In addition, the travel distance for patients undergoing breast reconstruction increased during the study period: by two percent per year, compared to no significant change for women who didn't undergo reconstruction. Reconstruction rates also varied by type of hospital: about ten percent for women treated at community hospitals, 20 percent at comprehensive community hospitals which provide a broader range of services , and 26 percent at academic university-affiliated hospitals. Average travel distance was about 20 miles for the two groups of community hospitals versus 47 miles for academic hospitals.
Travel distance to high-volume hospitals performing autologous reconstruction more than doubled: from 22 to 53 miles. That reflected the high concentration of such specialized centers in metropolitan areas. Geography is a key contributor to unequal healthcare access, which is an important source of variation in healthcare outcomes. Matos and colleagues write. The researchers believe their findings suggest that measures providing insurance coverage—such as the WHRCA and the Affordable Care Act—will not be sufficient to eliminate barriers to accessing breast reconstruction after mastectomy.
They conclude, "Greater numbers of plastic surgeons, especially in community [hospitals], would be one method of addressing this inequality. Representing more than 7, physician members, the society is recognized as a leading authority and information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. Wolters Kluwer WKL is a global leader in professional information, software solutions, and services for the clinicians, nurses, accountants, lawyers, and tax, finance, audit, risk, compliance, and regulatory sectors.
We help our customers make critical decisions every day by providing expert solutions that combine deep domain knowledge with advanced technology and services. The pink bolster pillows have made all the difference for me!!! Thank you so much for sharing your experience and tips. BTW: my mastectomy was April 11th too.
It would have really been helpful. Just wondering if you or anyone else has had the same issue with meds…I was given Oxycodone while still in hospital. I told them it was making me sick to my stomach, but they insisted I still keep taking it.
One nurse would allow me to take just one. THe other made me take both. She told me he was incorrect in how he prescribed. I did what she said and by 1. Pain, yes, but I at least thought I could deal with it.
I ran out of the valium and ordered a refill which was filled the same way incorrectly and was denied at pharm due to being too soon.
Called office twice and no one calls back. THey close on weekends. Finally they call Mon. I have an appt. I call them again. They say no first. I repeat what other dr.
Next day call back to say yes, but I have to pick up at the office across town. I researched this on line and found on the yalecancercenter. I am post op day 2 from bilateral mastectomy and direct to implant for breast cancer. I appreciate the pink bolster pillows too. Thank you so much for having this site with ideas.
We have to find the positives in this situation, right? Than you so much for posting these tips and sharing your story. But, having this information really helps.
Thanks again. I had a double mastectomy a month or so ago, and second everything above! My other must-have was a neck support pillow like you take travelling. I am scheduled in November for a prophylactic double mastectomy with immediate reconstructive surgery. I would by fibbing by saying I am not scared to death. I am reading as many testimonial as possible, not to scare myself but to prepare myself. You have given me so many excellent ideas and tips that I am sure will make my recovery a little more doable.
I am trying to be as prepared as can be. Thank you for sharing and helping with this great tips and ideas. I am hoping to be able to continue to follow this site. Thank you so much for the advice on the pillows. Im on day 11 after double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction and nipple sparing. I still have the drains because have gone for long walks outside in sunny hot florida and I guess this can cause more swelling.
So now I am just resting more and hopefully these drains will be out Thursday! Dear drains.. I had small breasts and now they are cc on top of my chest. Thank you for pointing out that you should make sure and get a heating pad for after surgery.
My mother just went through a mastectomy and we are wanting to get her the best bra possible. Hopefully, we can do some research and find the best bra for her. I am 78 years old, diagnosed August of Lost my sister to the Demon Breast Cancer, diagnosed at age We have an electric recliner, highly recommend for getting up and out without any help.
Rolled soft blankets to place under my arms. My advice? Be patient. It is a long, slow process…. Carol did you have reconstruction? Excellent health otherwise. Considering going flat. Surgeon on board with a clean flat look. Need feed back from women who went this Rout.
Wow, your preparation suggestions are awesome! My father died of breast cancer in and six months later my mother got breast cancer. Thanks for all the great info. Here are a couple tips that I used. I was able to shower at 72 hours post op! It was the best! It worked great.
