In most breast cancer cases, the most common treatment that is being followed is surgery. Breast cancer surgery usually involves the removal of the tumor and also of the nearby margins. Surgical options include partial mastectomy, radical mastectomy, lumpectomy, as well as reconstruction. Following are some of the precautions that are to be taken after breast cancer surgery.
Precautions after Recovery
Dressing/Incisions Care: Your incisions, or scars, can both have stitches as well as steri-strips, which may be covered with gauze dressing or tape or can be plastic dressing. Don’t remove any dressing, steri-strips, or even the stitches. They will be removed only after the doctor’s instruction. If your dressing or steri-strips fall off, don’t try replacing them. You can take shower 1 day after your drain(s) is out, and in case of a plastic dressing. If you are having the gauze or paper tape, it can be removed soon after surgery around 2 days-time and you can take shower after that. Use a soft towel to dry your incisions thoroughly after you take a bath. Don’t touch or remove steri-strips or sutures. Bruising & swelling can be common. A low-grade fever under 100 degrees Fahrenheit is normally experienced the day after you have had your surgery.
Pain Management: Women experience different types of pains and different amounts of pain and/or discomfort after breast cancer surgery. Pain management deals with assessing the level of discomfort and taking medicines if needed. You can manage your pain better if you take the medications before the pain is severe. Healing improves with proper pain management. Some drugs can also cause or even worsen constipation, so alongside, increase your fluid intake, eat fiber-rich foods, and also make sure that you get out of your bed and go for small walks. Icepacks can help in decreasing any discomfort, swelling, etc., specifically to the armpit usually after a lymph node dissection. A small pillow can be positioned in your armpit, as it also decreases discomfort.
Activity Level: You must avoid any strenuous activities like heavy lifting and vigorous exercises until your stitches have been removed. Your caregiver can also make a personal plan for "what can be done after surgery.” Walking is a very normal activity so it can be started right away after your surgery, but you mustn’t do household work and driving until your drain is out. After a lymph node dissection, do not completely avoid using your arm but also do not exercise it until your 1st post-operative visit. Many women return to their work within 3-6 weeks. Returning to work varies from person to person depending on their type of work, and their overall health and preference.
Diet to Follow: Fluid intake is suggested after recovering from anesthesia. You can soon take your regular diet as well. It is also advised to take 8-10 glasses of water and non-caffeinated beverages per day. It is also recommended to take a good amount of fruits and veggies and low-fat foods.
Breast Cancer Surgery in Lucknow
If you are looking to get under the knife, please contact the best doctor for breast cancer surgery in Lucknow near you!
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