Most women share a common reason to worry
with breast lumps or other changes. They are most popularly assumed to
be breast cancer. Women suffer from several types of breast lumps and
other breast changes through a lifetime, counting changes that take
place with menstrual cycle, childbearing and aging. These breast changes
are supposed to be normal. There are three common methods of early
detection: A mammogram: an X-ray of the breast that can often find
tumors that are too small for you or your doctor to feel, Clinical
breast examination (CBE): the doctor will carefully feel your breasts
and under your arms to check for lumps or other unusual changes and
breast self-examination (BSE) involves checking your breasts for lumps
or changes while standing and lying in different positions and while
looking at your breasts in a mirror. Other symptoms of breast cancer
include: skin changes, such as dimpling or puckering, changes in the
color or feel, nipple discharge, darkening of the area around the nipple
and any breast problem that lasts more than two weeks.
The three major ways to screen for
breast cancer are self examination, clinical examination and
mammography. It is suggested that all three be used regularly as no one
method is 100 percent effective. Breast cancer treatment can be done
properly after the tumor biopsy is done and pathology. Doctors can come
up with their individual treatment with the help of these techniques for
each patient depending on their typical tumor. Your doctor will likely
do the following:
- Physical exam, including breast exam.
- Blood tests.
- Mammogram.
- Take "before" pictures.
- The night before, eat a light meal, and do not eat or drink anything after midnight.
- You may be asked to shower before your procedure. You may be given special antibacterial soap to use.
- Talk to your doctor about your medicines. You may be asked to stop
taking some medicines or herbal supplements up to one week before the
procedure.
In a simple or total mastectomy,
the entire breast is removed except the lymph nodes. Simple mastectomy
is most often used to prevent further cancer or when the cancer hasn't
reached the lymph nodes. In a modified radical mastectomy, the surgeon
removes the entire breast tissue along with the nipple and the lymph
nodes in the armpit. Many patients get breast reconstruction done either
immediate after the Mastectomy or after a while. Skin-sparing
mastectomy is an option in which the surgeon removes the nipple and
areola and the area where the tumor was removed. Breast cancer treatment
helps facilitate breast reconstruction. Thoroughly discuss with your
surgeon about whichever type of surgery is your best option to achieve
the best outcome.
You must arrange for a ride to and
from the procedure and help at home after the surgery. Remember to do
post breast surgery exercises. Exercising safely will help you to regain
your previous range of motion as breast surgery can limit your arm
motion. Hold a soft rubber ball in the hand on your operated side.
Gradually, increase the number of times you do the exercise each day.
Wear a special surgical bra to put pressure. This will properly shape
your breast or breasts after the breast cancer surgery. If drains have
been put in either breast, they will be removed two to four days after
surgery. Stitches are usually removed after a week though absorbable
stitches do not need to be removed. Avoid heavy lifting, straining or
strenuous exercise for the first week after the breast cancer surgery.
- Q. How do I care for my drainage device?
After the breast cancer
surgery, you may have an external drainage device placed. The drain will
constantly remove fluid from the surgery spot. You will need to empty
it. Your health care provider will show you how to care for your drain.
The drainage is removed within a week after the surgery.
- Q. When can I wet my incision?
After the breast cancer surgery, the incision should be kept clean and dry for one week.
- Q. When and how do I change my bandages?
A surgi-bra should be worn, which holds the bandages after the surgery. Dressings should be changed once a day.
- Q. What should I take for the pain?
You will be given a prescription
for pain medication after breast cancer surgery. Do not take aspirin or
products containing aspirin because they increase bleeding.
- Q. How do I care for the skin near the incision?
The surgical area
will be black and blue right after the breast cancer surgery. This will
go away in a few days. There may be discomfort on the inner part of the
upper arm or armpit. A warm shower may provide comfort, but wait a week
after the surgery before showering. While the incision heals, it will
feel thick and tough. Massage the area with a mild lotion, vitamin E or
pure lanolin.
- Q. What exercises should I do after breast cancer surgery?
Exercising
is important after this surgery. To regain mobility, do these
stretching exercises several times every day. Some exercises that you
may do are arm lifts, arm swings and wall climbing.
- Q. When can I drive after breast cancer surgery?
Most women can resume driving within 10 to 14 days.
- Q. What follow-up exams will I have?
Regular follow-up exams are very
important. The doctor will continue to closely monitor progress to help
insure that the cancer has not returned. There will be a complete
physical exam and an annual mammogram from time to time.
- Q. Should I do breast self-exams?
A woman who has had cancer in one
breast has a higher-than-average risk of developing cancer in her other
breast. You should continue to practice monthly breast self-exams.
- Q. When should I call my doctor?
Call your doctor if you have the following symptoms:
• Fever over 101° F after the surgery
• Rising pain or swelling
• Redness or tenderness
• Numbness
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