About Your Mastectomy

This guide will help you get ready for your mastectomy (breast surgery) at MSK. It will also help you know what to expect as you recover.

Use this guide as a source of information in the days leading up to your surgery. Bring it with you on the day of your surgery. You and your care team will use it as you learn more about your recovery.

About your mastectomy

This guide has information about several types of breast surgeries. Your surgeon will talk with you about the specific surgery you’re having. You may be having a:

• Total mastectomy.
• Total mastectomy and sentinel lymph node biopsy.
• Total mastectomy and sentinel lymph node biopsy with possible axillary lymph node dissection.
• Total mastectomy and axillary node dissection (also called a modified radical mastectomy).
• Another similar surgery.

If you’re having breast reconstruction, your plastic surgeon will give you more information.

Total mastectomy

A total mastectomy is a surgery to remove all your breast tissue. It’s usually done through an incision (surgical cut) across your chest, but it can be done in different ways. Your breast surgeon will talk with you about which option is right for you.

During your surgery, your surgeon may also remove one or more lymph nodes from your armpit. A pathologist will examine the lymph node(s) to see if the cancer has spread to them.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy

A sentinel lymph node biopsy is when the first lymph node(s) in your armpit that receive drainage from the breast tumor are removed and checked for cancer cells. These lymph nodes are called sentinel lymph nodes. If cancer cells spread, the sentinel lymph nodes are usually the first place they go. Your surgeon will identify the sentinel node(s) by injecting a special dye into your breast.

If you’re having a sentinel lymph node biopsy, you may have lymphatic mapping as part of your surgery. More information about this procedure is included later in this guide.

Your surgeon may send the sentinel lymph node(s) to the pathologist during your surgery. If the pathologist sees any cancer cells, your surgeon may then do an axillary lymph node dissection.

Axillary lymph node dissection

An axillary lymph node dissection is when most or all of the lymph nodes in your armpit are removed. The number of lymph nodes removed varies from person to person.

About your lymphatic system

Understanding how your lymphatic system works can be helpful as you get ready for and recover from your breast surgery. Your lymphatic system has 2 jobs:

• It helps fight infection.
• It helps drain fluid from areas of your body.

Your lymphatic system is made up of lymph nodes, lymphatic vessels, and lymphatic fluid (see Figure 1).

• Lymph nodes are small bean-shaped glands located along your lymphatic vessels. Your lymph nodes filter your lymphatic fluid, taking out bacteria, viruses, cancer cells, and other waste products.
• Lymphatic vessels are tiny tubes, like your blood vessels, that carry fluid to and from your lymph nodes.
• Lymphatic fluid is the clear fluid that travels through your lymphatic system. It carries cells that help fight infections and other diseases.

Getting ready for your mastectomy

This section will help you get ready for your surgery. Read it when your surgery is scheduled. Refer to it as your surgery gets closer. It has important information about what to do to get ready.

As you read this section, write down questions to ask your healthcare provider.

Getting ready for your surgery

You and your care team will work together to get ready for your surgery. Help us keep you safe by telling us if any of these things apply to you, even if you’re not sure.

• I take an anticoagulant (blood thinner), such as:
  • Aspirin
  • Heparin
  • Warfarin (Jantoven®, Coumadin®)
  • Clopidogrel (Plavix®)
  • Enoxaparin (Lovenox®)
  • Dabigatran (Pradaxa®)
  • Apixaban (Eliquis®)
  • Rivaroxaban (Xarelto®)
• I take an SGLT2 inhibitor, such as:
  • Canagliflozin (Invokana®)
  • Dapagliflozin (Farxiga®)
  • Empagliflozin (Jardiance®)
  • Ertugliflozin (Steglatro®)
• I take any prescription medicines, including patches and creams. A prescription medicine is one you can only get with a prescription from a healthcare provider.
• I take any over-the-counter medicines, including patches and creams. An over-the-counter medicine is one you can buy without a prescription.
• I take any dietary supplements, such as herbs, vitamins, minerals, or natural or home remedies.
• I have a pacemaker, automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (AICD), or other heart device.
• I have sleep apnea.
• I have had a problem with anesthesia (A-nes-THEE-zhuh) in the past. Anesthesia is medicine to make you sleep during a surgery or procedure.
• I’m allergic to certain medicines or materials, including latex.
• I’m not willing to receive a blood transfusion.
• I drink alcohol.
• I smoke or use an electronic smoking device, such as a vape pen or e-cigarette.
• I use recreational drugs, such as marijuana.

