In today’s solo episode, I talk about the possible side effects of breast cancer surgery.
Commonly, breast cancer surgery can involve either a lumpectomy or mastectomy. If you are recommended to have the latter, then at least in the UK, you should be offered the possibility of having a breast reconstruction.
Whenever you have a surgical procedure, the surgeon will talk to you about the possible risks and complications related to that particular operation. Although these particular events may not happen following a particular operation, patients are warned and informed about these in advance.
In this episode I discuss the more common side effects of breast surgery, specifically pertaining to breast conservation surgery and mastectomy. These events can occur either early on following surgery i.e. weeks, or later i.e. months or years following surgery.
Side effects of breast cancer surgery
This can include:
- Discomfort
- Altered sensation
- Lumpiness and firmness of the breast
- Infection
- Seroma
- Tiredness
- Lymphoedema
- Low mood/depression
This list is not exhaustive and I haven’t covered all of them in this episode. Nevertheless, in the podcast, I go through each one in more detail, and I hope you have found the explanations useful.
Resources
Referenced article: Schreiber et al. Chronic Pain After Breast Surgery: A Prospective, Observational Study. Annals of Surgical Oncology, October 2018,25(10).
For further support surrounding mental health, below are some useful links:
Maggies – these centres are found all over the UK. “…Our Centres are staffed by Cancer Support Specialists, Benefits Advisors, Nutritionists, therapists and Psychologists who can support you in whichever way best suits your needs.”
Mind – is a charity that provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem.
Samaritans – you can call the Samaritans 24 /7 for any issue however big or small.
Macmillan Cancer Support – is a great charity that “provides physical, financial and emotional support to help you live life as fully as you can”.
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DISCLAIMER: The content of this podcast and website is not a substitute for seeking medical advice from a healthcare professional. Please do not delay in seeing a doctor for a breast problem, because of what you have read on this website or heard on this podcast.
