Questions to Ask Your Surgeon

What kind of surgery do you recommend for me?  

Why do I need to have this procedure?

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?

What kind of incision am I going to have?

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 you come to see me after surgery?

How will I feel after surgery? Will I need pain medication?

What kind of care will my incision need after surgery?

Will surgical drains be placed in my chest/underarm area? If so, what do I need to know about them?

Will I have stitches that need to be removed later?

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

What should I do if I feel like I need more time in the hospital than my insurance will allow?

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

Are there physical therapy exercises I should do after surgery? Do you have any information about exercises that I can take with me?

How often will I see you for follow-up care after surgery?

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

When will you have the results of my pathology tests? Will I come in to discuss them, or will we talk over the phone?

Will my medical insurance cover all charges from you and the hospital?