Mastectomy For Breast Cancer: Before Your Surgery

A mastectomy is surgery to remove a breast.

It's often done as part of  breast cancer treatment.

Having a mastectomy is a personal experience, and not everyone will have the  same emotions or the same concerns.

When you're preparing to have a mastectomy, it may help to know how the  surgery is done and what to expect.

You'll meet with your doctor before the  surgery to learn about the procedure and talk about any decisions you may need to make.

Before the surgery, you'll get medicine to make you  sleep and keep you from feeling pain.

There are many ways to do this surgery.

The incision can be made  in several different ways, depending on the location of the  cancer and your treatment plan.

But to begin, the doctor  will make a cut—an incision— into the breast to remove breast tissue.

The doctor may also remove some  lymph nodes to check them for cancer.

Lymph nodes may also be removed when cancer has already been found in the area.

And they'll place one or  more tubes, called drains, to collect fluid from the surgery area.

To finish the surgery, your doctor  will use stitches under the skin.

Your incision will be closed  with tape strips or skin glue, and then covered with a bandage.

The amount of time your surgery will take  will depend on what needs to be done.

Your doctor will let you know  how long your surgery may take.

After surgery, you'll spend  some time in the recovery room.

And you may have a special  bandage, called a binder, around your chest.

You may be able to go home the same day, although it's possible you may need to  stay in the hospital for a few days.

How long you'll stay in the hospital will  depend on what you need to heal and recover.

Before the surgery, tell your doctor about all the medicines  and natural health products you take, especially blood thinners like aspirin.

Some can raise the risk of bleeding  or cause problems with anesthesia.

Your doctor will tell you which  medicines to take or stop before surgery.

And follow your doctor's directions  for preparing for your surgery, including when you should  stop eating and drinking.

Bring your photo ID, health insurance card, and any paperwork your  hospital may have asked for.

Be sure you have someone who can take you home.

Anesthesia and pain medicine will  make it unsafe for you to drive or get home on your own.

You'll get instructions on how  to take care of yourself at home, including when you can shower and how to care for your incision and drains.

Having a mastectomy can be stressful.

But knowing what to expect  and how to prepare can help.

And remember, you can always call your care provider  if you have questions or concerns.