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The following tips have been written to help a breast cancer patient
prepare for surgery and to get through the surgical experience as smoothly
as possible.
Make sure any necessary paperwork for state disability is in order
so that your claim can be processed as soon as possible. It may be useful
to obtain a copy of the "American with Disabilities Act."
Discuss using a Fleet's enema at home pre-operatively with
you doctor. Pain medication can cause constipation; ask your doctor
about taking a mild laxative if this occurs.
Talk to your doctor before surgery about what type of bra you
might need after surgery. (Bring a few different bras with you to
your appointment to show your physician.)
Ask a member of your health care team to show you ahead of time
what a drain looks like and explain drain care to you before your surgery.
Talk to your doctor and to your Breast Buddy about getting a temporary
prosthesis for use after surgery.
Make some meals ahead of time and freeze them for later use.
Leave all jewelry and all but a few dollars at home.
Tips on What to Bring to the Hospital
Bring a blouse with you to the hospital that opens all the way
down the front so that you can get in and out of it easily without having
to raise your arms over your head.
Bring a book or a portable tape recorder to use in the pre-op
area and in your hospital room if a stay is required. Bring relaxation
tapes or tapes of your favorite music. This will help relax you and
help the time go by more quickly.
Bring some lip balm to moisten your lips after surgery.
If your procedure requires a hospital stay, pack a little spray
bottle of water to mist and refresh yourself. It will tide you over
until you can wash your hair and shower or bathe.
Bring some herbal throat lozenges to help soothe your throat and
freshen your breath after surgery.
Tips to Help Patients Stay Healthy and Strong After Surgery
Make sure you completely understand your written post-operative
instructions, then follow them!
There are a variety of low-impact exercises to do after your breast
surgery to loosen you up and increase your range-of-motion. Your
health care team and your Breast Buddy can show you how to do them.
(Ask them to do so, with written examples, pre-operatively.) It is
important to begin these exercises as soon as your surgeon gives you the
"O.K.".
To avoid infection and/or fluid retention
(lymphedema) in the
treated arm, from now on make sure that injections, I.V.'s, blood
draws (blood tests) and your blood pressure are taken on your untreated
arm. Use extra care when you shave under your treated arm and check
with your health care team when you can resume shaving under that arm (usually
after two weeks). Electric razors are recommended.
Avoid wearing tight rings and other jewelry or cuffs (especially
with elastic) on your treated arm.
Use care when clipping your nails and cuticles to avoid infection.
If you wear acrylic or porcelain nails, discuss this with your doctor and
keep them clean and dry.
Use extra care when gardening and wear gardening gloves to protect
your hands and arms. If you notice that you are bitten by an insect, are
developing a rash, blistering, redness, swelling, fever or other signs
of infection or irritation, do not ignore it and let your doctor know about
it right away to avoid complications. Talk to your doctor about keeping
a supply of antibiotics (e.g., Keflex) on-hand at home.
Take care not to overdo it! You may very likely be up and
running around sooner than you think.
Last Updated: 06/01/2004
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