Taking Care of Yourself Afterwards

What to do right after Surgery

• Do deep breathing exercises to help chest muscles and blood flow.
• Move your legs if you’re in bed to prevent blood clots.

Managing Pain & Discomfort

• Most patients have minimal pain, but it varies.
• Pain medication will be prescribed; take it when offered to prevent pain from developing.
• Elevate your affected arm on a pillow and start moving as soon as you can.
• Report any unusual pain; it could be an infection or blood clot.
• If you have a drain, it’ll be emptied daily, and the fluid measured.
• A physiotherapist will advise on exercises to do.

After the Operation

• After surgery, you might feel tenderness, soreness, or twinges in the affected area.
• Patients often experience numbness of the skin and upper arm after breast and axillary surgery.
• Don’t be discouraged by this as the vast majority of patients will have little to no side effects in the long-term.
• Doing your exercises, taking care of your scars, and looking after yourself will minimize your risk of long-term negative symptoms.

Avoid complications by doing these things:

• Avoid blood pressure, injections, and blood draws on the side where lymph nodes were removed
• Apply insect repellent to avoid insect bites
• Wear gloves when gardening
• Use a cooking mitt when using the oven
• Avoid cutting cuticles, push them back during manicures
• Use an electric razor for shaving under the arm
• Avoid lifting objects greater than 5-10kg
• If a trauma, injury, or break in the skin occurs, wash the area with soap and water and apply antibacterial ointment.
• Eat healthy to support your immune system