The Breast Reconstruction Guidebook
Table of Contents
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Table of Contents

Foreward by Frank DellaCroce MD, FACS
Introduction

Decision: Mastectomy

1. Why Mastectomy?
Anatomy of the breast
A breast cancer primer
Surgical treatments
Do you really need a mastectomy?

2. Post-Mastectomy Options
Empty chest
The prosthesis alternative
Breast reconstruction

3. Breast Reconstruction Basics
Sorting through the options
Matching the opposite breast
Choosing or refusing

4. How Mastectomy Affects Reconstruction
The mastectomy procedure
Immediate reconstruction
Delayed reconstruction
Coordinating reconstruction with adjuvant therapies

5. Considering Prophylactic Mastectomy
Making sense of statistics
Risk factors
Genetic testing
Genetic counseling
Making your decision

Finding Answers, Making Decisions

6. Finding Dr. Right
Caveat emptor
Four characteristics of an ideal plastic surgeon
Shopping for a surgeon
Before you schedule an appointment
The consultation
The value of a second (or third) opinion

7. Searching for Answers
Why bother with research?
Eight tips to make the most of your research
References and resources
Paying for your reconstruction
The decision roadmap

8. Taming the Wild Ride
Reflect and accept
From worrier to warrior: Adjust your attitude
Finding inspiration
You’re not alone
Talking about your reconstruction

Reconstructive Procedures

9. Breast Implants
Saline or silicone
Are they safe?
Implant procedures
Recovery
Are implants right for you?
Potential problems

10. The Expander Experience
Getting your fill
Living in limbo
Exchange surgery
Potential problems

11. Tummy Tuck Flaps
Tissue flap basics
The attached TRAM flap
The free TRAM
DIEP and SIEA flaps
Building a new belly button
Is a TRAM or DIEP right for you?
Comparing abdominal flaps and implants

12. Other Flap Methods
Gluteal perforator flaps
The back flap
The thigh flap

13. Altering the Opposite Breast
Breast augmentation
Breast reduction
Breast lift

14. Final touches: Creating the Nipple and Areola
Icing on the cake
Building the nipple
Adding the areola
Problems and solutions
Non-surgical alternatives

From Prep to Post-Op

15. Preparing for Your Surgery
Countdown: four weeks to surgery
Two weeks before surgery
One week to go
The day before your surgery
It’s reconstruction day

16. In the Hospital
Admitting and pre-op
In the OR
A peek into post-op
The day after surgery
The rest of your hospital stay

Recovery and Beyond

17. Back Home
A timetable for healing
Managing medication
Dealing with drains
Tips for an easier recovery
Seeing your new breasts for the first time

18. Building Strength and Flexibility with Exercise
Before your surgery
The first week after surgery
Exercises after implant reconstruction
Exercises after flap reconstruction
Additional resources

19. Dealing with Problems
The best defense is a good offense
Lingering pain
Lymphedema
Cosmetic imperfections
Improving scars

20. Life After Reconstruction
Returning to work
Dating, intimacy and sex
Follow-up care
Dealing with recurrence
Minding mind, body and spirit

21. Searching for Silver Bullets
Redefining early detection
Kinder, gentler biopsies
Individualized treatment
Innovations in reconstruction
Someday...

Glossary
Resources
Bibliography
Index

Reader Comments

Full of things I never even thought of. Margaret from Washington DC

Absolutely WONDERFUL! I am so incredibly impressed. Totally readable with many photos. I just love the quotes of other women's personal experiences. Sherrill from AZ

An amazing resource! Donna from PA
The author is so down-to-earth...makes learning about complex options--ones she's had to face herself--a lot easier. Get this book and read it before your next appointment.Linda from TX

Terrific. I read it aloud to my husband. We both learned so much! Elaine from PA

Very comprehensive. It covers everything you can think of...and much more. Amy from AZ

Easy to read, easy to follow; literally walks you through the process of breast reconstruction. Every woman facing mastectomy should have this book. Rebecca from KS

This book is exactly what I prayed for when I was told I would need a breast biopsy. Steligo's meticulous research took an enormous load off my mind at an extremely stressful time. Barbara from CA

I must say, the author did a FABULOUS job of pulling together the details and presenting it in a very readable and informative manner. This book should be made available at every cancer center and surgeon's office. Joann from CA

Wish I had this book when I was going through the process! Diana from Florida

Easy to read, easy to follow and literally walks you through mastectomy and breast reconstruction. Every woman facing mastectomy should have this book.Rebecca from KS

This guidebook is excellent! It quickly brought me up to speed on all the current techniques for reconstructive surgery. LL from CA

I'm very impressed! The author is not only a survivor, but she has eloquently given back by sharing information in the most wonderful way. Shirley from WI

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San Carlos, CA 94070
retail: 800-431-1579
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