Preventing pregnancy

If there’s any chance you could become pregnant before your surgery, be sure to use a form of birth control (contraception) that does not have hormones. For example, you can use a condom, a diaphragm, or a copper (Paragard^®) intrauterine device (IUD).

If you have questions about birth control or want help choosing the type of birth control that’s right for you, talk with your gynecologist (GYN doctor).

Fertility preservation

Avoid becoming pregnant during your treatment. If your doctor told you to avoid getting pregnant for some time and you want to have children in the future, you may want to think about freezing your eggs. For more information, read Fertility Preservation Before Cancer Treatment: Options for People Born with Ovaries and a Uterus.

About drinking alcohol

It’s important to talk with your healthcare providers about how much alcohol you drink. This will help us plan your care.

If you drink alcohol regularly, you may be at risk for problems during and after your surgery. These include bleeding, infections, heart problems, and a longer hospital stay.

If you drink alcohol regularly and stop suddenly, it can cause seizures, delirium, and death. If we know you’re at risk for these problems, we can prescribe medicine to help prevent them.

Here are things you can do before your surgery to keep from having problems.

• Be honest with your healthcare providers about how much alcohol you drink.
• Try to stop drinking alcohol once your surgery is planned. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you:
  • Get a headache.
  • Feel nauseous (like you’re going to throw up).
  • Feel more anxious (nervous or worried) than usual.
  • Cannot sleep.

These are early signs of alcohol withdrawal and can be treated.

• Tell your healthcare provider if you cannot stop drinking.
• Ask your healthcare provider questions about drinking and surgery. All your medical information will be kept private, as always.

About smoking

If you smoke, you can have breathing problems when you have surgery. Stopping for even a few days before your surgery can help.

Your healthcare provider will refer you to our Tobacco Treatment Program if you smoke. You can also reach the program by calling 212-610-0507.

About sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is a common breathing problem. If you have sleep apnea, you stop breathing for short lengths of time while you’re asleep. The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). With OSA, your airway becomes fully blocked during sleep.

OSA can cause serious problems during and after surgery. Tell us if you have or think you might have sleep apnea. If you use a breathing device, such as a CPAP machine, bring it on the day of your surgery.

Using MyMSK

MyMSK (my.mskcc.org) is your MSK patient portal. You can use it to send and read messages from your care team, view your test results, see your appointment dates and times, and more. You can also invite your caregiver to make their own account so they can see information about your care.

If you do not have a MyMSK account, you can sign up at my.mskcc.org. You can get an enrollment ID by calling 646-227-2593 or your doctor’s office.

Watch How to Enroll in MyMSK: Memorial Sloan Kettering's Patient Portal to learn more. You can also contact the MyMSK Help Desk by emailing [email protected] or calling 800-248-0593.

Within 30 days of your mastectomy

Presurgical testing (PST)

You’ll have a PST appointment before your surgery. You’ll get a reminder from your surgeon’s office with the appointment date, time, and location. Visit www.msk.org/parking for parking information and directions to all MSK locations.

You can eat and take your usual medicines the day of your PST appointment.

It’s helpful to bring these things to your appointment:

• A list of all the medicines you’re taking, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, patches, and creams.
• Results of any medical tests done outside of MSK in the past year, if you have them. Examples include results from a cardiac stress test, echocardiogram, or carotid doppler study.
• The names and telephone numbers of your healthcare providers.

You’ll meet with an advance practice provider (APP) during your PST appointment. They work closely with MSK’s anesthesiology (A-nes-THEE-zee-AH-loh-jee) staff. These are doctors with special training in using anesthesia during a surgery or procedure.

Your APP will review your medical and surgical history with you. You may have tests to plan your care, such as:

• An electrocardiogram (EKG) to check your heart rhythm.
• A chest X-ray.
• Blood tests.

Your APP may recommend you see other healthcare providers. They’ll also talk with you about which medicine(s) to take the morning of your surgery.

Tell your NP if you’re breastfeeding or pumping your breastmilk for your child.

Identify your caregiver

Your caregiver has an important role in your care. Before your surgery, you and your caregiver will learn about your surgery from your healthcare providers. After your surgery, your caregiver will take you home when you’re discharged. They’ll also help you care for yourself at home.

