Preparing for cancer surgery & recovery

Find out how to prepare for surgery day and recovery, including what questions to ask your care team.

How do I prepare for cancer surgery?

Surgery may seem like a big step, but if you know about the process and how to prepare for it, you may be more at ease and able to understand what to expect. The time before your cancer surgery is called the pre-operative phase, when you can learn more about how to prepare for surgery and ask your care team questions.

During the pre-operative phase, your cancer care team will go over details about your surgery, such as:

If you need any tests before surgery
When and where you’ll have surgery
What you can or cannot eat and drink before surgery
Supplies you will need while you recover, such as a walker, shower chair, or bedside toilet

Will I need tests before surgery?

Your cancer care team may need to do additional tests before surgery. These tests give more information to your doctor and may include:

X-rays

X-rays create images of tissues and structures in your body

ECGs

ECGs, or electrocardiograms, show how the heart is beating

Blood tests

Blood tests measure different types of blood cells or other substances in the blood

During this time, it’s OK to ask questions. Getting answers to your questions may help you feel more comfortable about the surgery. Your cancer care team is here to help you understand and prepare.

Cancer surgery checklist

Use these short checklists to help you prepare for cancer surgery and recovery without feeling too overwhelmed.

Preparing for the day of cancer surgery

Discuss all your treatment options with your doctor, including any treatment before or after surgery
Ask your doctor what side effects or physical limitations you may have after surgery
Write down who will be on your surgical team and their contact information
Ask a friend or loved one to drive you to and from surgery. For help finding transportation, visit our support page
If possible, visit the hospital before your surgery date so you know where to park and enter
Pack a small bag of essentials that you may need during your stay, including a list of all your current medicines and dosages to share with the surgical team
In the days before your surgery, spend time meditating or doing a calm activity to lower your stress

Preparing for recovery

Ask a friend or loved one to help you at home while you recover. This can include making meals, getting medicines from a pharmacy, paying bills, or cleaning. If you don’t have access to support at home, you may be able to find support near you
If you live alone, ask a friend or relative to stay with you in the days after surgery
Plan for how to balance work with your recovery, such as scheduling time off. Navigating expenses while living with cancer isn’t easy. If you need support, there may be financial support options available to you
Keep notes about your symptoms and questions after surgery to take with you to your follow-up appointment