In 2008, Amy Curran Baker was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma and opted for bilateral mastectomy with Direct to Implant Reconstruction. Within three weeks of being diagnosed she had a mastectomy and was on the road to recovery. But after the surgery she had a lot of questions, the same that most women will have. As an Occupational Therapist, she knew some of the answers from her own clinical training and experience. But many more came from speaking with other women who had undergone mastectomies, from researching message boards, and a little bit of luck.
Now she and her co-authors have brought together the answers to the questions that women face in chapters that cover everything from how to prepare for going to the hospital to when you come home Amy and her co-authors Although everyone's experience is slightly different depending upon one's individual mastectomy alone or mastectomy with reconstruction; the majority of the information applies to all women who had a mastectomy.
Amy and her co-authors include chapters on key issues all women face including wound management, scar massage, dressing and bathing, emotional recovery, and more. And although mastectomy is frightening, the authors make clear that today's procedure is not what it used to be.
Now What? , is the first resource to provide all the information that women need after mastectomy and breast reconstruction surgery so that they can focus on what matters healing and staying well.
Introduction, 1. Making the Difficult Decisions, 2. Now What?, 3. After-care, Recovery and Complications, 4. Voices, 5. The Forms You Will Need (not printable in Kindle version) "When facing mastectomy, you can never ask too many questions, you can only regret not pushing for more details ahead of time. While this is true, you also need true and thorough answers. In Amy Curran Baker's book you find these answers "-Ingrid Kollak, RN, PhD, Yoga and Breast Cancer "The open dialogue [in this book] explores the multiple facets of complete healing and heightens the reality that no two journeys are the same. The upbeat and reassuring content is a must read for those considering a mastectomy." - Nancy Sokolowski, RN, Breast Health Specialist, The Breast Cancer A Guide for the Newly Diagnosed"Now What? details all you need to know about what to expect when having a mastectomy. From surgery to recovery, this easy to read, practical resource provides a wealth of information from people who have been there and care enough to share. Now What? is an invaluable resource." -Katherine Quinn, Executive Director, Support Connection, Breast and Ovarian Cancer Support Services
This is an excellent guide geared towards the patient's perspective of the process. It contains practical advice. As someone who likes to be thoroughly prepared for any event, this book helped me to feel more in control of my situation. I was able to order supplies advance as well as get my room set up for my return from the hospital. Very well written and easily accessible. I would recommend this book to anyone facing a mastectomy.
This book was extremely helpful to me as I began my own journey into the world of pre- and post mastectomy. There were many new terms to learn to understand what could go on and then again for my own results and what they meant. The book was sympathetic without being pitying and informative without being cold. I found myself reading appropriate chapters as they occurred with me. It was nice to have this companion who traveled on the road with me. No doubt I'll refer back to it often. A keeper for my library.
What a helpful book! As I prepare for my prophylactic bilateral mastectomy, this book has given me some great ideas for things I can plan for as well as lots of great information. I like all the forms in the back that can be used to keep track of everything after surgery too!