Now What?

1. Introduction - My Story; 2. Overview of types of Mastectomy and Reconstruction; 3. What to Bring To the Hospital; 4. Before You Go To the Hospital; 5. In the Hospital - The First 12 Hours; 6. The First Few Days; 7. Preparing for Discharge; 8. Drain Management; 9. Bed Mobility and Sleeping; 10. Self-Care (Dressing, Bathing, Grooming); 11. Range of Motion; 12. Energy Conservation; 13.Wound Care; 14. Scar Management; 15. Lymphedema Prevention; 16. Sensation after Mastectomy; 17. Special Considerations for Reconstruction; 18. Post-mastectomy Pain Syndrome; 19. Your Emotional Recovery; 20. Men and Mastectomy; Appendix A-Precautions Information; Appendix B - Drainage Chart; Appendix C - Questions To Ask Your Physician Post-Operative Visit - 1; Appendix D - Questions To Ask Your Physician Post-Operative Visit - 2, Glossary of Terms.

Amy Curran Baker, MA, OTR/L has over 13 years experience as an occupational therapist. In 2008 she was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a mastectomy with reconstruction. Amy is an active breast cancer awareness advocate having participated in print and media interviews on the subject of hereditary breast cancer and reconstruction options. Linda Curran, NP, has practiced for nine years as a board certified Advanced Practice Registered Nurse specializing in women's health. Her professional interests include breast cancer screenings, BRCA, and other hereditary cancer syndromes. She has been previously published in the nursing journal Lifelines and is employed at the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center in Kapolei, Hawaii. MaryBeth Curran Brown, RN, is a veteran nurse with nearly 20 years of experience. Ms. Brown has treated patients in intensive care and during all stages of post-surgical recovery. Ms. Brown was previously employed as a traveling nurse, working in New Orleans in the months following Hurricane Katrina. Her professional interests include oncology nursing, wound care, and providing nursing care to rural populations.

"As a Certified Mastectomy Fitter, I often work with women that have gone through a Mastectomy. This book gave me a greater understanding of the personal and medical challenges they face on a daily basis. Clinical terms are explained in a comfortable, easy manner and it is full of suggestions to ease the healing process. Amy Curran Baker does an excellent job portraying life dealing with breast cancer. I would recommend this book for both mastectomy patients and their caregivers. Good for CFM's to read about recovery from a patient's point of view. This is a great guide for patients! It clearly and concisely explains many aspects of the mastectomy and post mastectomy processes and the helpfulreview of clinical terms will help patients more effectively communicate with their healthcare team.--"Jeanine Doty RN, CPO, Operations Department, Active Life, Inc. ..".an immensely helpful, supportive, realistic and comprehensive book about how to prepare for and what to expect after mastectomy. Curran Baker's writing is honest, clear, empathetic and personable; she covers the full spectrum of experiences on topics like drain management and pain, since every patient is unique. Now What? is an invaluable resource for the breast cancer patient who wants to be prepared and empowered."--CAPHIS, Consumer Newsletter of the Medical Library Association "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, Co-author: "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, Co-author: The Breast Cancer Companion: