CANSA Tips to Help You Cope Before Breast Cancer Surgery

CANSA knows that many women are affected by breast cancer in South Africa and that it affects women of all ages, though the risk increases as a woman gets older.

Breast conserving surgery (a lumpectomy), or surgery to remove the entire breast(s), known as a mastectomy, or to investigate if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes under the arm (sentinel lymph node biopsy / axillary lymph node dissection), may be recommended as part of the treatment plan.

It is helpful to plan for surgery and CANSA has compiled a few tips to guide women:

Before Surgery

Understanding the Surgery

It is important that you have an honest discussion with your medical team before surgery takes place. Take a loved one with you, to remind you of important questions you may have, and to record the answers:

1. Establish why this type of surgery is best for your type and stage of breast cancer.
2. Ask what will happen during surgery and what you should prepare yourself for post-surgery.
3. Discuss how long it will take to recover from surgery.
4. Know when and who to contact, if you are struggling with side effects of surgery.
5. Ask for a referral to physical therapist who may assist you, should you need assistance post-surgery with regards to lymphoedema or limited movement.
6. Find out about other cancer treatments that may take place post-surgery and when this would happen. Ask what the side effects of these treatments might be.
7. Know that it is your body, and that you are entitled to a second opinion.
8. You are welcome to check in with CANSA’s Clinical Nurse, Sr Vlooi Venter – email: vventer@cansa.org.za – the service is free.

Packing Your Bag

Knowing what to take along, will relieve the stress of packing:

1. Pack comfortable clothing that is easy to put on, for example, tops that open at the front with zips, ties in the front, or buttons – this helps, as you do not have to pull this clothing over your head.
2. Ensure that your pants are pull on and loose fitting, to help with lymphatic drainage of the entire upper body and abdomen.
3. Consider camisoles as upper undergarments – ensure they are soft.
4. To freshen up, pack baby wipes (as showering / bathing will not permitted) – take a hair brush, hair ties for longer hair, or a head band to keep unwashed hair away from your face. Include a dry shampoo.
5. Make sure to add lip balm, reading glasses, a book, your cell phone and charger to your bag.

Preparing Your Home Environment

Post-surgery you may experience pain, fatigue and not be able to lift things. With this is mind:

1. Stock up on smaller, lighter sizes of milk and juice (not heavier than 2 litres).
2. Purchase smaller size bottles of shampoo, conditioner and body soap that are easy to lift.
3. Move frequently used items to lower shelves around your home.
4. Stock up on healthy foods: fruit, vegetables, nuts and yoghurt.
5. Make and freeze some meals in advance or stock up on pre-made meals, salads or sandwiches.
6. You may not be able to shower – ensure that bathing in a small amount of cold water is possible.
7. Ensure that you have comfortable clothing, for example, open-front robes, pyjamas, shirts and pull on pants.
8. Ask for assistance ahead of the surgery, with regards to heavy-duty household tasks, for example, laundry, cleaning or putting out the trash. Consider getting groceries delivered for a while after surgery – download the necessary apps on your cell phone.

Communicating Your Needs to Loved Ones

Your loved ones will be concerned, but not necessarily know what you would like assistance with:

1. Let loved ones know the hospital location, and when visiting is allowed.
2. Arrange transport that is comfortable to and from the hospital ahead of the time.
3. Be open about what kind of help you will need around the home, or if they can help prepare meals or do shopping while your recover.
4. Let loved ones and friends know you may struggle to adjust post-surgery and that you may need time to yourself.
5. If they would like to visit, let them know to ask beforehand and not pop in unexpectedly.
6. Explain the immediate physical limitations you may have, for example avoiding lifting heavy things, or not being able to lift at all.
7. Make the decision ahead of surgery, to ask for help when you need it.

Mentally Preparing Yourself

1. It is not easy to lose a part of, or an entire breast or both breasts – do some research regarding counsellors and support groups ahead of the time – if you need to talk things through, you will have someone to talk to. Book a counselling session in advance of your surgery, to avoid waiting lists (you can always cancel if you feel you don’t need sessions).
2. You may feel a loss of confidence after surgery – warn loved ones in advance, and make a pact with yourself not to become isolated from loved ones, friends and family.
3. Make an appointment for free CANSA Tele Counselling with a trained CANSA Tele Counsellor, by submitting our online booking form. This is a confidential, professional, cancer-related telephonic counselling service for cancer patients and loved ones. Counselling is available in seven languages (English, Afrikaans, isiXhosa, isiZulu, Sepedi, Sesotho and Setswana). Or join a CANSA WhatsApp support group or a Facebook support group.

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