How long a patient remains in the hospital after surgery for breast cancer will determine the amount of post-surgery care will be required at home. Going home with stitches and drains is not uncommon, and they will need to be cared for until they are removed. Hospital health care providers will help with demonstrations and written instructions.
Incision Care
Nurses and other health care providers will care for the incisions that were made during the breast cancer surgery while the patient is still hospitalized. If one can watch while these procedures are being performed, this will help upon the return home. The hospital will either provide supplies or a list of supplies to be purchased before discharge, as well as written instructions.
Caring for the incisions at home includes either cleaning them or leaving them alone, depending on the instructions, applying medication, and changing the dressings.
Gentleness is the key to doing anything to the incisions. Only mild rubbing or patting motions should be used, both in cleaning and drying, and medication applied with a soft applicator, such as a cotton swab. Adhesive holding bandages in place should be gently patted onto the skin, rather than a hard rubbing motion.
Drain Care
Drains that are removing fluid from the breast cancer surgery site are often left in place upon discharge, and may not be removed for another week or longer. Instructions and demonstrations will be given to the patient and anyone who will be helping with home care on clear the drainage tubes, empty the receptacles, and measure the fluid.
There are different ways to strip or clear the drainage tubes. One way is to hold the tube between the thumb and forefinger with one hand, and use the opposite thumb and forefinger to gently push the fluid down the drainage tube. The thumbs and forefingers are repositioned as the fluid recedes until the tube is clear.
A ballpoint pen or other hard round object can also be used to clear the drainage tube. The thumb and forefinger hold the tube while the pen or object is slid downward a short ways. The procedure is repeated until the tube is clear.
The top of the drain receptacle is opened, usually by flipping up, and the fluid is emptied. If the fluid needs to be measured, it can be poured into a measuring cup and the amount noted. If not, the fluid can simply be poured out.
Activity Level
How you feel after breast cancer surgery will depend on how active you will want to be. Paying attention to what your body is feeling will help you to determine how much activity you can attempt. A feeling of tiredness or sleepiness is a signal that it is time to rest.
Walking for short distances and then increasing the distance can be done several times a day. Pairing a walking session with a time when you are already standing, such as when going to or from the table for meals or to and from the bathroom, is a good way to encourage yourself to get active.
As healing from breast cancer surgery progresses, activity can be increased. The health care professional will give advice on how much can be accomplished and when.
Post-Op Visit for Stitch/Drain Removal
Several visits may be required before all the stitches and drains are removed, as some areas will heal faster, and other areas will stop draining fluids before others will. Someone will need to handle driving responsibilities until all stitches and drains have been removed.
Drain removal may be uncomfortable, as there is quite a bit of tubing inside the incisions. Many patients choose to take pain medication a half-hour to an hour before the drain removal, which makes the procedure more tolerable.
When To Consult A Doctor
Fever above 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit, extreme pain, heavy bleeding and draining fluid with a foul odor should be reported immediately to the doctor. In addition, any signs of infection, such as pronounced redness or tenderness, and the presence of pus around a drainage opening site or any of the incision sites should be reported immediately.
Difficulty breathing, any change in heartbeat or severe chest pains, and pains in the lower leg should also be reported immediately.
Tags: breast cancer, breast cancer surgery, cancer surgery, clear drainage, health care, reported immediately
