Getting back to daily activities

• 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 the things you need to do in your day.
• 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.

• DO NOT do any heavy lifting, pushing, pulling or repetition with your affected arm(s) such as vacuuming, ironing, carrying heavy grocery bags or laundry baskets.
• DO NOT lift young children or small pets with your affected arm(s).

• You can shower 48 hours after surgery. DO NOT soak in a bathtub and DO NOT go swimming in a pool, lake or ocean.
• Remove the dressing around the drain when you shower. Apply a clean dressing after you are dry.
• Place the drain(s) over your shoulder while showering or attach to a lanyard.
• DO NOT use any soaps, creams or lotions or hot or cold packs over the incision unless directed to do so by your doctor or nurse.
• Gently pat the area dry using a clean towel.

• Wear comfortable, soft, loose-fitting clothing.
• Shirts that button or zipper at the front are the easiest to wear after surgery.
• When you feel comfortable, you can start wearing a bra.
• Your drain can be attached to the bottom of your shirt or waistband of your pants with a safety pin.
• Some women consider using a mastectomy camisole after surgery that has special pockets to hold the drain(s).
• You will be given a list of places where you can buy this clothing.

You may be constipated after surgery. Constipation can result from the medication used to put you to sleep for your surgery, taking certain pain medications, a change in diet and/ or reduced physical activity.

If you have trouble having a bowel movement, the following may help:

• Drink lots of fluid after your surgery.
• Use a laxative such as Senokot, which stimulates the bowels so they move. Senokot is available at a pharmacy. Take 1 to 2 Senokot tablets twice a day as needed.
• Eat prunes or drink prune juice.

If these things don't help, please call the nursing phone line at 416-480-5000.

• Sleep in a position that is comfortable for you.
• Consider placing your arm on a pillow when you are sleeping.
• Avoid sleeping directly on your chest.

• 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.

• Following surgery, arrange for a ride home.
• DO NOT drive when taking your pain medication because it may cause you to become sleepy.
• You can return to driving when you are pain free and have full normal movement of your arm(s).

• Being active helps with your recovery from surgery.
• You can start or return to your exercise program after speaking with your surgeon during your follow-up appointment.
• Start back slowly and gradually.
• You can start exercising with light weights (2 pounds) about 4 to 6 weeks after surgery.
• You can do exercises that speed up your heart, like walking, as soon as you feel ready.
• DO NOT go swimming in a pool, lake or ocean for at least a month after the surgery.

• As a general rule, you will likely need to wait 8 weeks before you return to work after a lumpectomy and axillary lymph node dissection.

• Scar massage helps to get rid of the sensitivity, tightness, and itchiness around the scar area.
• Scar massage also helps to soften and loosen the scar area so that you can move your shoulder better.
• You may begin scar massage 4 to 6 weeks following surgery after the incision has healed.
• Scar massage should be done for 2 to 3 minutes, 2 to 3 times a day.
• You will be taught how to perform scar massage during your post-operative follow-up appointment with a physiotherapist or occupational therapist.

• Put 2 fingers or your thumb pad on the scar area.
• Move your fingers in an up and down zigzag pattern one way across the scar area and then move your fingers in circles the other way across the scar area.