How to Learn About Breast Reconstruction for Breast Cancer Patients

Before or after surgery for breast cancer, your doctor can discuss breast reconstruction with you. You will also want to have a discussion with a plastic surgeon. He can tell you about the different types of breast implants and when the appropriate time would be for you to have the reconstruction.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Choose to have your breast reconstructed at the same time you undergo the mastectomy. Or, choose to have your breast reconstructed at a later date. If you are worried about not being covered by health insurance in the future for some reason, it may be advisable to do the 2 procedures simultaneously.
2. Learn about the effects, physical and psychological, of breast reconstruction from other cancer patients. Ask others in your breast cancer support group what their experiences were. Canvass those who had reconstructive surgery, as well as those who didn't, so that you can learn both sides of the story.
3. Ask your doctor if she has seen a difference in self-esteem between breast cancer patients who have had reconstructive surgery versus those who chose not to have their breasts reconstructed. All opinions are valuable here, and no two people's opinions will be the same.
4. Work with your doctor to determine whether implants are your best option. Some women opt to reconstruct the breast using tissue from another area of the body.
5. Visit the 'Breast Reconstruction' section of the National Cancer Institute Web site to read in-depth information on the various types of breast reconstruction surgeries and to determine which might be best for you (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• Ask your doctor to refer you to a breast cancer plastic surgeon for a consultation. Often reconstruction can take place when a mastectomy is performed, but there are variables that can affect the surgeon's recommendation.
• Speak with your doctor about the relative safety of the different implants used in reconstruction surgery.
• The United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) offers a useful resource regarding the application of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to employees diagnosed with cancer (see Resources below).
• Steel yourself against stress and anxiety of a cancer diagnosis by connecting with your hospital's breast cancer support group. The American Cancer Society can also connect you to a group (see Resources below).