For caregivers

‌  Caring for a person going through cancer treatment comes with many responsibilities. We offer resources and support to help you manage them. Visit www.msk.org/caregivers or read A Guide for Caregivers to learn more.

Fill out a Health Care Proxy form

If you have not already filled out a Health Care Proxy form, we recommend you do now. If you already filled one out or have any other advance directives, bring them to your next appointment.

A health care proxy is a legal document. It says who will speak for you if you cannot communicate for yourself. This person is called your health care agent.

• To learn about health care proxies and other advance directives, read Advance Care Planning for People With Cancer and Their Loved Ones.
• To learn about being a health care agent, read How to Be a Health Care Agent.

Talk with a member of your care team if you have questions about filling out a Health Care Proxy form.

Arrange for someone to take you home

You must have a responsible care partner take you home after your surgery. A responsible care partner is someone who can help you get home safely. They should be able to contact your care team if they have any concerns. Make sure to plan this before the day of your surgery.

If you don’t have a responsible care partner to take you home, call one of the agencies below. They’ll send someone to go home with you. There’s a charge for this service, and you’ll need to provide transportation. It’s OK to use a taxi or car service, but you still need a responsible care partner with you.

Buy a 4% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) solution antiseptic skin cleanser (such as Hibiclens®)

4% CHG solution is a skin cleanser that kills germs for 24 hours after you use it. Showering with it before your surgery will help lower your risk of infection after surgery. You can buy a 4% CHG solution antiseptic skin cleanser before leaving the Evelyn H. Lauder Breast Center or at your local pharmacy without a prescription.

Buy 325-milligram acetaminophen tablets (such as Tylenol® Regular Strength)

Acetaminophen is an over-the-counter pain medication. You’ll use it after your surgery to help manage your pain at home. It’s helpful to buy it ahead of time. You can get it at your local pharmacy without a prescription. Always follow the instructions on the container or from your healthcare provider when taking any medication.

7 days before your mastectomy

Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for taking aspirin

Aspirin can cause bleeding. If you take aspirin or a medicine that has aspirin, you may need to change your dose or stop taking it 7 days before your surgery. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions. Do not stop taking aspirin unless they tell you to.

To learn more, read How To Check if a Medicine or Supplement Has Aspirin, Other NSAIDs, Vitamin E, or Fish Oil. 

Stop taking vitamin E, multivitamins, herbal remedies, and other dietary supplements

Vitamin E, multivitamins, herbal remedies, and other dietary supplements can cause bleeding. Stop taking them 7 days before your surgery. If your healthcare provider gives you other instructions, follow those instead.

To learn more, read Herbal Remedies and Cancer Treatment.

2 days before your mastectomy

Stop taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen (Advil^® and Motrin^®) and naproxen (Aleve^®), can cause bleeding. Stop taking them 2 days before your surgery. If your healthcare provider gives you other instructions, follow those instead.

To learn more, read How To Check if a Medicine or Supplement Has Aspirin, Other NSAIDs, Vitamin E, or Fish Oil.

1 day before your mastectomy

Note the time of your surgery

A staff member will call you after 2 p.m. the day before your surgery. If your surgery is scheduled for a Monday, they’ll call you the Friday before. If you do not get a call by 7 p.m., call 212-639-5014.

The staff member will tell you what time to get to the hospital for your surgery. They’ll also remind you where to go.

Visit www.msk.org/parking for parking information and directions to all MSK locations.

Lymphatic mapping

If you’re having a sentinel lymph node biopsy, you may have a lymphatic mapping procedure the day before or the morning of your surgery. This will help your surgeon find the sentinel lymph node(s) during your surgery.

During your lymphatic mapping procedure, you’ll lie on a reclining chair for about 20 minutes. While you’re in the reclining chair, a healthcare provider will inject (give you a shot of ) a small amount of a radioactive liquid under your skin below the areola of your affected breast. You might feel stinging or burning during the injection.

After the injection, you’ll massage the area of the injection site for 10 minutes. This will help the radioactive liquid travel to the sentinel lymph node(s). Then, a technologist will measure the radioactivity in your breast and axilla (armpit) on your affected side to see how much of the liquid was absorbed. There are 2 ways they can do this:

• Your radiation technologist might use a small handheld device called a Neoprobe®.
• You might have an imaging scan using a larger machine that you lie down on. Read the section “Nuclear Medicine Scan” for more information.

