A mastectomy is surgery to remove part or the entire breast. This is usually done when breast cancer diagnosis indicates the malignancy is not contained in a very small area or when tests show a high risk of developing breast cancer. The incision is closed with stitches. In some cases, plastic drains are placed to drain fluid. They are usually removed in 1-2 days. Recovery time is about six weeks, assuming all normal circumstances
What You Will Need After Mastectomy:
- Well-fitting support bra
- Bandages for the incision area
Steps to Take After Mastectomy
Home Care After Mastectomy
- Keep breast incisions clean and dry.
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 1 minute before changing the bandages.
- You may have one or more tubes to drain blood and fluids.
- Empty the drains and measure the fluid. Report bright blood or pus to your doctor.
- Ask your doctor about when it is safe to shower. Do not bathe or soak in water until completely healed.
- Wear a well-fitting, supportive bra.
- Be sure to wear the bra all day and all night. Do this for the first week after surgery.
Diet After Mastectomy:
- Ask your doctor if you can resume your normal diet.
- It is important to avoid alcohol and concentrated sweets.
- East a healthy well balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables.
- If you are diabetic, keep close monitoring on your blood sugar levels. The goal is blood sugar levels less than 150mg/dl
Physical Activity After Mastectomy:
- Ask your doctor when you can return to work and drive.
- Avoid heavy lifting and other strenuous activity.
- If you had lymph nodes removed or total radical mastectomy:
- Avoid tight clothing on the affected arm.
- Do not carry anything heavy using the affected arm.
- Elevate your affected arm as much as possible.
- Report excessive swelling to your doctor.
- Ask your doctor about physical therapy. You may have to do exercises to help you regain shoulder and arm mobility.
- In most cases, you can resume normal activities in six weeks.
Lifestyle Changes After Mastectomy:
- Mastectomy is a life changing surgery. Work with your doctor will plan lifestyle changes that will aid in your recovery.
- Light weight breast prosthesis can be work a month after surgery.
- You can be fitted for a more permanent prosthesis after your incisions have healed.
- Talk to your doctor about reconstruction surgery options
If you had lymph nodes removed, you take the following steps even after the recovery process:
- No blood pressure, injections or blood draws on the affected arm
- Avoid wearing anything tight on the affected arm.
- Wear gloves when doing dishes, yard work, or any household scrubbing.
- Avoid carrying anything heavy with that arm.
- Always use an electric shaver when shaving your armpits.
- Moisturize the skin on that arm.
- Use sunscreen to prevent sun damage.
When to Call Your Doctor After Mastectomy:
After you leave the hospital, call your doctor if any of the following occurs:
- Signs of infection, including fever and chills, redness or pus
- Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge from the incision site
- Cough, shortness of breath, chest pain or anxiety
- Nausea or vomiting that you cannot control with the medicines you were given after surgery.
- or Nausea/vomiting which persist for more than two days after discharge from the hospital
- Redness, warmth, swelling, stiffness, or hardness in the arm or hand on the side of the body where the lymph nodes were removed
- New, unexplained symptoms of any nature
- Lumps or skin changes in remaining tissue on mastectomy side
- Lumps, skin changes, or nipple drainage in remaining breast
- Depression
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