How to Recover From a Mastectomy

The amount of time to recover from a mastectomy depends on the extent and length of the surgery, the overall health of the patient and following the doctor's post-operative orders. Immediately following the surgery, you will be taken to the recovery room for close monitoring while coming out of the effects of the anesthesia. At-home care after hospital recovery can take a few weeks to several months. Read on to learn how to recover from a mastectomy.

Instructions

Plan to Recover From a Mastectomy

• 1

  Realize the time spent in the recovery room and hospital following a mastectomy is just the beginning of the journey to recover.

• 2

  Expect the emotional recovery to be as intense as the physical. Having people around you who are supportive and available for you is critical in the effort to recover from a mastectomy.

• 3

  Organize yourself prior to surgery. You will need all the mental and physical energy possible to help you recover. You don't need to be distracted by routine things that you can either delegate to someone else or rearrange to allow for recovery.

• 4

  Make a list of people you can call when you're feeling down or alone and keep it close. Just reaching out to someone can help you make it through the difficult hours.

• 5

  Practice tasks such as brushing your teeth with the opposite hand if the mastectomy is on your dominant side. By getting a head start, it won't be such an obstacle to overcome immediately following surgery. There will be a few days you'll have to take it easy with the side of surgery.

• 6

  Express your concerns about recovery time and progress. Let your doctor or liaison help you work through any anxiety you may have about the recovery process. Since each case is unique, your healthcare professionals are ready to assist you in facing the challenges ahead with a plan of action.

Find Life After Recovery

• 7

  Expect the recovery process to be ongoing, even after the treatment has ended. You should never try to rush your healing, even if others haven't required as much time to recover. Remember that your case is individual to you and no one else.

• 8

  Learn from other cancer survivors how to deal with the emotions of knowing the cancer could return. Many live in fear while others are able to live every moment to its fullest.

• 9

  Practice general good health principles. Eat nutritious meals and exercise adequately. This helps with mental and physical conditioning.