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?
