* Make sure any necessary paperwork for state disability is in order so that your claim can be processed as soon as possible. It may be useful to obtain a copy of the "American with Disabilities Act."

* Discuss using a Fleet's enema at home pre-operatively with you doctor.  Pain medication can cause constipation; ask your doctor about taking a mild laxative if this occurs.

* Talk to your doctor before surgery about what type of bra you might need after surgery.  (Bring a few different bras with you to your appointment to show your physician.)

* Ask a member of your health care team to show you ahead of time what a drain looks like and explain drain care to you before your surgery.

* Talk to your doctor and to your Breast Buddy about getting a temporary prosthesis for use after surgery.

* Make some meals ahead of time and freeze them for later use.

* Leave all jewelry and all but a few dollars at home.
 

Tips on What to Bring to the Hospital

* Bring a blouse with you to the hospital that opens all the way down the front so that you can get in and out of it easily without having to raise your arms over your head.

* Bring a book or a portable tape recorder to use in the pre-op area and in your hospital room if a stay is required. Bring relaxation tapes or tapes of your favorite music.  This will help relax you and help the time go by more quickly.

* Bring some lip balm to moisten your lips after surgery.

* If your procedure requires a hospital stay, pack a little spray bottle of water to mist and refresh yourself.  It will tide you over until you can wash your hair and shower or bathe.

* Bring some herbal throat lozenges to help soothe your throat and freshen your breath after surgery.
 

Tips to Help Patients Stay Healthy and Strong After Surgery

* Make sure you completely understand your written post-operative instructions, then follow them!

* There are a variety of low-impact exercises to do after your breast surgery to loosen you up and increase your range-of-motion.  Your health care team and your Breast Buddy can show you how to do them.  (Ask them to do so, with written examples, pre-operatively.)  It is important to begin these exercises as soon as your surgeon gives you the "O.K.".

* To avoid infection and/or fluid retention (lymphedema) in the treated arm, from now on make sure that injections, I.V.'s, blood draws (blood tests) and your blood pressure are taken on your untreated arm.  Use extra care when you shave under your treated arm and check with your health care team when you can resume shaving under that arm (usually after two weeks).  Electric razors are recommended.

* Avoid wearing tight rings and other jewelry or cuffs (especially with elastic) on your treated arm.

* Use care when clipping your nails and cuticles to avoid infection.  If you wear acrylic or porcelain nails, discuss this with your doctor and keep them clean and dry.

* Use extra care when gardening and wear gardening gloves to protect your hands and arms. If you notice that you are bitten by an insect, are developing a rash, blistering, redness, swelling, fever or other signs of infection or irritation, do not ignore it and let your doctor know about it right away to avoid complications.  Talk to your doctor about keeping a supply of antibiotics (e.g., Keflex) on-hand at home.