Breast Cancer Surgery Recovery, Challenges & Outcomes

Breast Cancer Surgery Recovery, Challenges & Outcomes

Finding yourself again after breast cancer surgery

Recovering from breast cancer surgery affects both your body and mind. While there may be times of fear, uncertainty and change, many women also discover new strength and a renewed sense of self.

Breast cancer surgery recovery is different for everyone, and support, guidance and the right care from your breast cancer surgeon and their team can make a meaningful difference throughout the process.

Breast cancer surgeon performing a clinical breast examination during consultation
Gold Coast breast cancer surgery recovery

Breast cancer surgery recovery and outcomes

Reduced depression and anxiety

Some women feel less anxious after breast cancer surgery as they begin breast cancer surgery recovery and regain a sense of stability and confidence.

Relief and a renewed sense of control

Completing treatment can bring a sense of relief. During breast cancer surgery recovery, many women describe feeling more in control as they move forward with their care and ongoing support.

Improved quality of life

As breast cancer surgery recovery progresses, daily routines often begin to feel more familiar again, and focus gradually shifts toward the future.

Understanding breast cancer surgery challenges

These breast cancer surgery challenges may include concerns about follow-up care, treatment side effects, or changes in your body. Support and guidance from your breast cancer surgery specialist can help you navigate this stage with confidence.

Uncertainty about the future

It’s normal to feel anxious about what comes next during breast cancer surgery recovery. These breast cancer surgery challenges may include concerns about follow-up care, treatment side effects, or changes in your body.

Emotional ups and downs

During breast cancer surgery recovery, many people experience a range of emotions, including sadness, frustration or fear. These feelings are a normal part of the recovery process and deserve care, support and understanding.

Body image concerns

Breast cancer surgery can change how you see yourself. Adjusting during recovery can take time, but support from loved ones, counsellors or peer groups can help.

Supporting our Gold Coast breast cancer surgery patients

Dr Susan Hawes, a specialist breast cancer surgeon from Gold Coast Breast Surgery, offers expert and caring support for women having breast cancer surgery, including mastectomy and reconstruction. With years of experience in surgery and patient care, Dr Hawes understands the emotional impact of treatment and works closely with each patient to ensure they feel informed and supported throughout their journey.

Looking for more information about breast cancer or choosing the best breast surgeon for your needs? Visit our Helpful Information page.

1800 1200 Dr Susan Hawes
ABOUT DR SUSAN HAWES

Susan was born and grew up on the Gold Coast. She qualified as a pharmacist from the University of Queensland in 2003 and then went on to further tertiary study at Griffith University and completed a Bachelor’s degree in medicine and surgery in 2009.

Susan completed her internship and her resident years at the Gold Coast Hospital before moving all over Queensland for her training as a general surgeon.

Susan finished her surgical training in 2020 as a Princess Alexandra Hospital registrar. She was accepted onto subspecialty training in breast surgery with BreastSurgANZ and completed her first year of subspecialty training in Canberra in 2021. In 2022 Susan returned to the Gold Coast and worked as a general surgical fellow at Robina Hospital; also celebrating the birth of her second child. In 2023 Susan and her young family moved to Sydney, where she completed her second post-fellowship training year of breast surgery at the Oncology Centre of Excellence Chris O’Brien Lifehouse. She also completed a graduate certificate of breast surgery through the University of Sydney in 2023.

Susan has a passion for caring for patients to achieve the best possible outcomes for their health. She believes that timely communication is important between surgeons, patients and their health providers to ensure continuity of care. Susan has an interest in teaching and research and has presented her work at national conferences.

Susan enjoys the challenge and creativity of breast surgery but is also a dedicated general surgeon with experience in both emergency and elective surgery.

Gold Coast Breast Cancer Surgeon – Dr Susan Hawes
PRICING FEE STRUCTURE

Initial Consultation

Full Fee
$250

Medicare Rebate
$81.30

Post-op appointments

Full Fee
Bulk Billed

Medicare Rebate
Not applicable

Follow up consultations

Full Fee
$100

Medicare Rebate
$40.85