Will I Be Able to Take Care of Myself After Breast Cancer Surgery?

R.N. Carolyn Weaver answers the question: 'Can I care for myself post-surgery?'

ByABC News
September 24, 2007, 1:11 PM

— -- Question: Will I be able to take care of myself after breast cancer surgery?

Answer: That depends on several different factors. One being your level of independence before surgery, and the other being the type of surgery that you had. If you had a lumpectomy with sentinel lymph node biopsy, or a lumpectomy with axillary lymph node dissection, or a mastectomy, you probably will require very little assistance at home. On the other hand, if you have a mastectomy with reconstruction, you may need some assistance either within the first week or so, while you're at home recuperating.

Next: Will Complementary Therapies Assist In My Recovery After Surgery?

Previous: What Are Seromas and How Are They Treated?