If you're going to be scheduling your breast reconstruction surgery, it's time to prepare yourself for the process. The most important thing you can remember is that you are your biggest advocate. With that knowledge you can speak out and be prepared to ensure you receive the proper care. Breast reconstruction surgery is a big step towards your recovery from breast cancer. Here are three steps you can take to make sure that you have everything you'll need for a successful recovery.
Get All the Information You Can
When it comes to breast reconstruction surgery, you need to gather all the information you can. You don't want to enter into this journey without all the facts. Before you schedule your surgery, make sure that you've chosen the procedure that's right for you. It's also important that you understand everything you'll need to know about the procedure itself, as well as the recovery. If you're not sure about a particular aspect of the procedure, be sure to sit down and talk to your doctor about it. Remember, as your biggest advocate, you need to have an open line of communication with your entire healthcare team.
Join a Support Group
When you were diagnosed with breast cancer, you probably joined a support group. Now that you'll be going through breast reconstruction surgery, it's important that you find a support group for this portion of your journey, as well. By joining a support group for women who are going through the procedure, or who have already been through it, you'll be sure to have the support of women who know what you're experiencing. This will be an important part of your recovery process, especially when you have questions or need advice from women who have been there.
Gather Your Team
In addition to your support group, you're also going to need your own personal team. These will be people who know you, and who will be there to help you through those first few days and weeks after the procedure. You're going to need help with the housework and the cooking. You may also need some help with your personal hygiene needs, especially for those first few days after your surgery. Having people around to be of assistance will help you have a more successful recovery.
If you're recovering from breast cancer, and you're scheduled for breast reconstruction surgery, the information provided here will help you prepare for the surgery and the recovery phase. For questions and concerns about the procedure, be sure to talk to your doctor.
