If you need extra help, arrangements can be made to have a visiting nurse come to your home. Prior to leaving the hospital, you will receive with a temporary prosthesis. This prosthesis or breast form provides symmetry without putting pressure on the surgical area. After Either Surgery You will receive an appointment to see your surgeon within 7 to 10 days after the surgery to remove the stitches and the drainage tube under your arm. At this visit the surgeon will advise you on appropriate arm and shoulder exercises.
Exercise usually begins after the drain is removed.
These exercises help to stretch the scar tissue which is forming in the surgical area and maintain full range of motion of your arm. Radiation Therapy Radiation therapy is an integral part of breast conserving treatment, but is rarely used when mastectomy has been performed. It is a local treatment, aimed solely at decreasing the likelihood of breast cancer recurring in the operated breast or chest wall region. If radiation therapy is planned, the treatment usually begins about two to three weeks after surgery and lasts approximately six weeks. If chemotherapy is recommended, radiation treatments may be delayed until the completion of chemotherapy, or may be given at the same time as chemotherapy.