Discharge Instructions for Mastectomy or Breast Lumpectomy
You are being treated for breast cancer or a precancerous condition. Your doctor discussed treatment options with you, and part of your treatment included surgery. Your doctor removed the cancerous tumor by lumpectomy or by a total mastectomy. A lumpectomy is the removal of the tumor and a surrounding margin of healthy tissue. Lymph nodes in the armpit may also be removed. A mastectomy is the surgical removal of the breast tissue and lymph nodes.
Home Care
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Ask your friends or family to help with chores and errands while you recover.
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Don’t lift anything heavier than 10 pounds to avoid straining your incisions.
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Don’t push a vacuum or do other strenuous housework until the doctor says it’s okay.
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Take pain relievers as directed.
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Check your incision daily for signs of redness, swelling, or separation of the skin.
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Shower as needed, as long as your incision isn’t draining, swelling, or red.
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Check your temperature every day for 1 week after your surgery.
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Return to your regular diet as you feel able. Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet.
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Do the range-of-motion exercises that you learned in the hospital.
Follow-Up
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Make a follow-up appointment as directed by our staff.
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If you had a mastectomy, make an appointment to talk to someone about reconstructive surgery or breast prostheses.
When to Call Your Doctor
Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following:
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Fever above 101°F
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Chills
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Drainage from your incision
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Swelling around your incision
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Increasing pain in or around your incision
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Swelling in your arm or hand on the surgery side
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Date Last Reviewed:
2/3/2006
Date Last Modified:
9/1/2004