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Mastectomy is surgery to remove the breast. The most commonly done mastectomies are called simple and modified radical. During these procedures, the chest muscle is not removed. As a result, arm strength remains. Keeping the chest muscle also makes reconstruction easier.

The length of your hospital stay depends on the type of surgery you have. You’ll be given instructions to follow during recovery. Some women feel fine within a month. Others need more time.

Successful treatment of your cancer is the first step toward a healthy future. Now you can begin follow-up care. This lifelong program should include visits to your doctor, regular mammograms, and knowing how your chest and breast normally look and feel so you can notice any changes right away.

A pneumothorax occurs when air fills the space between your lung and chest wall. This can cause all or part of your lung to collapse. The main cause of a pneumothorax is an injury to the chest cavity that punctures the lungs.

You had a procedure done to put a balloon breast brachytherapy catheter into your breast. It will be used to give you internal radiation treatment for breast cancer. The end of the catheter is in the same place the cancer was inside your breast. There's a small balloon filled with salt water (saline) on the end. Here’s what you need to know about home care.

Your doctor may give you medicine to help control your ulcerative colitis. Learn more about these medicines.

Several surgical procedures are used to treat breast cancer. The goal of each is to remove the cancer. Based on medical factors and your own feelings, you and your surgeon will decide which approach may be best for you.

Medicines can help you feel better and stay as healthy as you can. Take your medicines exactly as instructed. Never stop taking medicines or change dosage unless told to by your doctor, even if you feel better. Here are some capsule definitions of medicines that might be prescribed.

You may have a problem you can't handle on your own, such as trouble with your marriage, a child, or drugs. Or you may be feeling anxious or depressed. In most cases, psychotherapy can help you cope with these and other issues.