It is important that you continue to play an active role in your recovery process (including your physical and psychological well-being) after your breast cancer surgery.

• Answers to these questions will help you play an active role in your recovery.
• When will I be able to get back to my normal routine?
• Are there any precautions that I should take? (For example if lymph nodes were removed, should I avoid having an injection in that arm or shaving under that arm?) How does the removal of some lymph nodes affect my chances of developing lymphedema? How can I reduce my chance of getting lymphedema?
• Are there special exercises I should be doing? Which? When should I start? How long should I do them? Are there any exercises that I should avoid?
• What problems, specifically should I report to you?
• Where can I find a breast cancer or cancer support group led by a qualified professional?

Answers to these questions will help you to prepare for follow up visits to the doctor

• Who will be responsible for my follow up care after my treatment
• How often should I return for an exam? For lab tests or other X-rays?
• What tests will be done at these times?
• What will the tests tell me?
• When should I have my next mammogram?

About Reconstructive Breast Surgery
Breast reconstruction can help restore the look and feel of the breast that was removed during a total mastectomy. Done by a plastic surgeon, breast reconstruction can be completed during the total mastectomy surgery or sometime after surgery. Exactly when you decide to have reconstruction depends on your wishes and the specifics of the situation. You should discuss your options with your caregiver.

• What are the different types of reconstructive surgery available? What will my insurance cover? What type do you recommend?
• When is the best time for me to have reconstruction – immediate or delayed reconstruction? If I need radiation therapy, will it affect the results and success of the reconstructive breast surgery?
• What are the short and long term consequences with the muscle flap reconstruction versus implant reconstruction?
• How many operations are needed? How long is each surgical procedure? How long of a hospital stay is necessary for each? How much time is needed for recovery after each? Are there any medications to avoid before surgery?
• Is there much pain after surgery? What body changes, such as swelling may I experience following surgery and for how long?
• How can I expect the reconstructed breast to look and feel? How will it compare in appearance with my healthy breast? Will anything need to be done to the healthy breast?
• May I see pictures of reconstructive surgeries that you have performed?
• Will I be able to detect a possible recurrence after reconstructive surgery? Is a mammogram still recommended for me? Will reconstructive breast surgery change my normal breast health routine in any way?
• If I do not choose reconstruction, what prostheses or breast forms are available and where do I purchase them?