Fighting breast cancer and undergoing surgery is a big journey. Now you are at the most important part of that journey, which is the recovery period. It is normal to feel a little scared and uncertain during this time. But don't be afraid. The most important thing is to follow the instructions given by your doctor. In this article, we will talk about a few small things that can make your recovery process easier at home.
Let's learn about the drainage device after surgery.
When you come home from the hospital after surgery, you will notice that a small tube has been inserted into your wound. This is usually called a “drain.” This is to drain any excess fluid that has accumulated in the area where the surgery was performed. Don’t worry, before you leave the hospital, your doctor or nurse will show you how to take care of it, including how to drain the fluid, measure the amount, and check for any problems.
The amount of fluid coming out of this tube is a little high in the early days, but it gradually decreases day by day . It also changes color. At first it is cherry red, then yellow-red, and finally it turns into a straw-yellow color. This drain is usually removed in 1 to 3 weeks.
How to change the wound bandage and keep it clean
After surgery, you will be given a special bra to wear. This will help keep the bandage in place. Your doctor will explain when you can take the bra off and how to change the bandage at home. It is helpful to have someone to help you during this time , if possible.
Isn't it better to wet the wound?
It is very important to keep the wound clean and dry for the first week after surgery. Therefore, rather than soaking your body in water, it is best to sponge bathe instead. If you are bathing in a bathtub, make sure that the wound area does not get wet at all.
There may be small pieces of tape stuck to the wound. These usually fall off on their own in a few days. Don't go swimming until your doctor says it's okay.
How to care for the skin and what to do about the pain?
Immediately after the surgery, the skin around the incision may turn black and blue. Don't worry, the discoloration will go away in a few days. You may also experience numbness, discomfort, or a tingling sensation in the armpit or inner side of the upper arm. This is also normal in most cases .
After about a week, bathing in lukewarm water will help your body heal. When shaving your armpits or applying deodorant, do so in a mirror. That way, you can take care of the wound without damaging it.
As the wound heals, the skin may feel a little thicker and tighter. During this time, use a mild, unscented lotion, vitamin E oil, or pure lanolin to gently massage the area. But avoid products with strong fragrances or alcohol , as they can irritate the skin. The scar will start to soften over a few weeks.
What do you do for the pain?
Your doctor will prescribe painkillers for post-surgery pain. Ask your doctor if you can take over-the-counter pain relievers in addition to, or instead of, these medications.
Very important: Do not take aspirin or any medication containing aspirin for the first 3 days after surgery. They may increase the risk of bleeding.
Simple exercises that speed up recovery
Simple stretching exercises done daily can go a long way in helping you regain mobility in your arm and shoulder. But before you do all of this, it's important to ask your surgeon when the best time to start these exercises is . Do these exercises after he says, "Okay, start now."
| Exercise | How to do |
|---|---|
| Arm raise exercise | Sitting or standing in a chair, raise both arms straight above your head with your elbows close to your ears. Hold for a count of five, then lower. Do this several times. |
| Handstand exercise | Standing, keep your arms straight and start at your shoulders and push forward and back (like a clockwork). Gradually increase the distance you push each time. Do about 10 times. |
| Wall climbing exercise | Stand facing a wall with your feet close to the wall. Extend your arms forward and place your hands on the wall. Now slowly climb up the wall with your fingertips, until your arms are fully extended above your head. Then come back down with your fingertips in the same way. Try to go a little higher each time. Do this about 10 times. |
Back to daily work
Driving
Always check with your doctor before you start driving again. You are usually cleared to drive again 10 to 14 days after surgery.
Follow-up tests
It is very important to have regular follow-up exams after breast cancer treatment . Your doctor will check you regularly to make sure the cancer has not returned. During these exams, your breasts, armpits, and neck area will be examined.
You may need to be seen every few months at first, but as you become cancer-free, the intervals between tests will increase. Depending on the type of surgery you had, you will need a mammogram every 6-12 months. After that, you will usually need one every year. A woman who has had a mastectomy may not need a mammogram on the same side. Your doctor will tell you all about this.
A woman who has had cancer in one breast has a higher risk of developing cancer in the other breast than the general population. So, continue to do breast self-exams every month. Check both the treated side and the non-treated side. If you notice any changes, tell your doctor right away .
Taking blood from the arm on the side where the surgery was performed
This is something that many people ask. The best thing to do is to avoid taking blood or getting an injection from the arm where the surgery was performed as much as possible . If you need to take blood or get an injection from that arm, tell the healthcare professional in advance that you have had breast surgery.
Watch out for these symptoms: When to call your doctor
Breast cancer surgery is generally safe. However, as with any surgery, there are some risks. Below are some of the possible complications and the symptoms you should pay attention to immediately.
| Feature to pay attention to | Description and what to do |
|---|---|
| Infection | Symptoms may include redness, swelling, pus, or a foul-smelling discharge from the wound . You may also have a fever . In such a case , inform your doctor immediately. These can usually be treated with antibiotics . |
| Swelling of the arm ( Lymphedema ) | Swelling of the arm or hand on the side of the operation. This happens to some women who have had lymph nodes removed from the armpit. It may go away on its own, or you may need to see a physical therapist. Follow your doctor's instructions for treatment. |
| Fluid filling (Seroma) | There may be some swelling at the site of the surgery due to fluid buildup. The body usually absorbs this fluid on its own. If the swelling does not go down, the doctor may need to remove it with a needle. It is normal to have some swelling for about a month after surgery. |
| Other physical problems | Tell your doctor if the following symptoms persist:
|
Remember, if you feel anything unusual or uncomfortable, don't ignore it as a minor issue. Call your doctor immediately. In an emergency, go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Take-Home Message
- Always follow your doctor's specific instructions exactly during your recovery.
- Learn how to properly care for the drain and bandage that is placed in the wound. Keep the wound clean and dry.
- Start regular exercise only after getting your doctor's approval. This will help speed up your recovery.
- Watch for warning signs of infection (fever, redness of the wound, swelling) or unusual swelling in the hand. If you have any concerns, tell your doctor right away.
- Attending regular follow-up appointments is extremely important for your long-term health.
Breast Cancer, Surgery, Cancer Treatment, Women's Health, Surgery, Lymphedema, Mastectomy
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