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| Ask the Expert |Breast ReconstructionEvery year, more than 200,000 women in theUnited States are diagnosed with breast cancer. Butthe emotional and physical results are very differenttoday than they were in the past. More advancedtreatment options as well as improved reconstructivesurgery mean that women who have breast cancertoday have better choices.Q. What is breast reconstruction?A. It is a type of surgery for women who have had amastectomy. The surgery rebuilds the breast so thatit’s about the same size and shape as it was before.Q. Does breast reconstruction make thebreasts just like they were before?A. Not quite. Breast reconstruction restores thesize and shape. The areola and nipple can alsosometimes be reconstructed, but the surgerycannot restore feeling or natural sensations.Q. When do I have to decide whether ornot I want breast reconstruction?A. It is a good idea to talk about it with yoursurgeon and a plastic surgeon experienced in breastreconstruction before your mastectomy. This letsyour doctors plan the treatment that’s best for you,even if you want to wait and have reconstructivesurgery later. Some women don’t want to thinkabout reconstruction while they’re coping with thecancer diagnosis. If this is the case, you may chooseto wait until after your breast cancer surgery todecide about reconstruction.Q. Why have breast reconstruction?A. Women choose breast reconstructionfor many reasons:• To make their breasts look balancedwhen they are wearing a bra• To permanently regain breast shape• So they don’t have to use a form thatfits inside the braOther Things toThink About…If you’re thinking about breast reconstruction,here are a few things to consider:• Your surgeon may recommend reshapingyour remaining breast to match yourreconstructed breast, by enlarging,reducing or lifting it.• If you smoke, you will likely have to quitat least two months before surgery toallow for better healing.• Breast reconstruction cannot hide breastcancer, prevent it from coming back orcause it to return.You will likely be able to see the differencebetween the reconstructed breast and the remainingbreast when you are nude. But when you arewearing a bra, the breasts should be similar enoughin size and shape that you will feel comfortableabout how you look. Reconstruction surgery canhave a very positive effect on your body imageand self-esteem.Q. Does breast reconstructionrequire a lot of surgery?A. The reconstruction processoften means more than oneoperation. The first surgery createsthe breast mound, but sometimesthis can be done at the same timeas the mastectomy. Follow-upprocedures, such as creating thenipple and areola, may be done inthe hospital or in an outpatientfacility. This decision dependson a variety of factors, so youwill need to ask your plasticsurgeon this question.J. StewartHumphrey, MDHeartland Plastic& Hand SurgeryFor more information,call 800-800-5123.Have you been diagnosed with breast cancer within the last year?Turning Point is a FREE 7-week class offered by Southeast Health thataddresses healing for the mind, body and spirit. Topics include journaling,spirituality, exercise guidelines and more. You will also receive a free6-month membership to Southeast HealthPoint Fitness. For moreinformation, please call us at 537-986-4411.SEhealth.org | 7