Now What? A Patient's Guide to Recovery After Mastectomy

This gave details that my surgeon's office didn't think to tell me. I felt more prepared than I would have if I had not bought this book.

The author of this book had a prophylactic double mastectomy with reconstruction. She decided to do this after observing her sister do the same thing. Whether it was the "Angelina effect," or the fact that the law changed to provide insurance coverage for reconstruction, or the availability of genetic testing, there had been a large increase in the number of women choosing to have a double mastectomy with reconstruction. The author and just about all of the patient stories she presents at the back of the book represent this decision and experience. Many had tested positive for BRCA. Nearly all were confident in their choice and without regret. These women are a subset of the overall population who undergo mastectomy. Many are older, with more progressed disease and less assured outcomes. Many choose single mastectomy, with or without reconstruction. Many are very sad about the loss of their breast. You don't hear any of those voices in this book. So if you're young(ish), planning to have a double with reconstruction and feeling pretty assured of being "cured," you will find others like yourself here and you will be encouraged. If your situation is different you will feel like you are reading about a breast cancer sorority that you are definitely not a member of.

must read but be careful pick and choose what you follow it can be overwhelming and your doctors may not be as receptive to your questions. Be firm with your doctors though. The clothes, setting up the tolitries, showering this is all very helpful. Plus the back flap surgery usually involves 2 drains, the surgeon never told my mom and encouraged her to have this surgery along with the breast removal (1 drain). She was going to be alone for part of the time and got upset when we changed our mine day of surgery to postpone surgery. Go with your gut even if the surgeon is cocky. He made us feel bad for changing our mind and challenging him but it's not his life this is affecting.

This book has great information. I am having bilateral surgery in several days and it was a very helpful read. I am not having reconstruction along with my mastectomy, and while the book does touch upon that decision, I felt the contributions in the book from others focused mainly on reconstruction, esp post-op. I would have liked more input regarding the former - not getting implants - so I am still investigating other books and websites. Additionally there is good information here regarding BRAC1/2. I have tested negative for the 3 most common mutations but am having additional testing done. Post-op experiences were very helpful - I am worried about that and what to expect. Every patient is different but there is good insight here. Thank you÷

The Curran sisters have a unique perspective: Medical professionals with a strong family history of breast cancer, but no identified genetic mutation. After one sister chose prophylactic mastectomy, and another was diagnosed with breast cancer, Amy pooled their considerable personal and professional knowledge, interviewed others in the breast cancer field, conducted research and surveyed other women who had undergone mastectomies. The book that resulted is a valuable resource for any woman facing mastectomy: Not just the "nuts and bolts" of the surgery, but realistic expectations of the range of possibilities for recovery and reconstruction, and practical suggestions for how to cope with post-op necessities. The personal stories presented in the final section convey a sense of hope, and the possibility of getting past surgery and back into life.As a member of the hereditary breast cancer community, I am happy to see that there is now a comprehensive reference for women having this surgery that is relevant to those with or without a cancer diagnosis.

This book is a godsend for people who are planning to undergo a mastectomy, especially those who are planning for reconstruction. Great to hear both the practical suggestions that nobody else mentions (like rearrange your carbinets so frequently used items are on low shelves and the need to practice getting in and out of bed or even renting a recliner for the first few weeks). Thenks to Amy and her sisters and all the FORCE members who contributed!

This was the first book that I read after getting diagnosed with breast cancer for the first time. It really helped my beginning journey into this confusing, fearful new chapter in my life. It was good to know that many others share the same experience as me. It also informed me on what to expect down the road.

This is an excellent guide geared towards the patient's perspective of the process. It contains practical advice. As someone who likes to be thoroughly prepared for any event, this book helped me to feel more in control of my situation. I was able to order supplies advance as well as get my room set up for my return from the hospital. Very well written and easily accessible. I would recommend this book to anyone facing a mastectomy.

This is a very American book, and as such mostly features women who had a single or double mastectomy as a preventative measure, before they were diagnosed with cancer. As such it doesn't cover a lot of things that most breast cancer patients want to know about, such as the lymph node surgery, and other adjuvant treatments. I feel that Now What? is misleading, because it doesn't cover what really happens.It is quite good on the practicalities of going into hospital and packing and planning for recuperation.