Post-Surgery and
Follow-Up Care

Recovery times will depend on your age, overall health, and extent of surgery. You may be discharged on the day of surgery or kept in the hospital for a day or more. When you are discharged, you will receive instructions on how to care for yourself at home. Just like every patient is different, every cancer surgery is different. Recovery times and the time it takes to adjust to the changes to your body and in your life will vary.

Your surgeon and care team will give you recommendations about things like bathing, raising your arms, lifting objects, and exercise while you are recovering. Using ice packs can help ease symptoms you may have from bruising and swelling.

After Care for a Drain

If a drain was placed as part of your surgery, you will be asked to measure the amount of fluid as directed. This may need to be done and the drain emptied at least every 8 hours.

Seroma

You can develop a seroma, which is a collection of fluid under the arm or incision. Don’t be alarmed if this forms anywhere from five to ten days after your surgery. A small amount of fluid is normal and will likely go away by itself within a few weeks after it appears. If the seroma is larger, your surgeon may need to drain it, pulling fluid out using a syringe and needle.