An overview of the mastectomy, the day of the surgery, and what to expect immediately following the procedure.
If a mastectomy has been recommended as part of your breast cancer treatment, you may have questions and possibly fears about the surgery itself. Some women are greatly affected by the prospect of losing a breast, while others come through the experience relatively unscathed. Knowing what to expect on the day of, and in the days following the operation will help you prepare for the procedure.
The day before surgery, you must stop eating solid foods after a certain time. Make sure you eat well prior to the cut-off time, taking small, frequent, nutritious meals throughout the day. Exercise, treat yourself to a low-stress “day before”, and get a good night’s sleep to prepare for your surgery.
On the day of the operation (after checking in to the hospital) you will be prepped for surgery – including being scrubbed down and having an I.V. inserted – and have a short wait prior to going into the operating room. Your surgeon and the anesthesiologist will both speak with you before the procedure commences.
The mastectomy itself involves separating the breast tissue from the overlying skin and the chest wall muscle. In the case of a modified radical or full radical mastectomy, some of the chest muscle may be removed as well. The surgery takes 1 ½ to 2 hours, and you may feel nauseous and have some pain upon waking up. Anti-nausea drugs (such as Gravol) and painkillers will be administered to make you more comfortable.
Once stable, you will be transferred to a room on a hospital ward to recover. Normally, the ward is specific to cancer patients, and the nurses are well-trained to answer questions and address concerns you may have. The time spent in the hospital after surgery will depend on how fast you recover, but most are ready to go home in three days or less.
After Effects
There are a few things you should be prepared for post-mastectomy:
The Drain. You will have a drain for the wound. This allows any excess fluid to drain from the surgery site, and keeps the wound from swelling and becoming infected. The drain must be emptied two to three times a day – a nurse will explain how this is done – and will be removed after the fluid drainage has slowed down.
The Surgical Site. The incision is most commonly in the shape of an oval around the nipple, and runs across the width of the breast. In most cases, the surgical site will be covered with steri-strips (thin surgical tape) that fall off within two weeks. The stitches are normally underneath the skin, and dissolve on their own (no need for removal!). The area around the surgical site can bruise and be quite tender as it heals.
Numbness. The skin along and around the incision site could be numb due to the surgeon moving or cutting nerves during the procedure. The area may also be extra sensitive if the nerves have been stretched or damaged. Numbness and nerve interference is common, and the condition usually improves over time as the nerves repair themselves.
Exercises. A physiotherapist will see you prior to your being released from the hospital to show you a series of exercises designed to prevent stiffness and encourage mobility on the mastectomy side. If you have not been given exercises, Staying Abreast offers a great reference guide for rehabilitative activities.
After you get home, follow the recommendations of your doctor, get plenty of rest but be sure to stay active, and report any problems immediately to your surgeon – if your surgeon is not available, go for a ride to the nearest emergency room for assistance. Taking proper care of yourself is the key to a quick and uneventful recovery.
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