Though your healthcare provider will provide specific guidance for healing, this article will cover a few things to keep in mind as you begin to incorporate activity after a mastectomy.
Self-Care Activities
Self-care activities are important aspects of your recovery. Post-operative self-care activities include:
Managing pain: Take any prescribed medications to help manage pain and discomfort. Getting extra rest: Fatigue is normal after a mastectomy, so you must rest well and often while you heal. Caring for the surgical site: Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions to care for your bandages and surgical drain and on showering and bathing. Continuing to move: Your healthcare provider will give you specific arm exercises to do each day to keep your arm flexible and reduce stiffness. As much as possible, continue with daily activities, such as brushing your teeth, combing your hair, getting dressed, and eating; however, do not lift heavier items. Practicing breathwork: Deep breathing from your diaphragm can help maintain normal movement of your chest. Practice breathing exercises often. Gentle stretching: Your healthcare provider will give you gentle stretches for relaxation. Perform the exercises slowly and with control. There may be some discomfort or pulling, but there should not be any pain. Eating a healthy diet and drinking enough water: Eating balanced meals and various foods will aid your recovery. Ask to speak with a registered dietitian or nutritionist to learn about the best foods for healing. Asking for help: Ask your friends and family to assist you during the initial healing period. This includes picking up your prescriptions, doing laundry, cooking, and cleaning. Getting emotional support: A mastectomy can be overwhelming. Speaking with a therapist or a mental health provider can provide emotional support during healing.
Driving
Most people can resume driving six weeks after surgery. Driving is possible if your surgical drains have been removed, your range of motion has recovered, and you can comfortably turn the steering wheel. However, you should not drive if you are still taking prescription pain medications because they can make you drowsy and unsafe to drive.
Housework
As soon as you feel up to it, you should be able to resume light housework and continue normal activities as much as possible to maintain flexibility and mobility in your arms and shoulders. However, do not do housework that requires lifting anything over 5 pounds until your healthcare provider has cleared you to progress to more strenuous activities.
Exercise
Your healthcare provider will give you specific exercises and stretches to complete immediately following your surgery to help you recover the full range of motion in your chest, torso, arms, and shoulders and maintain strength and flexibility. Exercise may also help prevent lymphedema, a common complication post-mastectomy.
Your healthcare provider will show you how to properly execute the exercises and discuss any limitations based on your surgery.
Cardio Workouts
Avoid strenuous cardiovascular workouts such as biking, jogging, or running in the first four to six weeks. Avoid any quick, jerking motions of the arms, shoulders, or chest. However, walking is something you can and should start right away.
Strength Training
Strength training exercises should not start until at least four to six weeks post-surgery, after your healthcare provider has approved it. However, resistance training can help with daily functioning and reduce the loss of muscle mass and strength in the upper body. Working with a physical therapist may help to minimize strength imbalances due to surgery.
Sexual Activity
Resume sexual activity when you feel ready. Using props such as pillows or towels can help to make you more comfortable and avoid putting pressure on the surgical site. Communicate with your partner what is or isn’t comfortable.
Desk and Computer Work
Generally, it is customary to take four to eight weeks off from work after a mastectomy, but if you feel up for it, you may be able to start using a desk and resume computer work sooner. Check with your healthcare provider because everyone’s healing process is different.
Signs of Problems
Signs of issues include symptoms of infection, such as:
FeverIncreased redness or warmth around the incisionPus draining from around the incisionUnusual swelling and tenderness
Other signs of problems include:
Getting weaker, losing your balance, or fallingWorsening painNew heaviness, achiness, tightness, or other unusual sensations in your armsHeadaches, dizziness, blurred vision, tingling, or numbness in your arms or chestSwelling in your hand or arms
When to Call Your Healthcare Provider
If you notice any of the signs listed above or have questions or concerns about the healing process, contact your health provider immediately.
Summary
You can resume some self-care and daily activities, such as brushing your teeth, getting dressed, and walking, immediately after a mastectomy. Your healthcare provider will provide you with specific daily exercises and stretches to help you regain motion and strength and reduce stiffness in the upper body.
However, more strenuous or vigorous exercise, driving, and returning to work may take six to eight weeks and should be cleared by your healthcare provider first.
A Word From Verywell
Though you may be eager to resume normal activities and exercise after a mastectomy, self-care and rest are critical to optimal healing. Progress may be slower than expected, so listen to your body and move gradually until you’re fully healed. Discuss your concerns and questions with your healthcare provider and seek additional emotional support if needed.
