Mastectomy Instructions for Patients Following a Mastectomy
• The nurses at the hospital will teach you and/or your caregiver how to care for the drain. Please learn how to strip the drain 1 to 2 times a day to help keep it open. Please measure and record output of each drain every day. If you live alone, it may be possible for a home health nurse to help with the care of the drain.
• You may lightly shower over the clear plastic bandage. Attach the drain to a belt or necklace made from string so that it does not pull on your skin. Pat incisions dry after shower, and you may cover it with a fresh dressing. A soft cotton t-shirt with pockets for the drains may be purchased from a specialty shop. Please speak with the nurse who can direct you to the Smilow Boutique or local retail shops.
• Keep your incision covered for 48 hours after surgery. You do not need to change the bandage which was applied in the operating room.
• After 48 hours, you may remove the clear bandage and gauze. Do not remove the paper strips directly on the skin. It is okay to get the paper strips wet in the shower and then leave them open to air. Leave these strips on for at least 10 days.
• Please do not begin exercises or driving until after the drain has been removed. Activities of daily living such as showering and combing hair are okay.
• Please call 203-200-2328 when the drainage is less than 30cc from each drain for a 48-hour period. You can expect to have the drain for 1 to 2 weeks.
• Tylenol or a prescribed pain medication may be used every 4 to 6 hours if needed for pain. Do not drive if you are taking a prescribed narcotic for pain.
You may drive when:
• The drains are removed
• You are not experiencing pain with movement of the arms and upper body
• You are not taking narcotics
Call the office at 203-200-2328 if:
• Severe pain or swelling
• Fever of 101 or higher
• Redness extending more than ½ inch beyond the edges of the incision
• A small amount of drainage on your bandage is normal; however, you should call if the bandage becomes soaked with bright red blood. If bleeding starts, put a folded washcloth or pack of gauze and an ace wrap over the area.
It can take 7 to 10 business days after surgery before the pathology results are ready. We will call you as soon as the report is available to discuss the findings. If you have not heard from the office by the 10th day after your biopsy, please call us at 203-200-2328
You will have a follow-up clinic appointment scheduled before leaving the hospital