The Breast Reconstruction Guidebook: Issues and Answers from Research to Recovery, 3rd Edition Paperback – November 1, 2012

This book was recommended to me by the Center for Restorative Breast Center in New Orleans for me to read to prepare me for reconstruction surgery. It covers all types of reconstruction and the things you will possibly go through during the entire process. You may NOT experience everything in the book but you will be aware of the different situations and what to watch for. I am 2.5 weeks out and had the DIEP reconstruction procedure. Mine was a more invasive due to long term radiation damage (9+ hours). It has taken almost 2 weeks before I could truly say I am glad I had it done. In case you are considering reconstruction, I am 62, a little overweight, and I would consider no other place but Center for Restorative Breast Heath to have this surgery done. In the book they recommend various things to purchase and bring. Use your own judgement. I recommend the Brobes if you will have drains.

Well, I have to say that I purchased this book as part of the research I was doing on a book about the breast cancer hysteria to which American women are subjected. I had no interest in breast reconstruction after my own double mastectomy -- you would have to have been there and to have been looking over my shoulder to understand why I made that decision. I'm a trained researcher: research is what I do, and a careful study of the issue convinced me that the best way to cut short the torture was...well, to cut short the torture. ;-)However, a dear friend of mine was diagnosed with a 99% noninvasive "cancer" (almost never moves outside the breast) plus two benign lumps and forthwith elected a double mastectomy She, being 20 years younger than I and blessed with a husband, elected to have breast reconstruction. So I was very happy to have this book to give to her.For women who decide reconstruction is the right decision for them, this is a very useful book, with lots of information on types of reconstruction, pro's and cons, and what to expect. It's an important tool for any woman who is drawn into the breast cancer journey.

The Breast Reconstruction Guidebook by Kathy Steligo is an invaluable resource for anyone undergoing a mastectomy, whether it is in response to a cancer diagnosis or prophylactic. I have yet to come across a resource that has so much of the relevant information in one place - this really is a comprehensive guidebook. I am currently preparing for a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy and have spent many hours online researching the topic. I have been documenting the journey in a blog [(...)] and after reading this book find that most of what I read elsewhere and wrote on my blog is in this guide. I wish I knew I could just read this book and everything else would be old news!This guidebook presents all of the pros, cons, potential complications, options, and much more related to mastectomy and breast reconstruction in terms that anyone can understand. It also guides the reader through finding the right surgical team, how to deal with the insurance company, how to handle unsatisfactory results, and even has a section written specifically for friends and family outlining what they can do to help. I wish I found this amazing resource sooner! I highly recommend this guidebook.

This is the book that I wish I had when I was diagnosed with breast cancer 16 years ago! Health writer Kathy Steligo has done extensive research and interviews to get the latest information. She is skilled at presenting the information in a digestible, unbiased, straightforward manner. Mastectomy and reconstruction have evolved and improved in the last decade and women facing mastectomy have more and better options than ever. Kudos to Kathy for taking a scary and complicated topic and providing all the information that women need to make an informed decision about their options after mastectomy mastectomy. This book is a must-have for any woman diagnosed with breast cancer, for caregivers, and for health care providers who treat these women.

This book covers it all and I recommend it to any one I know facing breast cancer. It tells you about before, during and after surgery and how to talk and be informed with your surgeon. It covers all the reconstruction options so that when you discuss your situation with your plastic surgeon you are informed and not bom-barded with all the information and dicisions you have to make in a short amount of time. I have read it more than once to remind me of what I need to ask or question as I go through this journey.

Having to face a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction can be daunting. Not having someone with first hand experience just leaves the mind to wander. This book gave me many of the comforts I would expect from one with first hand experience. It answered the questions I forgot to ask my surgeons, provided glimpses of actual lives and how different women handled different choices.I read it before my surgery, and reread parts two weeks post-op, which greatly helped alleviate my concerns.A must read for anyone considering reconstruction, especially those who are 'previvors'. Great book!!

I gave five stars because everything stated here helped me through every step of my journey with making decisions so quickly. I would recommend this book to anyone going through breast cancer. You need to know everything you can before hand. It was easy to make my decisions knowing vital information included in this book. God bless you on your own personal journey should you need help during times of crisis such as this.

This book helped me decide what to do following a bilateral mastectomy. The author provides excellent information without judgment. Each woman's decision is her own, starting with whether to get reconstruction or not.

Very informative

Bought to look at options for reconstruction, really did not get to the nitty gritty for the option I was looking at. Really did not help me make up my mind.