A mastectomy is a surgical procedure involving the removal of one or both breasts. Whether you have one or both breasts removed can depend on the size, location, and number of tumors. Some people also volunteer for a mastectomy when their family history deems them at high risk of developing cancer. You might know what happens during a mastectomy, but recovery can be a different story. If you’re about to undergo this invasive procedure, here are a few helpful facts to be aware of.
You’ll Need to Stay In the Hospital
Medical professionals need to make sure you’re okay after a medical procedure. Otherwise, patients could experience complications that see them contacting law firms like The Tinker Law Firm PLLC for advice.
Most standard mastectomy procedures require up to five days in hospital, depending on the type of mastectomy you received. If you develop an infection, such as a staph infection, your stay might be longer. Upon returning home, you can expect the recovery process to take up to four weeks.
You’ll Have Drains
There can be a great deal of excess lymphatic fluid after a mastectomy. This has to go somewhere. Your surgeon will insert a drain under the chest wound and, sometimes, under the arm to help remove it. Chest wall drains are often removed before you’re discharged from the hospital.
However, if the fluid output hasn’t decreased to an acceptable level, you may be released from the hospital with one or more drains still in place. This is common and easy to manage with the help of nurses. Once your fluid output level has significantly decreased, these will be removed.
Pain and Discomfort Are Normal
A mastectomy is an invasive procedure, so pain is normal. However, not everyone knows the type of pain and discomfort to expect. Many people experience pain around and near their surgical site, especially around the arms, shoulders, and chest.
Swelling is also common around the surgical site. Some people also notice swelling in their fingers, hands, and arms. Sometimes, this is due to a build-up of fluid and blood. Other times, it results from your lymph system struggling to drain fluid. This can be common if you have lymph nodes removed.
Numbness, limited movement, and even rashes can be expected symptoms. However, it’s crucial to report rash symptoms to a healthcare professional as it can sometimes be a symptom of cancer’s recurrence.
While pain and discomfort are normal, don’t be afraid to discuss your symptoms with your healthcare provider. They can suggest steps you can take to alleviate your pain, such as medication.
You Might Need More Treatment
Many women don’t know what to expect after having a mastectomy. Medical jargon can be overwhelming, and it’s not always clear whether more treatment can be required. Sometimes, mastectomies are the first step in a long cancer journey. You might also require chemotherapy, targeted therapy, hormone therapy, and radiation. Whether or not these treatment options are offered can depend on your type of cancer and how widespread it is.
Recovering from a mastectomy can be a challenging process, especially when you don’t have all the facts. If you’re currently on this journey for breast cancer or as a preventative measure, don’t be afraid to ask questions. The more informed you are, the more confident you might feel about the road ahead.
