Preparing for Breast Cancer Surgery
Many events will be taking place as you receive treatment for breast cancer. This handout will help you know what to expect during this difficult time. We invite you to ask questions and to let us know what will make this experience go more smoothly for you.
“Work-up” Clinic
At this visit you will have a physical exam, and you will be asked about your health. Other tests may need to be done at this time, such as lab work, electrocardiogram (ECG), or chest x-ray. You may also meet with a doctor and be seen in the Anesthesia Clinic. You will learn about your surgery and what to expect before and afterwards. The staff will review this information with you and answer your questions. After learning about the risks of surgery, you will be asked to sign a consent form. Please feel free to talk with us about concerns you may have.
The Day before Surgery
You will be called the day before your surgery (on Friday if your surgery is Monday) and given the time and place for you to arrive. The nurse will review special instructions with you at this time about getting ready for surgery.
The Day of Surgery
When you arrive, you will be asked to change into a hospital gown and robe. Bring along warm socks or slippers if you like. A nurse will ask you a few questions and check your blood pressure, pulse, and temperature. You will also meet the doctor who will be giving you anesthesia during your surgery. Your family will be told where to wait and where the doctor will talk with them after surgery.
After surgery, you will return to your Outpatient Surgery room unless you are going to be admitted overnight. You may be drowsy, so you will need help when first getting out of bed. Your vital signs (blood pressure, temperature, and pulse) will be checked often. You will also have an IV (intravenous line) giving you fluids. First, you will be offered ice chips, and then you can slowly begin drinking liquids.
Be sure to tell your nurse if you are in pain or feel nauseated. Medicine is available to help treat both of these symptoms. You can expect some numbness, tingling, and discomfort at the site of your surgery. If lymph nodes have been removed, your arm will be placed on a few pillows. When possible avoid having blood pressures, IV lines, or blood drawn from this arm in the future. Your nurse will check your bandages. If you have any drains, they will be emptied.
The Day of Discharge
Before leaving the hospital, you will be shown how to care for your drains and change your bandage. There is a video and a booklet to help you with this. Be sure to empty the drains twice a day. Measure the amount of fluid emptied, and record the amount in your booklet. Your doctor will ask for these amounts. You may find it helpful to have a family member or close friend help you with your drain care. You will receive a bag of supplies to use in caring for your incision and drains. If you’ve had a mastectomy, you will be given a temporary prosthesis and bra that you may wear until your incision heals.
Plans for a return clinic visit will be made with you before you go home. A home health visit by a nurse can be arranged. A visit with a volunteer from the Reach to Recovery program also can be arranged. These volunteers offer emotional support and demonstrate arm exercises.
Home Visit
If a home health visit has been arranged for you, a nurse will visit you the day after you go home. The nurse will change your dressing, perform drain care (if drains are present), and teach you and a family member or friend to help you with this care. Your nurse will also review the mastectomy or lumpectomy booklet about caring for yourself at home. You may only need 1-2 visits, but more frequent visits can be arranged if needed.
We hope that this information will be helpful to you. Feel free to talk with your nurses and doctors about your questions and concerns. We are here to help you.
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 09/22/2008
Copyright © 09/22/2008 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. UWH #5408
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