Recovering from a Mastectomy

Having a mastectomy is a bit different that most other surgeries. While dealing with cancer carries with it a host of emotions and fears, many women feel that mastectomy surgery takes a piece of their femininity, because it removes a portion of their breast. This feeling is shared by thousands of women and medical professionals are sensitive to this. Mastectomy recovery is a unique surgical recovery experience. This article describes some of the things to anticipate during mastectomy recovery.

 

 

While radical mastectomy is hardly ever performed any longer, even a lumpectomy can change the shape and contour of the breast. Some women take ownership of this change and embrace it as part of the battle with breast cancer. Others seek to restore their breast through reconstructive of cosmetic surgery. Both choices are perfectly appropriate and there are resources available to facilitate both decisions. If reconstruction is your choice, it can often be done on the same day as the mastectomy or at a point later in mastectomy recovery.

 

One of the important things to anticipate during mastectomy recovery is the occurrence of a swelling called lymphedema. Because the surgeon needs to make sure that all of the cancer is removed, he or she will sample of remove several lymph nodes from under the arm. Since one of the major purposes of the lymph nodes and lymphatic system in general is to remove excess fluid from the extremities, when they are removed during a mastectomy, fluid may accumulate in the arm of the affected side. Lymphedema may occur early in mastectomy recovery or even years later. It may cause your arm to full heavy, full, or tight. You may notice that your arm is not as flexible as it normally is or that clothes feel tight on that side. There are several things that can be done to reduce the lymphedema that occurs in mastectomy recovery. Keeping your arm elevated helps drain the excess fluid back to the heart; compression sleeves or massage can “squeeze the fluid out of the arm. Also, weight loss and mild exercise can improve overall circulation and decrease swelling.

 

While you are on your way to recovering from your mastectomy, your doctor has no doubt told you that breast cancer survivors are at increased risk for a new breast cancer. That means that part of your mastectomy recovery should include surveillance for new cancers. You should have a mammogram at least once a year and perhaps every six months when following radiation treatment. You will likely need to see a physician for a full physical up to three times a year for the first five years of mastectomy recovery. Also, you should have a gynecological exam yearly. Part of mastectomy recovery is to become aware of your body and to be vigilant for new symptoms. While you do not need to live in fear every day, you are responsible for being the watchdog of your body. Unusual pain in the breasts, discharge from the nipple, and any changes in the skin of the breast need to be reported right away. Sweating excessively at night, disproportionate fatigue, and odd aches or pains that persist should be brought to the attention of your physician or oncologist.

 

Recovery from mastectomy and beating cancer can be done if you take an active role in your health care and dedicate yourself to fighting this treatable disease.