Both ways work equally well. Your healthcare provider will tell you what to expect.

Nuclear medicine scan

If you’re having an imaging scan after your injection, your technologist will take you to the scanning room. You’ll lie on a table while the technologist takes pictures. Each picture takes 5 minutes to complete, and you must lie very still during this time. If you feel uncomfortable staying in any position for 5 minutes, ask your technologist to count down the time for you. The scan will take 10 to 15 minutes.

The pictures taken during your scan will show the flow of the radioactive liquid. They’ll also show which lymph nodes absorb the liquid. This creates a “map” of your lymphatic system. Your surgeon will use this map to find your sentinel lymph node(s) during your surgery.

If you’re having surgery the same day as your lymphatic mapping, a staff member will bring you from the scanning room to the operating room. If you’re having surgery at the Josie Robertson Surgical Center (JRSC), your care team will arrange for you to take an MSK van to the JRSC after your procedure. In most other cases, you’ll go home after your lymphatic mapping.

Shower with a 4% CHG solution antiseptic skin cleanser, such as Hibiclens

Shower with a 4% CHG solution antiseptic skin cleanser before you go to bed the night before your surgery.

Do not put on any lotion, cream, deodorant, makeup, powder, perfume, or cologne after your shower.

Instructions for eating

‌ 
Stop eating at midnight (12 a.m.) the night before your surgery. This includes hard candy and gum.

If your healthcare provider told you to stop eating earlier than midnight, follow their instructions. Some people need to fast (not eat) for longer before their surgery.

The morning of your mastectomy

Instructions for drinking

Between midnight (12 a.m.) and 2 hours before your arrival time, only drink the liquids on the list below. Do not eat or drink anything else. Stop drinking 2 hours before your arrival time.

• Water.
• Clear apple juice, clear grape juice, or clear cranberry juice.
• Gatorade or Powerade.
• Black coffee or plain tea. It’s OK to add sugar. Do not add anything else.
  • Do not add any amount of any type of milk or creamer. This includes plant-based milks and creamers.
  • Do not add honey.
  • Do not add flavored syrup.

If you have diabetes, pay attention to the amount of sugar in these drinks. It will be easier to control your blood sugar levels if you include sugar-free, low-sugar, or no added sugar versions of these drinks.

It’s helpful to stay hydrated before surgery, so drink if you are thirsty. Do not drink more than you need. You will get intravenous (IV) fluids during your surgery.

‌ 
Stop drinking 2 hours before your arrival time. This includes water.

Take your medicines as instructed

A member of your care team will tell you which medicines to take the morning of your surgery. Take only those medicines with a sip of water. Depending on what you usually take, this may be all, some, or none of your usual morning medicines.

Shower with a 4% CHG solution antiseptic skin cleanser, such as Hibiclens

Shower with a 4% CHG solution antiseptic skin cleanser before you leave for the hospital. Use it the same way you did the night before.

Do not put on any lotion, cream, deodorant, makeup, powder, perfume, or cologne after your shower.

Things to remember

• If you wear contact lenses, wear your glasses instead. Wearing contact lenses during surgery can damage your eyes.
• Do not wear any metal objects. Remove all jewelry, including body piercings. The tools used during your surgery can cause burns if they touch metal.
• Leave valuable items at home.
• If you’re menstruating (have your monthly period), use a sanitary pad, not a tampon. You’ll get disposable underwear, as well as a pad if needed.

What to bring

• A button-down or loose-fitting top.
• Your breathing device for sleep apnea (such as your CPAP machine), if you have one.
• Your Health Care Proxy form and other advance directives, if you filled them out.
• Your cell phone and charger.
• Only the money you may want for small purchases, such as a newspaper.
• A case for your personal items, if you have any. Examples of personal items include eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures, prosthetic devices, wigs, and religious articles.
• This guide. You’ll use it when you learn how to care for yourself after surgery.

Once you arrive for your surgery

Many staff members will ask you to say and spell your name and birth date. This is for your safety. People with the same or a similar name may be having surgery on the same day.

When it’s time to change for surgery, you’ll get a hospital gown, robe, and nonskid socks to wear.

Meet with a nurse

You’ll meet with a nurse before surgery. Tell them the dose of any medicines you took after midnight (12 a.m.) and the time you took them. Make sure to include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, patches, and creams.

