Surgery

Surgery is the oldest form of cancer treatment. Although it remains an important part of cancer treatment today, surgery is typically combined with other types of treatment such as radiation, chemotherapy and hormone therapy to achieve greater success.

The main types of breast cancer surgeries include:

• Lumpectomy - The surgeon removes the breast cancer and some normal tissue surrounding it.
• Breast Conserving Surgery  - Breast conserving surgery is where the surgeon tries to spare and preserve as much breast tissue as possible.
• Mastectomy - Mastectomy is where the entire breast is removed.

Lymphedema

Lymphedema is a build-up of lymphatic fluid, causing swelling in the arm and hand, and occasionally in the chest/breast on the side of the surgery. When the lymphatic system is damaged, fluid collects in the tissue of the affected area, causing swelling.

Evergreen Rehabilitation Services provides a specialized lymphedema program to reduce this discomfort. Evergreen therapists have received training in massage techniques, bandaging and exercises and have specialized equipment to reduce the discomfort.

Talk with your health care provider about a referral to the lymphema program, or call Evergreen Rehabilitation Services directly at 425.899.1960.

Breast Reconstruction Surgery

This plastic surgery procedure rebuilds a breast that has been removed following a mastectomy. Breast reconstruction can be done at the time of the mastectomy, or at some point in time following a mastectomy.

There are two types of breast reconstruction:

• Breast reconstruction with natural tissue
• Breast reconstruction with implants