Questions you may want to ask your doctor about surgery

• What kinds of surgery can I consider? Is breast-sparing surgery an option for me? Is a skin-sparing mastectomy an option? Which operation do you recommend for me? Why?
• Will any lymph nodes be removed? How many? Why?
• How will I feel after the operation? Will I have to stay in the hospital?
• What are the risks of surgery?
• How many surgeries for breast cancer have you done?
• Will I need to learn how to take care of myself or my incision when I get home?
• Where will the scars be? What will they look like?
• If I decide to have plastic surgery to rebuild my breast, how and when can that be done? Can you suggest a plastic surgeon for me to contact?
• Will I have to do special exercises to help regain motion and strength in my arm and shoulder? Will a physical therapist or nurse show me how to do the exercises?