Your nurse may place an intravenous (IV) line in one of your veins, usually in your arm or hand. If your nurse does not place the IV, your anesthesiologist (A-nes-THEE-zee-AH-loh-jist) will do it in the operating room.

Meet with an anesthesiologist

You’ll also meet with an anesthesiologist before surgery. They will:

• Review your medical history with you.
• Ask if you’ve had any problems with anesthesia in the past. This includes nausea (feeling like you’re going to throw up) or pain.
• Talk with you about your comfort and safety during your surgery.
• Talk with you about the kind of anesthesia you’ll get.
• Answer questions you have about anesthesia.

Marking your surgical site

Along with asking your name and birth date, staff members may ask what your surgeon’s name is, what surgery you’re having, and which side is being operated on. Your surgeon or another member of your surgical team will use a marker to mark the place on your body that will be operated on. This is for your safety. It helps make sure all members of your surgical team know the plan for your surgery.

Get ready for surgery

When it’s time for your surgery, you’ll take off your eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures, prosthetic devices, wig, and religious articles.

You’ll either walk into the operating room or a staff member will bring you there on a stretcher. A member of the operating room team will help you onto the operating bed. They’ll put compression boots on your lower legs. These gently inflate and deflate to help blood flow in your legs.

Once you’re comfortable, your anesthesiologist will give you anesthesia through your IV line and you’ll fall asleep. You’ll also get fluids through your IV line during and after your surgery.

During your surgery

After you’re fully asleep, your care team will place a breathing tube through your mouth into your windpipe to help you breathe.

If you’re having a sentinel lymph node biopsy, your surgeon will inject a small amount of blue dye underneath your nipple or near the tumor. This dye will travel in your lymphatic fluid to the sentinel lymph node(s), staining them blue. If you had a lymphatic mapping procedure, your surgeon will also use a small device that measures radioactivity from the liquid injected during that procedure.

Once they locate the sentinel lymph node(s), your surgeon will make an incision and remove them. They may send them to the Pathology department to be checked for cancer cells during your surgery. If the pathologist sees cancer cells, your surgeon may remove more lymph nodes. This is called an axillary lymph node dissection. Your surgeon will discuss this with you in more detail, if needed.

Because blue dye was used during your sentinel lymph node biopsy, your skin, urine (pee), and stool (poop) may be bluish-green for 1 to 2 days after your surgery.

Once they finish your surgery, your surgeon will close your incision(s) with sutures (stitches) under your skin. They may also place Steri-Strips^™ (thin pieces of surgical tape) or Dermabond^® (surgical glue) over your incision(s) and cover them with a bandage.

Your breathing tube is usually taken out while you’re still in the operating room.

Recovering after your mastectomy

This section will help you know what to expect after your surgery. You’ll learn how to safely recover from your surgery both in the hospital and at home.

As you read this section, write down questions to ask your healthcare provider.

In the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) or recovery room

When you wake up after your surgery, you’ll be in the PACU or your recovery room. A nurse will be keeping track of your body temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. You may be getting oxygen through a thin tube that rests below your nose or a mask that covers your nose and mouth. You’ll also have compression boots on your lower legs.

Tubes and drains

You’ll have a surgical bra around your chest to cover your surgical site and at least 1 Jackson-Pratt (JP) drain (see Figure 2) attached to the bra. The JP drain will help drain the fluid from your incision(s) and prevent swelling. You’ll get supplies and an extra surgical bra to take home to help you care for your incision(s) and drain(s).

Managing your pain

You’ll have some pain after your surgery. To help you manage this:

• You’ll get pain medication in your IV line.
• Once you’re able to eat normal food, you’ll get oral pain medication (medication you swallow).

Your healthcare providers will ask you about your pain often and give you medication as needed. If your pain is not relieved, tell one of your healthcare providers. It’s important to control your pain so you can use your incentive spirometer and move around. Controlling your pain will help you recover better.

You’ll get pain medication before you leave the hospital. Talk with one of your healthcare providers about possible side effects and when to start switching to over-the-counter pain medications.

Moving around and walking

Moving around and walking will help lower your risk for blood clots and pneumonia (lung infection). It will also help you start passing gas and having bowel movements (pooping) again. A member of your care team will help you move around.

