The Breast Cancer Pre-Op Program at the Women's Wellness Center at St. Rita's
is designed to help educate women newly diagnosed with breast cancer and prepare
them for their subsequent breast surgery and recovery.
The program is free of charge and is delivered one-on-one with one of our
nurse care managers and the lymphedema therapist. We strongly encourage caregivers,
spouses or significant others to attend the program with the patient.
The Breast Cancer Pre-Op Program will be scheduled with one of our nurse care
mangers.
Expect to be at the center between two and three hours, depending on the amount
of pre-operative tests that need to be completed: i.e. lab, x-ray, EKG, etc.
You will spend time with the nurse filling out your pre-admission forms, learning
about what to expect the day of your surgery, drain and wound care and nutritional
information.
You will also spend time with a physical therapist who will teach you how
to do post-op exercises and how to prevent lymphedema from occurring.
In addition, you will be given vital information regarding lifestyle changes
that will help you get back on your feet and return you to normal activities.
Many of our newly diagnosed breast cancer patients have participated in our
Pre-Op Program and found the information to be extremely helpful in taking
away much of the anxiety caused by uncertainty. Just knowing what to expect
often reduces emotional stress.
You will be given a binger full of information to take home with you to use
as a reference or to add more information as you go through any necessary treatment.
