I know all about breast cancer.
When diagnosed with breast cancer and prepared for surgery, the patient and family need to be aware of a range of pre-operative care to ensure a smooth operation and a good post-operative recovery.
I. Medical preparation
(i) Complete inspection
Before the operation, the doctor arranges multiple examinations. Blood routines reflect the basic state of health of the body, such as the presence of anaemia, infection, etc., which is important for the estimation of haemorrhage in surgery and for post-operative recovery. Coagulation function screening is essential because breast cancer operations need to ensure that the patient is normal during and after surgery and, if condensed, may lead to increased surgical risks. The liver and kidney function check provides an understanding of the metabolic and excretion function of the liver and kidney, helps doctors to choose the appropriate drugs and to determine the surgical programme, since both the surgery and the anesthesia are subject to liver and kidney metabolism. In addition, electrocardiograms allow for the assessment of the heart function, as surgery and anaesthesia have certain requirements for the heart to ensure that the heart can withstand the load of the operation. Breast-related examinations, such as ultrasound, molybdenum targets, can provide further clarity on the location, size, morphology, etc. of tumours and provide more accurate information on the operation. Patients must carry out the examinations carefully, as the doctor has arranged.
(ii) Information on medical history
Doctors are informed of their past medical history, including whether they have had other diseases such as heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, etc. These diseases may affect the choice of surgical programmes and anesthesia. At the same time, the history of allergies is crucial, and doctors are informed of both drug and food. For example, if an antibiotic is allergic, a doctor avoids the use of antibiotics in a post-operative preventive manner, preventing a serious allergic reaction that endangers life.
II. Physical care
(i) Personal hygiene
It is important to keep your body clean before surgery. Patients can bathe between 1 and 2 days before the operation, with a focus on cleaning the area, which reduces the risk of post-operative infection. However, care should be taken to avoid poaching and skin damage. At the same time, keep warm and avoid colds. As flu can cause respiratory inflammation, increase the risk of surgical anesthesia and decrease physical resistance after surgery, it can exacerbate the condition and affect recovery.
(ii) Sleep security
Adequate sleep is essential for surgical patients. Before the operation, the patient shall keep a regular rest time and ensure a sleep of 7 – 8 hours per night. The quality of sleep can be improved by creating a quiet, comfortable sleep environment, such as adjusting the temperature of the bedroom, reducing noise, etc. Good sleep enables the body to be in a better physical state, enhances immunity and makes the body more responsive to surgical trauma.
III. Food adjustment aspects
(i) Nutrition balance
Pre-operative diets focused on nutritional balance and increased intake of high-quality proteins, such as chicken, fish and beans, were good options. Protein is an important nutrient for body repair and maintenance of normal physiology and contributes to post-operative body recovery. At the same time, more fresh vegetables and fruits are consumed to ensure adequate vitamin and mineral supplies. Vitamins C and E, which are resistant to oxidation, can increase body resistance and contribute to healing.
(ii) Pre-operative fasting of water
The diet of the day before the operation is light and digestible, avoiding greasy, spicy and high-fiber food. According to the doctor, the first 8 – 12 hours of fasting and the first 4 – 6 hours of ban on water. This is to prevent serious complications such as as asphyxiation or inhalation pneumonia from causing vomiting due to anaesthesia during the operation.
Psychological preparation
Patients and family members are actively engaged in communicating with doctors about the procedure, including its modalities, possible risks and expected effects. A certain awareness of the operation can alleviate the stress and fear of the patient. At the same time, patients can communicate with their families and friends and receive emotional support. Maintaining a positive optimism has a positive impact on the smooth operation and on post-operative rehabilitation. In short, the preparation of all pre-cancer cancer is an important step towards success and rehabilitation.
