Now that you are ready to return home after surgery, you will want to avoid complications, such as infection. Check both the arm affected by surgery and the incision site twice each day. If an area looks red, feels warm, or is unusually hard or swollen, notify your health care provider immediately. Also notify him/her if you see drainage (fluid) from the incision or if you develop a fever.

Here are a few simple guidelines to follow during your recovery:

• Do not put heavy lotions, creams, or medications on or near the incision site (unless your health care provider tells you to do so).



• If you cut or scratch your affected arm, immediately wash the area with soap and warm water. Apply an antiseptic cream or ointment, if needed.





• Do not pick or cut cuticles or hangnails on your affected hand. use lanolin hand cream to keep cuticles soft.



• Do not carry your pocketbook (purse) in the crook of your affected arm. To protect this arm, get into the habit of using your other arm to carry your pocketbook or articles weighing more than 10 pounds (4.5 kg).



• If you wear a wristwatch or other jewelry on the affected arm, make sure it fits loosely. Wear clothing with loose-fitting sleeves.



• If you sew, use a thimble to avoid pinpricks.



• Avoid exposing your affected side to excessive sunlight.



• Wear heavy gloves when gardening.





• Apply protective insect repellent before going to areas with biting insects.



• Do not let anyone give you an injection or vaccinate you in your affected arm - unless specifically recommended by a health care provider who knows you have had breast surgery.



• Similarly, make sure you blood pressure is taken on your unaffected arm. And, if you must give blood samples for any reason, give them from your unaffected arm.



• Every other day, record the amount of swelling (if any) in your affected arm. To do this, measure the circumference of your upper arm, about 5 inches (12.7 cm) above your elbow. Then, measure the circumference of the largest part of your forearm, about 5 inches (12.7 cm) above your wrist. Record the findings. If you detect swelling, use a few pillows to elevate your arm above heart level. If the swelling does not go away, notify your health care provider.





• Regularly perform strengthening exercises, as instructed.

MOONDRAGON'S BREAST CANCER LINKS

Learning About Breast Cancer

Learning About Breast Surgery

Understanding Breast Tumor Staging

Familiarizing Yourself With Diagnostic Techniques

Understanding Fibrocystic Breast Disease

Guide To Types of Mastectomies

Patient Preparation For A Mastectomy

Mastectomy Care After Surgery

Learning About Breast Reconstruction

Selecting A Prosthesis

Applying An Arm Sleeve and Gauntlet

Preventing Complications After A Mastectomy

RELATED LINKS

MoonDragon's ObGyn Womens Health Information: Breast Cancer

MoonDragon's ObGyn Womens Health Information: Breast Reconstruction

MoonDragon's ObGyn Womens Health Information: Fibrocystic Breast Changes

MoonDragon's ObGyn Womens Health Information: Mammography

MoonDragon's ObGyn Womens Health Information: Mastectomy

MoonDragon's ObGyn Womens Health Information: Partial Mastectomy

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