The Breast Reconstruction Guidebook

by Steligo, Kathy

• ISBN13: 9780966979961
• ISBN10: 0966979966
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-09-01
• Publisher: Carlo Pr

Summary

No woman wants to lose her breasts. But when mastectomy is necessary, you have options to recreate what breast cancer takes away. But how real will your reconstructed breast look? Will it match your opposite breast? What if you don't want implants? Will your insurance company pay? How long will reconstruction take and how painful will recovery be? The Breast Reconstruction Guidebook answers these questions and many more. It will help you sort through the benefits and limitations of each reconstructive procedure, and decide which, if any, is right for you. Book jacket.

Table of Contents

FOREWARD	xiii
INTRODUCTION	1	(3)
Decision: Mastectomy
1. Why Mastectomy?	4	(8)
Anatomy of the breast
A breast cancer primer
Surgical treatments
Do you really need a mastectomy?
2. Post-Mastectomy Options	12	(5)
Empty chest
The prosthesis alternative
Breast reconstruction
3. Breast Reconstruction Basics	17	(5)
Sorting through the options
Matching the opposite breast
Choosing or refusing
4. How Mastectomy Affects Reconstruction	22	(7)
The mastectomy procedure
Immediate reconstruction
Delayed reconstruction
Coordinating reconstruction with adjuvant therapies
5. Considering Prophylactic Mastectomy	29	(11)
Making sense of statistics
Risk factors
Genetic testing
Genetic counseling
Making your decision
Finding Answers, Making Decisions
6. Finding Dr. Right	40	(8)
Caveat emptor
Four characteristics of an ideal plastic surgeon
Shopping for a surgeon
Before you schedule an appointment
The consultation
The value of a second (or third) opinion
7. Searching for Answers	48	(10)
Why bother with research?
Eight tips to make the most of your research
References and resources
Paying for your reconstruction
The decision roadmap
8. Taming the Wild Ride	58	(10)
Reflect and accept
Adjust your attitude
Finding inspiration
You're not alone
Talking about your reconstruction
Reconstructive Procedures
9. Breast Implants	68	(16)
Saline or silicone
Are they safe?
Implant procedures
Recovery
Are implants right for you?
Potential problems
10. The Expander Experience	84	(6)
Getting your fill
Living in limbo
Exchange surgery
Potential problems
11. Tummy Tuck Flaps	90	(15)
Tissue flap basics
The attached TRAM flap
The free TRAM
The DIEP flap
Building a new belly button
Is a TRAM or DIEP right for you?
Comparing abdominal flaps and implants
12. Other Flap Methods	105	(6)
The back flap
Gluteal flaps
The thigh flap
13. Altering the Opposite Breast	111	(10)
Breast augmentation
Breast reduction
Breast lift
14. Final Touches: Creating the Nipple and Areola	121	(9)
Icing on the cake
Building the nipple
Adding the areola
Problems and solutions
Non-Surgical alternatives
From Prep to Post-Op
15. Preparing for Your Surgery	130	(8)
Countdown: four weeks to surgery
Two weeks before surgery
One week to go
The day before surgery
It's reconstruction day
16. In the Hospital	138	(8)
Admitting and pre-op
In the OR
A peek into post-op
The day after surgery
The rest of your hospital stay
Recovery and Beyond
17. Back Home	146	(11)
A timetable for healing
Managing medication
Dealing with drains
Tips for an easier recovery
Seeing your new breasts for the first time
18. Building Strength and Flexibility with Exercise	157	(12)
Before your surgery
The first week after surgery
Exercises after implant reconstruction
Exercises after flap reconstruction
Additional resources
19. Dealing with Problems	169	(7)
The best defense is a good offense
Lingering pain
Lymphedema
Cosmetic imperfections
Improving scars
20. Life After Reconstruction	176	(6)
Back to work
Dating, intimacy, and sex
Follow-up care
Dealing with recurrence
Mending mind, body and spirit
Your turn to share
21. Searching for Silver Bullets	182
Redefining early detection
Enhanced genetics
Kinder, gentler biopsies
Innovative treatments
Pioneering reconstructive techniques
Someday...
Glossary
Resources
Bibliography
Index