Preparing for Lumpectomy Surgery

What you might notice After Preparing for Lumpectomy Surgery

• If the lump or area to be removed is not easily felt by hand, your surgeon will use wire localisation or seed localisation to mark the exact site before surgery
• Wire localisation: a thin wire is inserted through the breast under ultrasound or mammogram guidance on the morning of surgery at the radiology department. You will then go to theatre with the wire in place. The wire is removed with the tissue during the lumpectomy.
• Seed localisation (MAGSEED or radioactive seed): a small seed is inserted into the breast days or weeks before surgery: detected by the surgeon intraoperatively using a probe. More comfortable than wire localisation.
• Ask your surgeon which method they use, and whether you need to attend radiology on the morning of surgery before going to theatre

• Fear, anxiety, and anger before cancer surgery are normal responses, not weakness
• You are allowed to feel terrified about the operation and about the results, both are real and valid
• Bring someone you trust to your pre-operative appointment and to the hospital: not to manage your emotions, but because having someone present reduces anxiety and helps you remember information
• Write your questions down before your pre-operative appointment: fear and anxiety impair memory. Bring the list.
• Cancer Council Australia 13 11 20, Breast Cancer Network Australia 1800 500 258, Macmillan (UK) 0808 808 0000: all provide pre-operative support, not just post-operative

• Stop aspirin and NSAIDs as instructed: usually 7 days before
• Blood thinners: stop as specifically instructed: timing varies
• Continue all other regular medications including blood pressure and cardiac medications on the morning of surgery
• Fasting: nothing to eat for 6 hours. Clear fluids until 2 hours before. Follow your anaesthetist’s specific instructions.