A mastectomy is a surgical technique designed to prevent or treat breast cancer. It involves either the partial or total removal of the breast tissue and its associated structures. Mastectomy is a major medical procedure, and physical recovery from its effects can take a number of weeks. Proper recovery begins with clear post-operative instructions to mastectomy patients.
In The Hospital
According to BreastCancer.org, the mastectomy surgery will typically last two to three hours, with additional time needed if you receive breast reconstruction as part of your procedure. Once your surgery is done, you will be moved to a recovery area, where your blood pressure, heart rate and body temperature will be closely monitored. Once you regain consciousness, you will be asked to describe any discomfort, such as nausea or pain. You will receive treatment for these difficulties, if they are present.
Typically, you will need to stay in the hospital for two to three days after surgery. If you receive breast reconstruction, a longer stay may be necessary. The day after surgery, you will receive instruction in exercises designed to diminish stiffness in your arm and shoulder, as well as prevent any potential buildup of scar tissue. Verbal instructions will be reinforced by written and visual aids that you can take home.
At Home
Before leaving the hospital, you will receive instructions for your at-home recovery. First, you will receive a prescription for pain medication, as well as clear dosage instructions. Get this prescription filled as soon as possible to avoid uncontrolled pain during your initial recovery.
Your surgeon may instruct you to leave the bandages on your treatment area in place until you make your initial follow-up visit. If you are allowed to change your bandages, you will receive instructions in do so properly. In some cases, the bandages may be accompanied by a surgical drain to relieve fluid buildup in your breast area or armpit. If this is the case, you will be shown empty fluid from the drain as needed. In most cases, the surgical site will be sutured with stitches that dissolve with requiring removal. However, you may also receive surgical staples, which will need to removed during the course of your recovery. If you have a drain or staples, take sponge baths until they are removed.
To ensure you are healing properly, you will receive instructions in check your surgery site for signs of infection. Additionally, if your mastectomy involved removal of lymph nodes in your armpit or chest, you will be shown detect a condition called lymphedema, which is characterized by swelling of the lymph tissue.
In addition to these steps, continue the arm exercises you began in the hospital. Get extra rest and conserve you strength whenever possible. If friends and family are available, ask them to perform tasks you might normally do yourself.
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