Care following Mastectomy

1. Avoid overuse of the arm during the first few months.
2. To prevent lymphedema, keep the affected arm elevated.
3. Provide incision care with lanolin to soften and prevent wound contracture.
4. Encourage use of Reach for recovery volunteers.
5. Encourage the client to perform breast self-examination on the remaining breast.
6. Protect the affected hand and arm.
7. Do not let the affected arm hang dependent.
8. Do not carry a pocketbook or anything heavy over the affected arm.
9. Avoid cuts, trauma,bruises, or burns to the affected side.
10. Avoid wearing consricted clothing or jewelry on the affected side.
11. Wear gloves when gardening.
12. Use thick oven mitts when cooking.
13. Use a thimble when sewing.
14. Apply lanolin hand cream several times daily.
15. Use cream cuticle remover.
16. Call the physician if signs of inflammation occur in the affected arm.
17. Wear Medi-Alert bracelet stating lymphedema arm.

How to perform breast self exam (BSE)

1. Lay down and place a pillow under your right shoulder. Next, place your right arm under your
head.
2. Using your three middle fingers of your left hand, massage your right breast with the pads of
your fingers. Check for any lumps or abnormalities. You can move in a circular motion, or up
and down. Make sure you use the same motion every month.
3. Continue the motion, extending to the outside of the breast to your underarm.
4. Repeat on left side.
5. Next, repeat exam standing up, with one arm behind your shoulder as you examine each
breast. Standing or sitting up allows you to feel the outside of the breast more accurately.
6. For added precaution, stand in front of a mirror and squeeze each nipple. Look for any
discharge.
7. Take note of any dimpling, redness or swelling.


Tips:
You can do a portion of the exam while you are in shower. Incorporating it into a normal activity can make it easier to do, and less of a time constraint. Remember to mark your calendar every month as a reminder.

Do the self breast exam every month at the same time. Menstruating women should perform it a few days after their period. Women taking oral contraceptives should do the exam on the first day of starting a new pack of pills.

Report any changes to your physician, even if you feel it is minor.
You can also choose a friend who will be your BSE (breast self exam) Buddy. She can remind you and vice versa to do the exam monthly.

For illustrations, click here

Breast Cancer Symptoms that most women Do Not Know About

Breast that is warm to the touch: A breast that always feel warm, sometimes hot to the touch is a symptom of inflammatory breast cancer, a dangerous and rare type od the disease.

Flat or inverted nipple: A nipple that is flat or inverted is also a symptom of breast cancer. This does not include having an inverted nipple since birth.

A breast that is often itchy: If you have itchy breasts or nipples, talk to your doctor. These are both symptoms of breast cancer.

The skin around the breast is dimpled or looks like an orange peel: Breast and surrounding skin can take on a dimpled appearance, looking like an orange peel. Many women are too embarassed to show a doctor, thinking it is cellulite or from being overweight. This is not the case.

Swollen or breast that does not change with menstrual cycle or size increase: It's normal for a woman's breast to become swollen and tender during a normal menstrual cycle, but when it's constant, it need to be evaluated by a doctor. Women also need to be aware of a sudden breast size increase.

Breast that is red or blotchy: A breast that is red or blotchy, even having a rash-like appearance should be evaluated by a doctor. It is a symptom of inflammatory breast cancer, a type of cancer that is often undected by a mammogram and breast self exam.