15 Questions to Ask Your Surgeon About Mastectomy
Here are some questions to ask your surgeon as you plan mastectomy surgery:
- How many times have you performed mastectomy?
- What are the risks of mastectomy?
- How should I prepare for surgery?
- How long will surgery take?
- Will you remove any underarm lymph nodes (axillary node dissection) along with the breast tissue?
- What kind of anesthesia will I have?
- Will I need blood transfusions? Should I donate my own blood before surgery?
- If I have immediate breast reconstruction, how will my breast look after surgery? What are the risks of having reconstruction surgery? (Learn what other questions to ask your surgeon about reconstruction.)
- If I choose not to have immediate reconstruction, how will my chest look after surgery?
- Will I be at risk for lymphedema after surgery?
- How long will I stay in the hospital?
- How long will it take to recover?
- Are there any precautions I should take as I recover? Will you give me written instructions to follow?
- Are there exercises I need to do after surgery?
- When can I return to my normal routine and activities?
