surgery

While you may be able to exercise some choice in the type of breast surgery completed, there may be some important factors that will impact your options.

Types of breast surgeries available:

• Lumpectomy
• Mastectomy - single or bilateral
• Sentinel node biopsy

The idea of losing your breast(s) is a devastating aspect of a breast cancer diagnosis, especially for young women. The advancements in reconstruction, and the options available, can help to reduce the fear and anxiety you may have about your body image, post-surgery.

Reconstruction options your plastic surgeon may discuss with you:

• Immediate reconstruction
• Delayed reconstruction
• Immediate-delayed reconstruction 

If you are pre-menopausal and your cancer is hormone positive, part of your treatment may include removal of your ovaries and in some cases, a total hysterectomy may be recommended. Typically this will happen after you have completed chemotherapy and radiation.

One of the most significant side effects from this step in treatment, as a young woman, is menopause. Living with the symptoms of surgically induced menopause is more challenging, especially when your breast cancer is hormone positive.

• After your mastectomy surgery, be prepared to sleep sitting up. The discomfort from surgery may make sleep difficult for several weeks, or months. Try using pillows designed for travel to increase comfort.
• Some women find breast pads help to diffuse pressure points, especially when you are sleeping, check out Solaris Swell Spots Breast Pads.
• Think about ordering a few extra compression bras. You can order directly from www.ClearPointMD.com 
• You may want to purchase button/zip up sweaters, pyjamas, shirts to wear while you recover from surgery because your arm function may be severely limited.
• Think about waxing your armpits before surgery because you can't shave for many weeks.
• If you haven't already, consider switching to an all natural, aluminum free deodorant. Detoxing your armpits is no joke, especially when you can't lift your arms properly to wash. 
• Global Breast Cancer Resources for Patients, Survivors and Their Loved Ones, including companies supporting Breast Cancer Awareness around the World