Breast Cancer Surgery and Reconstruction: What's Right For You

by Patricia Anstett, Kathleen Galligan (Photographer)

More than 100,000 American women undergo mastectomy and breast reconstruction every year because of breast cancer. Thousands more are having double mastectomies to prevent it. So much has been written about breast cancer, and so much overlooks the reality of reconstruction when a woman has a mastectomy and opts for this process. It is difficult, painful, and traumatizing at times. Most women do not emerge with a new set of breasts and nipples in a single operation. Breast reconstruction usually takes months and can take years to finish. Some women never do, living without nipples or with imperfect results. Others opt not to have reconstruction at all. Still others struggle with one of the biggest women’s health questions lumpectomy and radiation or mastectomy?

Breast Cancer Surgery and Reconstruction offers a glimpse into the big picture of the various stages and types of breast reconstruction using stories and photos of real women. It offers a true picture of what breast reconstruction entails, and offers hope to those facing it. This is a book to help women with a variety of issues surrounding their choices, with powerful insights from women who have been there.

224 pages, Hardcover

Published June 2, 2016

Reviews

[Janice]

Finally, a book that gives you all the information you need to make such a life altering decision as to what type of surgery to have or not to have after being diagnosed with breast cancer. Well researched & well written by Patrica Anstett, with in depth stories from real women who have had these experiences. With breast cancer affecting 1 out of 8 women , this book is truly needed. When you are diagnosed with cancer, your whole world is rocked with so many emotions, it is hard to make informed decisions. This book will be a useful guide to help so many women in this situation. Tell your friends......we all know someone who can benefit from this book.

[D.B.]

Beautifully written and photographed, this book is a must for breast cancer patients faced with daunting decisions about surgery and reconstruction. This is the book I wish I'd read after my own diagnosis. It provides comprehensive information about lumpectomy, mastectomy, implants, going flat or one breasted, and reconstruction with autologous tissue grafts. Real stories shared by survivors round out this information and and inspiring book!

[Dawn]

Very informative and easy to read.

[Jane]

Description:

A book that provides all the information a woman will need when making life and body changes when faced with breast cancer. This is an extremely practical and user friendly read.


Highlights:

The book is easy to follow. It is good as the reader is under any illusions as breast reconstruction is not for all women but with practical advice the woman can make informed decisions and choices with the aid of this book.
The author reassures the woman by advising her to be patient, will feel feminine again but again gives the reader the choice as she explores is it worth it?

The photographs are of real women who have had breast cancer so the reader can associate herself in differing situations.

The real life accounts and stories of real women make this a powerful book for women.

Different cultures are explored as well as practicalities around money, as this book is written in the states it does explore insurance but people faced with cancer in the UK can claim under some of the cancer charities.

One of the aspects personally I would be concerned about would be clothes and how to wear them – this I found valuable.

Strengths and weaknesses:

Although this is written in the states it applies equally to women in the UK. Well written, easy to read. The author is a medical writer so has experience and has been honoured for her work.
Every time I went to a chapter the subject was there that I wanted to explore. There are notes with good references at the end and a glossary for women who may not have medical knowledge and could be confused with jargon.

I found no weaknesses.

Potential Readers:

All nursing and medical staff caring for women with breast cancer must read this book. They are the people that must ensure these women know about this book and are steered in the right direction to make the informed decisions.