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Recovery after Breast Reconstruction Surgery
Women who have undergone surgery for breast cancer and reconstruction should be reassured that their quality of life, once treatment has been completed, could be normal.
Certain studies suggest that young women, who constitute about one fourth of breast cancer survivors, tend to have more troubles adjusting to the stresses and physical pains of breast cancer and its treatment. They have more psycho-social and emotional.problems. There may also be sexual difficulties. All these are post surgery problems and require help through counselling and family support.
What care needs to be taken on reaching home:-
- Depending on the type of breast reconstruction surgery performed, one may be tired and expect some soreness, swelling and bruising for weeks to months. The doctor will prescribe medication to the suture area and control pain.
- You may have drainage tubes in place for a short time after your surgery to remove excess fluids that collect in your breast tissue. The drainage tubes remain in place until the amount of fluid draining substantially decreases. You might also have stitches (sutures) after your surgery.
- The patient also has to go for regular checkups. If a temporary expander has been implanted, it will be expanded with saline once a week on an average, until the desired size has been obtained (usually 6 to 10 visits). The doctor will continue to check closely to be sure that the cancer has not returned.
- The mastectomy and breast reconstruction will leave areas of numbness where the surgery was performed. Instead of feeling pain from where the tissue was taken, the patient may feel numbness and tightness. With time, some feeling might return in the breasts. Scarring is permanent, but the scars generally fade over time. The shape of the reconstructed breast will gradually improve over the months following the reconstruction.
The emotional side: how to cope with it?
Relationship issues are also important because the diagnosis and surgery can be very distressing for the partner, as well as the patient.
Suggestions that may help a woman adjust to changes in her body image include looking at and touching herself; seeking the support of others - preferably before surgery; involving her partner as soon as possible after surgery; and openly communicating feelings, needs and wants created by her changed image.
Precautions:-
- A few women have chronic pain in their chests and shoulders. During intercourse, supporting these areas with pillows may help. Also, avoid positions where your weight rests on your chest or arms.
Getting back to normal activities may take up to six weeks or more. Take it easy during this period. Restrict your activities, such as avoiding overhead lifting or strenuous physical activities. It may be several weeks before you can do strenuous exercise.
Exercising is important after breast reconstruction. To regain mobility, perform stretching exercises several times every day.
Most women can resume driving 10 to 14 days after surgery. The doctor will suggest specific recommendations for your individual situation.
When at home from the hospital after surgery, call the doctor if you have:
- Excessive swelling in your arm or hand, near the incision, or under your arm .
- High fever over 100 degrees
- Increased drainage from the surgical drain.
- Increased and uncontrollable pain.
- Other physical problems such as loss of appetite or weight, changes in menstrual cycle, or blurred vision.
- Also, report dizziness, coughing or hoarseness, headaches or digestive problems that seem unusual.