The Breast Reconstruction Guidebook: Issues and Answers from Research to Recovery [Paperback]

Kathy Steligo (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 2003

No woman wants to lose her breasts. But when mastectomy is necessary, you have options to recreate what breast cancer takes away. But how do you find answers about reconstruction when you’re still overwhelmed by your diagnosis and treatment? How real will your reconstructed breasts look? What if you don’t want implants? How painful is the process? Will your insurance company pay for your surgery? How long will it take to recover?

The Breast Reconstruction Guidebook has the answers you need. Clear explanations and easy to understand text, along with photos and illustrations, demystify mastectomy and the reconstruction process. The book will help you understand the benefits and risks of different procedures and determine which option, if any, is right for you. You won’t be alone: each chapter includes insights from women who have been through reconstruction. You’ll learn about:
• Mastectomy (as treatment or to reduce risk)
• How mastectomy affects reconstruction
• Finding the right surgeon
• Creating a breast with implants
• Creating a breast with your own skin and fat
• Rebuilding your nipple and areola
• Matching your opposite breast
• Dealing with insurance companies
• Preparing for surgery
• What to expect in the hospital
• Tips for an easier recovery
• Restorative exercises
• How to minimize scarring
• What to do if you’re unhappy with your results
...and much more.

Editorial Reviews

Review

At last, a thorough, accurate, and up-to-date book on breast reconstruction. It's long overdue. -- Dean Edell, MD, medical journalist

At last, a thorough, accurate, up-to-date book on breast reconstruction. It's long overdue. -- Dr. Dean Edell, MD, Medical Journalist

Finally, women have a blueprint of the reconstruction process. They have choices. This book explains them all. -- Sue Friedman, Exec. Director, FORCE: Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered

Masterful! This book promises to be the ultimate guide to reconstruction for patients, family, and friends. -- Gail S. Lebovic, MA, MD, FACS

The Breast Reconstruction Guidebook, which provides a compilation of information is of great value to patients. -- Dr. Frederic J. Duffy, Jr., MD, FACS

This book is a must. It's what women need in today's complicated medical world. -- Micahel O'Holleran, MD

From the Publisher

Mastectomy is a shocking pronouncement. Your oncologist or surgeon may recommend it to eliminate your breast cancer - who knew that "catching it early" might also mean losing a breast? Perhaps you've decided it's the best way to reduce your risk of developing the disease. Maybe you're trying to decide between lumpectomy and radiation or mastectomy.

Whatever your circumstances, you have alternatives after losing your breast. There are many ways to reconstruct a breast; you can choose which option is right for you. These choices, however, require decisions. Decisions require information.

You won't find answers in this book, but you will find the information you need to make your own decisions. You may decide reconstruction is right for you. You may not. Either way you’ll understand the benefits and limitations of each reconstructive technique, and what to expect each step of the way: before your surgery, in the hospital, during recovery, and life beyond reconstruction.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Carlo Press (July 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0966979966
• ISBN-13: 978-0966979961
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (33 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,030,477 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read for Any Breast Cancer Patient, November 21, 2005

By 

Jennifer A. Tom "Positively Pink" (Syracuse, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Breast Reconstruction Guidebook, Second Edition (Paperback)

I had spent countless hours researching the different reconstruction options when I was fortunate enough to read about this book on the Young Survival Coalition's message board. I immediately ordered it and was amazed at the clear descriptions of the procedures. I also loved the section that guided you on how to prepare for the surgery. I can't say enough about this book!
Jennifer Tom
Founder of Positively Pink Packages

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Valuable Pre- and Post-Surgery Guidebook, November 7, 2003

By 

Survivor (CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Breast Reconstruction Guidebook: Issues and Answers from Research to Recovery (Paperback)

What a valuable resource. Kathy Steligo puts all the facts in layperson's terms without talking down to the reader. In fact, her friendly tone made me think she was talking just to me. The book answered so many of my questions in a very reassuring way. Obviously, it can't replace a consultation with a plastic surgeon, but it really augments what I learned from my doctor. I plan to share this book with my plastic surgeon.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must for anyone considering Breast Reconstruction, July 15, 2009

By 

Snookies Mom "SnookiesMom" (Maine) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Breast Reconstruction Guidebook: Issues and Answers from Research to Recovery (Paperback)

This book is recommended by the Center for Breast Surgery in New Oleans (NOLA). I've read about half the book and have learned more than I have after doing extensive internet research and having a consult with 2 plastic surgeons. This is the first resource [...] that names the doctors and centers that have the most experience with the different types of breast reconstuction. The discussion of potiential side effects is straightforward, not frightening, and gives actual percentage rates for each complication AND what can be done to deal with the complication if it arises. This is the first resouce I've found that doesn't just list the complications and stop the discussion, but gives information that reassures me that complications can be dealt with. Every woman who is diagnosed with breast cancer or the BRCA1 or BRCA@ gene mutation should read this book BEFORE starting ANY treatment, even before lumpectomy. This book gives the information needed to make a truly informed decision, info that a general surgeon doesn't give you but that you really need to know.