I’m most definitely a list maker, I think I got this trait from my mum! I used to come into the kitchen and my mum had made a list for us to complete, hoover, polish, do homework etc.etc. so my ‘To Do’ list bug was born early! If it’s not on the list it’s not getting done.
My surgery planning was no exception, if a question popped into my head I wrote it down to return to at a later date. Some questions were easily answered on Google or ‘The Breasties’ Community Group (more on that to come in other posts) but other more specific or medical questions were saved for my surgeon.
Having this list of questions is also really helpful if you’re lying awake at night, thinking about things and are unable to sleep. Getting it out of your head onto your list is the best thing you can do for a good night’s sleep.
To start off I made a note in the notes app on my phone named ‘Surgery Questions’, I put a ‘Done’ circle next to each one so I knew when I’d asked it and left space for the answer below.
Here are some of the questions that you may want the answers to (note: this is my experience with direct to implant reconstruction, so your questions may be different if you are opting for expanders, DIEP flap reconstruction or choosing to go flat):
Direct to Implant Surgery Questions
- Under or over muscle implants? – this will affect recovery time and the aesthetic of the implants.
- Round or Teardrop Shape?
- Direct to implant or will expanders be needed?
- What size implants are most appropriate for my body/frame?
- How far under the arm/armpit will look different/what to expect?
- Risks that could happen during surgery?
- What could happen during surgery for me to come out flat/without implants?
- Is the removed breast tissue checked for any signs of cancer? How quickly would I get results following this?
- How long will my recovery time be?
- Will a surgical bra be provided? If not, estimated size of ones to purchase?
- Signs to look out for in case of infection or other complications?
- What medication will I leave hospital with vs what I should provide myself?
- Is physio included in the aftercare?
- What at-home exercises are recommended (when and how often?)
- How soon can I have Lymphatic Drainage Massage (if possible)?
- Recommended scar creams/oils and application advice?
- Sick note request for time away from work.
This list is not exhaustive, and you may have many more questions that have popped into your head that are really personal to you and your circumstances, but I hope this helps get you going with questions to put your mind at ease.
Danni xx
My Mastectomy 