After a Mastectory

1. Coping with change in body image

Coming to terms with the loss of a breast involves a period of adjustment.

Below are some suggestions to help you cope with it:

a. Talk to someone. Take the time to overcome your emotions. It is important to talk out your feelings with your husband, family or close friends.

b. Concentrate on your healing process. Follow the exercises your counsellor has advised you to do.

2. Taking care of your incision site

You will have a dressing over your incision site. Take care not to wet your dressing. Take sponge baths to avoid getting it wet. You may bathe as usual if the stitches are removed.

3. Ball Squeezing

• Lying in bed, hold a rubber ball in your hand.
• Lift arm straight up and alternately squeeze and relax the ball.
• Do this exercise as recommended.

4. Pulley Motion

• Place knots at each end of a nylon cord. Toss it over the top of the door with the unaffected arm.
• Sit with legs hugging both sides of the door closely and keep soles firmly planted on the floor.
• Pull the cord up and down with both arms.

5. Hand Wall Climbing

• Stand facing a wall with toes 6-12 inches away from it.
• Bend elbows and place palms against the wall at shoulder level.
• Move hands gradually up the wall, keeping them parallel until you feel tension or pain at the scar. Mark the spot so you can monitor your own progress.

6. Back Scratcher

Bend elbow of affected arm and place back of hand on the small of the back. Gradually work your way up until your fingers reach the opposite shoulder blade.

7. Elbow Pull-in

• Bend elbows, clasping fingers to the back of your neck.
• Pull elbows in toward each other until they touch.