No woman wants to lose her breasts. But when mastectomy is necessary, you have options to recreate what breast cancer takes away.
But what can you expect from mastectomy and how will it be performed?
How does it affect your reconstruction?
How real will your reconstructed breast look?
Will it match your opposite breast?
Are implants safe? What if you don't want them?
Will your insurance company pay?
How long will reconstruction take and how painful will recovery be?

The Breast Reconstruction Guidebook answers these questions and many more. It will help you sort through the benefits and limitations of each reconstructive procedure, and decide which, if any, is right for you.

You'll discover how to:

• Understand how mastectomy is performed and how it affects reconstruction.


• Understand the benefits and limitations of different reconstructive options.


• Decide when your breast will be rebuilt.


• Choose how your reconstruction will be done.


• Find an experienced plastic surgeon.


• Deal with your insurance company.


• Prepare for surgery and plan for recovery.


• Identify your risk of breast cancer (if you're considering preventative mastectomy).


• Exercise to restore your strength and mobility.


• Take action if you're unhappy with your results.

Medical Professionals' Comments

At last, a thorough, accurate, and up-to-date book on breast reconstruction. It's long overdue for women facing the confusing choices after mastectomy. Dean Edell, MD

Masterful! Promises to be the ultimate guide to reconstruction for patients, family, and friends.
Gail S. Lebovic, MD

An important and much-needed book covered in a comprehensive and easily-understood manner. Patricia T. Kelly, Ph.D., Medical Geneticist

I'm impressed! Robert Hetland, MD

Leaves no stone unturned. Full of generous information and diligent details. Annie Toglia,author, Staying Abreast, Rehabilitation Exercises for Breast Cancer Surgery

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

There are still many myths and misunderstandings relating to breast reconstruction. The most important thing a patient can do is to educate herself on her options. The Breast Reconstruction Guidebook, is of great value to patients.
Frederic J. Duffy, Jr., MD, FACS

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

The Breast Reconstruction Guidebook acts as a well-informed friend, answering many of the big (and little) questions women have as they cope with the physical and emotional turmoil of breast cancer. Claudia Pratt, RN

If you've been diagnosed with breast cancer, treated with a mastectomy and reconstruction is an option, The Breast Reconstruction Guidebook is the book to read. It's a comprehensive and practical guidebook that addresses not only reconstruction issues but also how to solve problems related to them. Brenda Gill, Hotline Peer Counselor, Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization