Post op mastectomy and recon after care
All the things I forgot to ask my surgeon How long do you wear the compression bra 24/7 When can I start cooking/cutting up vegetables etc when can I start housework when can I go back to work...
Forum Discussion
My main concern when I came home was when I would get the all clear to drive!
Everything else if I could manage it I did it, meaning housework etc. I did cut and cook, (although I had already made some meals and had them in the freezer), and did everything on my own (no choice really, as I live on my own), but I did get a cleaner in for 2 hours (one off) to do vaccuming. By memory I think I started driving my car at 4 weeks after double surgery and lymph node clearance. I did also get HITH (hospital in the home), so a nurse came every day for about 10 days to check the drains and change dressings. I also kept up all the physio exercises that I was given instructions to do because I had a full axilliary clearance on one side, and partial on the other armpit.
I never got a call from a breast care nurse either, but I was having HITH to come and check on my drains, so they could gauge how I was coping and report back. It can be an isolating experience if you don't have that support from the medical team so that you can be reassured. Perhaps even call Cancer Council as they have trained nurses that could put your mind at ease, especially if you are not getting any answers to the messages you are leaving.
Specific questions, like when you can return to your job may need the clearance from your surgeon, and also if you drive, best to get a clearance from your surgeon when it is safe to recommence driving again.
If you had lymph nodes clearances, my guess is they would have given you the set of exercises to do three time a day. I did those exercises "religiously" and I credit that to my success in getting a very good range of movement back in my arms in 14 days after my surgery when I met up again with my surgeon. This is about you, I understand, but I am giving you an idea of how a part of my road to recovery went. I hope it helps you somewhat.
Take care and other members may come along to give you their feedback also. xx
Everything else if I could manage it I did it, meaning housework etc. I did cut and cook, (although I had already made some meals and had them in the freezer), and did everything on my own (no choice really, as I live on my own), but I did get a cleaner in for 2 hours (one off) to do vaccuming. By memory I think I started driving my car at 4 weeks after double surgery and lymph node clearance. I did also get HITH (hospital in the home), so a nurse came every day for about 10 days to check the drains and change dressings. I also kept up all the physio exercises that I was given instructions to do because I had a full axilliary clearance on one side, and partial on the other armpit.
I never got a call from a breast care nurse either, but I was having HITH to come and check on my drains, so they could gauge how I was coping and report back. It can be an isolating experience if you don't have that support from the medical team so that you can be reassured. Perhaps even call Cancer Council as they have trained nurses that could put your mind at ease, especially if you are not getting any answers to the messages you are leaving.
Specific questions, like when you can return to your job may need the clearance from your surgeon, and also if you drive, best to get a clearance from your surgeon when it is safe to recommence driving again.
If you had lymph nodes clearances, my guess is they would have given you the set of exercises to do three time a day. I did those exercises "religiously" and I credit that to my success in getting a very good range of movement back in my arms in 14 days after my surgery when I met up again with my surgeon. This is about you, I understand, but I am giving you an idea of how a part of my road to recovery went. I hope it helps you somewhat.
Take care and other members may come along to give you their feedback also. xx