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What to ask your consultant

19th February 2016Daniel ReiselQuestion & Answer

To support you, we have prepared a list of useful questions, which you may like to ask your consultant.

Here are some suggestions:

  • Am I a candidate for immediate breast reconstruction following mastectomy?
  • Which kind of reconstruction is best for me? Why?
  • When can I have my surgery done?
  • How long is this type of surgery?
  • Can you outline the risks of this type of surgery?
  • How long will my hospital stay be?
  • What can I expect 1 day, 1 week, and 1 month after the operation?
  • What is the recovery time for this operation?
  • When will I be able to move about, walk, and drive?
  • When I wake up, what can I expect as to the look and feel of the reconstructed breast?
  • How much discomfort is there likely to be?
  • Is my breast likely to be the same/similar size as my healthy breast?
  • How long does an implant last?
  • Can you show me where the scars will be and how big/long?
  • Can I keep my nipples?
  • What type of nipple reconstruction is there and when will I have it done?
  • Does reconstructive surgery interfere with my other cancer treatments, like chemotherapy and radiotherapy?
  • Will an implant impede the discovery of a new cancer?
  • What do I do if my arm starts swelling (called lymphedema)?
  • When can I exercise again?
  • Will I be still able to do vigorous sports like tennis, rowing, horse riding etc?
  • Will I be shown any physiotherapy/exercise routines to help me after surgery?
  • Can you show me any photographs or images of previous patients that have had breast reconstruction?
  • Can I meet with other patients who have undergone the same operation?
  • Will any future weight gain or loss affect my reconstruction?
  • Do I need to bring into hospital/purchase any special bra/comfortable underwear for after the operation?
  • What happens if I’m not happy with my reconstruction?

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