Questions to ask your doctor about breast reconstruction
You may find the following list helpful when thinking about the questions you want to ask your doctors about cancer and treatment.
- Do you think I can have a reconstruction?
- When would you advise me to have the reconstruction?
- Which type of reconstruction do you advise for me and why?
- What are the possible problems with this type of reconstruction?
- How long will I be in hospital and how long will it take me to recover at home?
- How much will it cost? Am I covered by Medicare? Am I covered by my private health fund?
- What will the new breast look and feel like?
- May I see photos of other women who have had this type of reconstruction?
- I’d like to talk with another woman who has had a similar operation. Do you know anyone I can talk to?
- Will the operation hide any new problems?
- How can I get a second opinion?
- Do I need to have a mammogram on the reconstructed breast?
If there are answers you do not understand, feel comfortable to say ‘Can you explain that again?’ or ‘I am not sure what you mean by…’
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Updated Sept 2005
