Breast Cancer Surgery Checklist

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What kind of surgery do you recommend for me?

How much of my breast will be removed?

What are the risks and side effects of this surgery?

What are the risks if I decide not to have this surgery?

What are my options for anesthesia? What are the risks of anesthesia?

How do I take care of the incision site at home?

How can I tell if there is an infection in the incision site?

How does knowing my cancer risk help my family members? How should I advise them?

Will I have a lymph node dissection? If so, how many nodes will be removed?

What should I know about taking care of my arm after lymph node dissection?

Will I need pain medication?

Will surgical drains be placed in my chest/armpit area? If so, for how long and how do I take care of them?

How do I bathe or shower with the drains present?1

Will I have stitches that need to be removed later?

How long will I stay in the hospital after the surgery?

When can I start wearing a bra?

Do I need a special type of bra?

How much time should I expect to allow for recovery at home?

Will I have decreased or absent sensation/numbness in my chest or arm?

Are there physical therapy exercises or arm exercises I should do after surgery?

Do you have any information about exercises that I can take with me?

If I have a mastectomy, will I be able to have breast reconstruction?

When will you have the results of my pathology tests?

Will my medical insurance cover all charges from the surgery?

The list of questions to ask your doctor/healthcare team while considering a breast cancer surgery.

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