Follow up visits after breast cancer surgery
Clinic appointments are made for regular check ups by a member of the specialist breast care team. This may be either a doctor or a nurse practitioner. If you have any concerns about your health between your clinic appointments you should contact your Breast Care Nurse for advice.
During the appointment patients will be examined and can discuss any worries.
Mammograms are carried out on a regular basis and results of a recent mammogram should be available during the clinic appointment.
Because the time needed for each patient varies, waiting times can be affected. It is difficult to plan for this and may lead to some patients having to wait longer. If this is a problem please speak to a member of the clinic staff.
Sue and Sally from the Prosthesis, Bra and Swimwear service are available every Wednesday afternoon between 2-4pm. This service is available to all women who have had breast surgery. No appointment is needed.
Prosthesis, bra and swimwear service
Following a mastectomy, and when patients feel ready, the ward nurse will demonstrate how to fit a soft prosthesis (a soft, shaped pad) into a bra. Patients will need to bring a soft, full cup bra with into hospital (refer to the leaflet “Which Bra” in your information package).
Once the wound is healed and comfortable a permanent shaped prosthesis can then be fitted. This is usually done at the postoperative follow up appointment by one of our trained fitters. All prostheses are provided free of charge and can be replaced if unsuitable or damaged.
A trained fitter is always available to fit prostheses as well as bras and swimwear on Wednesday afternoons 2-4pm. Patients do not need to make an appointment. Please ask at clinic reception on arrival.
We have a limited stock of pocketed bras and swimwear and we are able to order from a wider range as required. Please ask to see our range of information booklets.
If patients have any concerns about the prosthesis or bra following any type of breast surgery (not necessarily mastectomy) please do not hesitate to ask for advice from one of the trained fitters or your Breast Care Nurse.
Service provided by: Sue Houldsworth.
Wigs
Some chemotherapy treatments will result in temporary hair loss. Patients may choose to wear a hat or scarf or a wig. Patients will be given a voucher to obtain a wig to wear until the hair re-grows (re-growth occurs at the rate of 1cm per month). Vouchers can be exchanged for the full price of many wigs at a number of providers. Names and locations of these will be provided.
Support Groups
Nottingham Breat Cancer Support Group is a group of women who have undergone treatment for breast cancer. The aim of the group is to offer emotional, mutual and practical support to each other, partners, family and friends. To share experiences and feelings with others with similar situations. This advice is offered based on their own experiences.
Anyone who has been affected by breast cancer is welcome, their partners, family and friends. They offer various speakers promoting health and well-being. Self-help meetings are held at the Nottingham Breast Institute on the 3rd Tuesday of every month from 7.30 pm – 9.30 pm.