Recovering From Breast Cancer Reconstruction

Preparing for a mastectomy can be a stressful time. The time leading up to the surgery is filled with many decisions and considerations, and it's easy to lose sight of what life will be like post-operation. When you're on the road to recovery, though, you'll want to be as relaxed as possible in order for a speedy comeback. Here are a few things to expect after your breast cancer reconstruction and tips on how to help your body regain strength.

After the mastectomy, you can expect to stay in the hospital for about one week. During this time your doctors and nurses will closely monitor your level of pain to administer medication. Often a surgical drain is temporarily inserted just below your armpit to help remove excess fluids from your body, and the nurses will help you empty this. It's important to keep the staff informed of any unusual pain or feelings during this time so that they can best help you.

Your doctor will want to perform tests to make sure that no remnants of the tumor remain. If a DIEP or TRAM flap was used for the breast cancer reconstruction, the doctor will be monitoring the newly moved tissue closely. During this period the pain will be acute and it is likely that you won't want to be very active. It's important that you do make an effort to start moving around again when your doctor says to do so, as this will help the body heal itself.

When your doctors are certain that your progress is sufficient, they will discharge you from the hospital. Before you leave they will give you instructions on what you'll need to do at home. You will definitely want to get this in writing, and it helps to have a close friend or family member present to help you remember. Your doctor will give you instructions on how often to take pain medicine and how to care for your sutures and surgical drain. You'll be told what warning signs to watch for while you're at home and you will schedule an appointment with the doctor so that he can check up on your progress.

By the time you are ready to return home you will have more energy, but it's important to not overexert yourself. For exercise, try keeping track of how many steps you walk each day. Don't push yourself too hard, but increase the number of steps each day gradually until you're up to 10,000 steps a day. Take pain medicine as needed, but try not to exceed the recommended dosage prescribed by your doctor.

It's also very important to tend to your mental health after breast cancer reconstruction. You will be on the path to return to normal life, but it can become discouraging at times. Find some positive activities you can do in a sitting position that will help you feel productive again. Reading and watching television are good ways to relax, but try to participate in constructive activities like crafting or planning some life goals as well. You've got the rest of your life ahead of you, so get ready to make the best of it!