock up on healthier meals. Staying away from complex cancer cure diets and aiming on eating protein-rich foods, wholesome, balanced, and a good complement of vegetables and fruits. Stocking up on these products before the surgery so you have a stocked fridge when you get to sweet home.

Get loose, comfy clothing. You would require some changes of loose, comfortable clothes that opened completely in the front. For certain weeks, you would not be able to put on anything over the head, or wear anything that is close to the body or under the armpits, including a bra.

Setting up the bedding with add on support. You might not be able to lie on the side or stomach for some weeks after the surgery. Try to obtain a wedge pillow or bed wedge, and some extra pillows. You might need a few more pillows to prop you up as you slept, and to support the affected arm.

Coping Emotionally 

Decide who to tell. Thinking about how open you need to be about the upcoming surgery. Few humans you really do want to tell, but mostly it is up to you. There is no protocol in cancer, and there is no social etiquette for you to follow. Think carefully, and then do what’s good for you.

Learning to decrease stress. Do stress-relieving behaviour before the surgery like yoga, taking walks, deep breathing, meditation – anything that supports you relaxed. Practicing the skills now and continuing them after the surgery. Practice mindfulness meditation on a regular basis.

Do strengthen exercises before the surgery. Work on building up the flexibility and strength before the surgery – this could support you feeling stronger and much more in control afterwards. For breast surgery, trying to aim on the upper body and back. Feeling physically strong might support you recover, feel emotionally and better strong, as well.

Conclusions: Patients with breast cancer have the ability to select treatment and must play a chunk in deciding which treatment to have. They do not automatically select to retain the breast.