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MASTECTOMY
PREPARING FOR A MASTECTOMY
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For those with early-stage breast cancer, a mastectomy may be one treatment option. This is where the full breast is excised with a few lympnodes around the area. Breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy), in which only the tumor is removed from the breast, may be another option.
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STEPS TO BOOKING:
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Obtain a referral form from your physician
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Book an appointment with our office
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If you are using insurance (Present insurance Card)
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MEET THE ANESTHESIOLOGIST
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Consultation booking
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Laboratory and Imaging test completed
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Preoperative questionnaire
THE DAY BEFORE YOUR PROCEDURE:​
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Fast 12 hours prior to surgery
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Remember to leave all valuables at home (jewelry, money etc.)
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Refrain from smoking and use of alcoholic beverages
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Shower the morning of the procedure
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SURGERY TIMELINE:
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Patient assessment about 45 minutes after check in
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Anesthesia takes about 15 minutes
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Surgery takes about 1-2 hours (depending on type and number of mastectomy)
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Recovery requires about 1 hour
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Upon clearance by the doctor the patient is released
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RESULTS TIMELINE:
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Specimen taken to the laboratory by the patient
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Post operative guidelines given
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Follow-up care
I'm ready to begin...
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
BENEFITS:
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To reduce the risk of cancer recurrence to between 1 percent and 3 percent. However, women may need radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy after the surgery.
POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS & RISK:
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Infection
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Bleeding
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Cosmetic changes/ tissues including flap necrosis, axillary, redundant tissue
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Fluid accumulation in the operative site which may require aspirations
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Lymph-edema
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Possible numbness near the incision or behind the arm, nerve damage producing weak muscles
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Pain
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Although the risks and complications may occur only very rarely they do sometimes occur and cannot be predicted or prevented by the physician
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POSTOPERATIVE CARE GUIDELINES:
Wound care
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Do not remove the dressing, steri- strips or stitches
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If the strips fall off do not replace them. Call the Doctor
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You may shower one day after the drain (s) is out
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Be careful not to touch or remove the steri-strips or structures
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Bruising and some swelling is normal for some women
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A low-grade fever under 100 degrees Fahrenheit is normal
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You will have a Jackson- Pratt drain the day after your surgery
Activity​
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Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting and vigorous exercise until the stitches are removed
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Walking is a normal activity that can be restarted a day
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Following a lymph node dissection, don't avoid using your arm, but don't exercise it until your first post operative visit
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Discuss returning activities with us
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You cannot do housework or drive until the rain is out
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Diet ​
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You may resume your regular diet as soon as you can
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We encourage eight to ten glasses of water and non caffeinated beverages per day, plenty fruits and vegetables as well as lower fat foods
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When to contact Us
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Pain is not relived by medication
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Fever is more tan 100 degrees Fahrenheit or chills
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Excessive Bleeding and bloody dressing
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Excessive swelling
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Redness outside the dressing
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Discharge or bad odor from the wound
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Allergic or other reactions to medication
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Constipation
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Anxiety, depression, trouble sleeping, need more support
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