| If you are facing breast cancer surgery or have had | | | | 5. After surgery you will want any medical |
| a mastectomy or partial mastectomy, there are | | | | procedures to be done on your stronger arm. For |
| certain activities you can avoid to bypass extra | | | | example, receive injections and have your blood |
| suffering after your surgery. Here are some tips to | | | | pressure taken on the arm that has not been |
| help yourself be more comfortable: | | | | involved in your surgery. |
| 1. As you are probably aware, emotional and | | | | 6. For heavy-duty cleaning or gardening use |
| psychological pain can sometimes hurt even worse | | | | protective gloves. If your arm is swelling, you'll feel |
| than physical pain. With that in mind, you will want to | | | | worse having it scratched by thorns from your rose |
| have a support group standing behind you before | | | | bushes. |
| surgery and after as well. For example, there may be | | | | 7. Protect your skin against sunburn. A swollen |
| a friend that you have in mind right now who has | | | | sunburned arm can cause a great deal of misery! |
| already gone through breast surgery. She will | | | | 8. Be especially careful not to cut yourself when you |
| probably be a great comfort to you at this time in | | | | trim your nails or cuticles. |
| your life. | | | | 9. Purchase an elastic sleeve to wear on your arm if |
| 2. After breast cancer surgery you may experience a | | | | it swells. |
| sense of imbalance in your body. In time your body | | | | 10. Protect yourself from being bit by mosquitoes |
| will adjust. A physical therapist can help you regain as | | | | and other insects. |
| much movement as possible. He or she can suggest | | | | 11. Your arm may bother you if you have lymph |
| special exercises to help work out the stiffness and | | | | nodes removed, so be sure to consult with your |
| help you to feel better physically after surgery. | | | | doctor if your arm should bother you. |
| 3. If you have lymph nodes removed, the affected | | | | 12. Be very careful to avoid junk foods and eat |
| arm may swell from time to time. So avoid wearing | | | | healthy foods to give your body the nourishment it |
| tight clothing or bracelets. | | | | needs. |
| 4. Use the arm that has not been involved in your | | | | By putting these 12 tips into practice after you have |
| mastectomy or partial mastectomy to carry heavy | | | | had breast cancer surgery, you will help yourself feel |
| items. | | | | better and avoid needless extra suffering. |