How Do You Avoid Complications From Mastectomy Surgery?
You may think you have little control over your cancer and how it affects you. However, there are little changes you can make to help you along the path to recovery. Knowledge can go a long way to help you avoid complications from mastectomy surgery. Do your research. Go online to places like the Susan G. Komen Web site or Gilda’s Club (see Resources below), which have up-to-date information on mastectomy surgery. Also visit the library and pick up medical journals, like BMJ, to keep yourself informed. Pay attention to restrictions. Do not eat, drink, smoke or take medications during the recommended time prior to your surgery. Also follow any dietary guidelines that the doctor might give you prior to the day of surgery. Inform your doctor of any special circumstances. The doctor will need to know if you are pregnant or nursing, have allergies, experience reactions to anesthesia or take medications, herbal supplements or vitamins. Make sure you know how to protect yourself from infectio