A couple weeks later, when I was more mobile, it also worked great to be able to sit down and shave my legs!!! We even put some cute trim to cover the velcro. Best of luck to all. Be gentle with yourself!! Love to all the beautiful warriors!! I had my bilateral mastectomy 5 years ago.
I had the immediate reconstruction with expanders, and implants to replace them a couple of months later. I do wish I had waited. It was quite painful. The thing I remember the most was the nerve pain running down each side — from my underarms to my waist. So daughter found some knit thingamajigs — serapes? The pillows were a must have. What I am dealing with now, is back pain — right between my shoulder blades — and I am wondering if the implants and their weight are the cause.
I will seek the opinion of a breast surgeon, since nothing I have tried helps. If it is the cause, I will opt to have them removed. Your article is so right on! Wish I had read it before my surgery. I hope you are all better now and able to do all you want to do! I had my bilateral mastectecomy in April and while physically I am feeling fine, emotionally I am not. Lots of women seem to rally on but it has been a struggle for me. God bless us all.
This information was great and helped me not to be so nervous. Happy your recovering. I will be seeing my Surgeon tomorrow regarding to have a double mastectomy. God bless you. Thank so much for sharing your journey, I am having a single Mastectomy in 2 weeks and I feel less anxious after reading all your stories.
I now feel inspired and mentally prepared for this!!!! Thank you ladies again for sharing, and I hope everyone is well and I wish you all the best. My surgeon was a bit genius. I woke up wrapped in wide flesh colored stretchy bandages. They were small, but they were lumps! I also had a special pink heart shaped pillow made by a local church that they donated to our cancer group for breast cancer patients.
I could sleep partially on a side with the heart pillow tucked in place. Hello, I am scheduled for double mastectomy two weeks from today… I am scared, but find your blog very helpful.
Was diagnosed resently …with absolutely no family history…naver thought ME…oh well…but getting ready for the big change… reading your blog and comments by everyone is giving me strength. I love your blog and all the time you took to share valuable information. I did a nipple sparing procedure when my daughter demanded I undergo prophylactic double mastectomy with reconstruction. Leslie is SO right! My electric recliner was a God send! Hi Ladies, Having double masectomy on August 29th, Getting over leg infection first.
Daughter here to help me as long as needed. Love everything you have said. Thank you. Getting a few items you suggest. I am 72 and no reconstruction going to happen. Wish me luck. I am a very strong woman but this is a life changer.
Going to do all that I want to do after I am finished radiation and anything else that gets thrown at me!! If you're having a mastectomy, your surgeon will usually talk to you about the possibility of having breast reconstruction.
Breast reconstruction is an operation to make a replacement for the tissue removed during a mastectomy. It's often done at the same time as a mastectomy, but it can be done at a later date. Find out more about breast reconstruction. You will probably feel sore for a few days and should be given painkillers in hospital.
If they don't work, tell the nursing staff before you leave so you can try something else. Most people find their wounds take around 2 to 3 weeks to heal, but it may be several months before your chest and arm area fully recover.
The scar from a mastectomy will extend across the skin of the chest and into the armpit, usually hidden by the bra cup. It will fade over time but never completely disappear. It will also feel permanently numb. If you don't like the look of your scar, you may be able to have some corrective surgery. Read more about treating scars.
Most people go home the day after their operation, although some feel well enough to go home on the same day. If you've had breast reconstruction, you may need to stay in hospital for up to a week depending on how you're recovering. Before you leave hospital, your doctor or nurse will talk to you about what to do when you get home. You'll probably feel more tired than usual for several weeks and will need a lot of rest, so try not to do too much. The results of the operation and any further treatment will be discussed at a follow-up appointment around 2 weeks after the operation.
Arm exercises are recommended to encourage the full range of movement back to your arm and shoulder. You can start to do the gentle exercises your doctor or nurse gives you as soon as you feel comfortable, usually the day after your surgery.
You may be given an exercise leaflet — here's an example of an exercise routine from Breast Cancer Now. You may also be offered physiotherapy. Avoid more strenuous exercise, including housework and heavy lifting, until you get the all-clear from your doctor or nurse.
Before leaving hospital, you'll have the opportunity to be fitted with a lightweight breast shape prosthesis to wear inside your bra. You'll usually be fitted with a longer-term prosthesis and given advice on bra fitting 6 to 8 weeks after the operation. Get advice from your doctor or nurse about when to start driving.
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