Breast Cancer Surgery (Cont.)

Questions to Ask Before Breast Cancer Surgery

Here are some questions to ask your surgeon before breast cancer surgery:
 
  • What kind of breast cancer surgery do you recommend for me?
  • How much of my breast will be removed?
  • If I have a mastectomy, will I be able to have breast reconstruction?
  • Do you recommend it at the time of breast cancer surgery or later?
  • Will I meet with the plastic surgeon before surgery?
  • Will you remove any of my lymph nodes?
  • Where will the operation be done? Will I have local or general anesthesia?
  • How should I feel after the operation? If I have pain, how can I get relief?
  • What side effects should I report to you?
  • Where will the scars be? What will they look like?
  • Will a nurse or physical therapist teach me how to exercise and care for my arm?
  • How long will I stay in the hospital? Will I need follow-up care?
  • When can I get back to my normal activities? What activities should I avoid?
  • What do I need to do to prepare for breast cancer surgery?

 

(Click Breast Cancer Questions for a list of other questions to ask about breast cancer.)

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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD