If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, your oncologist will likely offer various breast cancer treatment options. These may include chemotherapy, radiation, and either surgery to remove only the tumor or the entire breast. If your doctor recommends the removal of the entire breast, known as a mastectomy, then you will need to do some things at home to help reduce your risk for infection after your surgery. All invasive surgical procedures carry some risk for postoperative infections; however, by following your physician's advice, you can minimize this risk. Here are some at-home interventions that may reduce your risk for a post-mastectomy infection.
High Vitamin C Diet
Wound infections are not uncommon after surgery. While your oncologist will prescribe antibiotics after your mastectomy, you may need to make some dietary changes to help further lower your risk for infection. This is especially true for women who do not consume a healthy diet and for women who smoke. Eating foods rich in vitamin C helps promote optimal collagen production, which helps promote incisional healing.
Vitamin C also has potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which further help lower your risk for postoperative infection. While getting your recommended daily allowances for vitamin C from the foods you eat is optimal, your oncologist may recommend that you take a vitamin C supplement so that you receive a higher dose to further help with wound healing and inflammation.
Exercise As Tolerated
While you may not feel strong enough to carry out your regular exercise routine when you get home from the hospital, it is important that you do light exercises as recommended by your physician while you are recovering. Your doctor will provide you with an exercise instruction sheet prior to your discharge from the hospital. These exercises may include arm raises and shoulder exercises, which will help promote mobility and blood flow to your surgical wound.
When blood flow is enhanced through mild exercises, you may be less likely to develop a post-mastectomy infection. Before you start your exercises, take your prescribed pain medications. Doing so will help minimize discomfort and allow you to perform your movements with greater flexibility. Exercise also helps promote the release of dopamine and endorphins, also known as "feel good" hormones, which can enhance your mood after your breast cancer surgery.
If you are scheduled to have a mastectomy, talk to your oncologist about the above at-home interventions to help lower your risk for a post-operative infection. If you experience increased postoperative pain, or if you develop fever, chills, muscle pain, or purulent discharge from your incision line, call your doctor right away. These may be signs of an infection that may need prompt antibiotic treatment.
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