Getting Back to Daily Activities
Is there anything I cannot do after surgery?
- DO NOT drive a motor vehicle for 24 hours after surgery because it may be dangerous with all the medications from the anesthetic.
- DO NOT drive while you are taking your prescription pain medication because the medication may affect your ability to drive safely.
- DO NOT drink alcohol while taking prescription pain medication because taking both together can be dangerous.
- DO NOT lift anything weighing more than 10 pounds for 4 weeks after the surgery because it may damage the incision.
- DO NOT do repetitive arm or leg exercises for 3 weeks after the surgery because it may damage the incision.
Will I feel tired during my recovery?
- It is normal to feel tired for up to 2 months after your surgery.
- This may make it hard for you to do all of your regular activities.
- Learning ways to best use your energy will help you to complete activities and get through the day:
- Listen to what your body tells you.
- Set small goals for the day and don't worry if you don't get everything done.
- Take rest breaks often.
For 4 to 6 weeks after surgery:
- DO NOT do any activity that involves heavy lifting, pushing, pulling or repetition with your arm like vacuuming, ironing, carrying heavy grocery bags or laundry baskets.
- DO NOT lift young children or small pets with your arm.
When can I wash?
- You may have a shower 48 hours after surgery.
- DO NOT soak in a bathtub and DO NOT go swimming in a pool, lake or ocean until at least 4 weeks after the surgery.
- DO NOT scrub the incision.
- DO NOT use soaps, creams or lotions over the incision until it is fully healed.
- Gently pat dry using a clean towel.
- If you have a drain:
- Plan to have your shower just before seeing your nurse in your home.
- You do not have to remove or cover the dressing when you shower. Your nurse will remove the wet dressing and put on a clean, dry dressing.
- Place the drain over your shoulder while showering or attach to a lanyard.
- However, if you see the nurse at a clinic, then take off the dressing before you shower. Apply a clean dry dressing after you are dry.
What should I eat after surgery?
- You can return to your regular diet after surgery.
- Adding more fibre to your diet will help to prevent constipation.
- A dietitian is available to answer your questions about food and nutrition.
- Please call 416-480-4623 to make an appointment.
When can I start my normal activities?
- You can do most of your normal activities 1 to 2 days after surgery, except for heavy lifting or repetitive movements with the arm or leg that is on the same side as the surgery.
- You can go back to your normal diet when you feel hungry. There is no special diet after surgery.
When can I go back to work?
- You can go back to work 8 weeks after a wide local excision surgery that included a sentinel lymph node biopsy.
- Some patients are able to return to work sooner if their job does not involve heavy lifting.
