Lumpectomies are performed to spare the breast when early-stage breast cancer is diagnosed. Typically, radiation follows a lumpectomy to destroy any remaining cancer cells. Most lumpectomies are performed on an outpatient basis, but the surgery still causes major trauma to the body. It may take weeks or months to fully heal from a lumpectomy.
Instructions
1. Apply an ice pack over your bandages for 20 minutes at a time, every few hours, for the first day or two after you return home from the hospital. Icing your wound will reduce swelling and help with pain. Ice packs are available at most grocery and drugstores.
2. Avoid lifting anything weighing more than five pounds for several days after your lumpectomy. If you also had axillary lymph nodes removed during your surgery, your activity may be limited even more. Because each surgery is different, ask your doctor or check your discharge documents for instructions specific to your procedure.
3. Wear a support bra for a week after your surgery or longer, depending on your surgeon's orders. The bra is designed to support your breasts, prevent your stitches from pulling, and ease swelling and discomfort. The bra should be worn during the day and while sleeping.
4. Take over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to alleviate your discomfort. If OTC medications are not effective at controlling your pain, ask your doctor for a prescription-strength pain reliever.
5. Avoid getting your incision wet. Take sponge baths until your sutures are removed or your doctor says showering is allowed. Have someone help wash your hair in the sink, if necessary.
6. Keep your surgical wound covered. Depending on the size of your incision, you may have both internal, disposable sutures and external staples or stitches. Your doctor will tell you if these need to remain covered. Generally, your incision should remain bandaged for the first 72 hours after surgery.
7. Empty any surgical drains inserted into your incision, and make a note of the amount of fluid emptied. Your drain will need to be emptied several times each day, and you can do this by detaching the bulbs located at the end of the drain tubes. Not all women will be fitted with drain tubes after surgery.
8. Sleep on your back during your recovery period to avoid placing pressure on your breast. This will help with swelling and pain. Use pillows to prevent rolling over in the middle of the night or sleep upright in a chair.
9. Report any symptoms of possible complications to your doctor immediately. Fever, increased swelling, discharge from your nipple or incision line, increased pain or bruising and bleeding all require medical attention.
10. Follow up with your surgeon as ordered. Make certain to discuss any concerns with your doctor at your appointment and inform him of any fever or pain you are experiencing.
Tags: your doctor, your incision, after surgery, after your, drain tubes
