POST-OPERATIVE BREAST CARE FOLLOWING SURGERY FOR BREAST CANCER

WOUND CARE

• Leave dressings intact unless directed by your surgeon or Breast Care Nurse

• Shower as normal and gently pat the wound dry

• If your wound becomes increasingly painful, red and/or inflamed seek advice from Mr Jassal, our Breast Care Nurse or hospital ward

 

PAIN RELIEF

• Strict paracetamol (Panadol/Panamax/etc) 500mg, two tablets, three times daily for one to two weeks

• Strict ibuprofen (Neurofen/Rafen/etc) 200mg, two tablets, three times daily for one to two weeks (alternate non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs may be recommended)

• Nb Avoid if you suffer reflux or stomach ulcer symptoms; take with food and cease if you develop symptoms of reflux / indigestion

• Oxycodone (Endone) 5mg,  Tramadol (Tramal) 50mg or Tapentadol (Palexia) 50mg may be prescribed in addition to the recommended paracetamol and/or ibuprofen for stronger pain: one to two tablets can be used sparingly to a maximum of four times daily

  • Nb These are narcotic drugs which may cause drowsiness and/or constipation – DO NOT DRIVE

 

ACTIVITY

• Return to normal activities gradually and take time to rest as often as you can; avoiding over tiredness is important to your recovery

• Gentle shoulder mobility exercises will be demonstrated to you during or before your hospital admission

• Driving is not advised for approximately two weeks, and especially not whilst on narcotic medications
   

DIET

• Ensure you take plenty of fluids and dietary fibre to avoid constipation

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FOLLOW UP

• You will generally leave hospital with an appointment for follow up with Mr Jassal, or instruction to contact our rooms during business hours to make one

• Usual follow up appointment is within one to two weeks

• You can contact our rooms at any time (during business hours) for advice

• Things to look out for:

  • Increasing pain

  • Increasing swelling or redness of the wound

  • Fever

• For urgent after hours help, Mr Jassal can be contacted through your hospital switchboard or via mobile phone

• If you are unable to contact Mr Jassal and require urgent assistance, please contact your local doctor or attend the nearest hospital Emergency Department – via ambulance as required

 

SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS

• As per your surgeon / nurse

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The above information is a general guide only – any specific instructions for you may be discussed at time of surgery / discharge from hospital