Read Frequently Asked Questions About Walking After Your Surgery to learn more about how walking after surgery can help you recover.

Read Call! Don't Fall! to learn what you can do to stay safe and keep from falling while you’re in the hospital.

Exercising your lungs

It’s important to exercise your lungs so they expand fully. This helps prevent pneumonia.

• Use your incentive spirometer 10 times every hour you’re awake. Read How To Use Your Incentive Spirometer to learn more.
• Do coughing and deep breathing exercises. A member of your care team will teach you how.

Eating and drinking

First, you can drink water or juice. Then, you can start eating solid foods, such as crackers. After that, you can start eating your normal foods again as you’re able. If you have questions about your diet, ask to see a clinical dietitian nutritionist.

Learning to care for your tubes and drains

You’ll go home with at least 1 JP drain in place. The drain(s) will usually be removed about 2 weeks after your surgery but may be left in longer.

One of your nurses will teach you how to care for the drain(s) before you leave the hospital. It’s helpful if your caregiver learns too. This will make it easier for them to help you at home.

For more information, read Caring for Your Jackson-Pratt Drain.

Planning for your discharge

Your first appointment after surgery will usually be within 1 to 2 weeks after you leave the hospital. Your nurse will give you instructions on how to make this appointment, including the phone number to call.

Leaving the hospital

Before you leave the hospital, look at your incision(s) with one of your healthcare providers. Knowing what they look like will help you notice any changes later.

Before you leave, your healthcare provider will write your discharge orders and prescriptions. You’ll also get written discharge instructions. One of your healthcare providers will review them with you before you leave.

You’ll need a responsible care partner to take you home.

At home

Read What You Can Do to Avoid Falling to learn what you can do to keep from falling at home and during your appointments at MSK.

Filling out your Recovery Tracker

We want to know how you’re feeling after you leave the hospital. To help us care for you, we’ll send questions to your MyMSK account. We’ll send them every day for 10 days after you’re discharged. These questions are known as your Recovery Tracker.

Fill out your Recovery Tracker every day before midnight (12 a.m.). It only takes 2 to 3 minutes to complete. Your answers to these questions will help us understand how you’re feeling and what you need.

Based on your answers, we may reach out to you for more information. Sometimes, we may ask you to call your surgeon’s office. You can always contact your surgeon’s office if you have any questions.

To learn more, read Common Questions About MSK's Recovery Tracker.

Managing your pain

People have pain or discomfort for different lengths of time. You may still have some pain when you go home and will probably be taking pain medication. Some people have soreness, tightness, or muscle aches around their incision(s) for 6 months or longer. This does not mean something is wrong.

Follow these guidelines to help manage your pain at home.

• Take your medicines as directed and as needed.
• Call your healthcare provider if the medicine prescribed for you does not help your pain.
• Do not drive or drink alcohol while you’re taking prescription pain medicine. Some prescription pain medicines can make you drowsy (very sleepy). Alcohol can make the drowsiness worse.
• You’ll have less pain and need less pain medicine as your incision heals. An over-the-counter pain reliever will help with aches and discomfort. Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) and ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) are examples of over-the-counter pain relievers.
  • Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for stopping your prescription pain medicine.
  • Do not take too much of any medicine. Follow the instructions on the label or from your healthcare provider.
  • Read the labels on all the medicines you’re taking. This is very important if you’re taking acetaminophen. Acetaminophen is an ingredient in many over-the-counter and prescription medicines. Taking too much can harm your liver. Do not take more than one medicine that has acetaminophen without talking with a member of your care team.
• Pain medicine should help you get back to your usual activities. Take enough to do your activities and exercises comfortably. You may have a little more pain as you start to be more active.
• Keep track of when you take your pain medicine. It works best 30 to 45 minutes after you take it. Taking it when you first have pain is better than waiting for the pain to get worse.

Some prescription pain medications (such as opioids) may cause constipation (having fewer bowel movements than usual).

Preventing and managing constipation

Talk with your healthcare provider about how to prevent and manage constipation. You can also follow these guidelines.

• Go to the bathroom at the same time every day. Your body will get used to going at that time. But if you feel like you need to go, don’t put it off.
• Try to use the bathroom 5 to 15 minutes after meals. After breakfast is a good time to go. That’s when the reflexes in your colon are strongest.
• Exercise, if you can. Walking is a great type of exercise that can help prevent and manage constipation.
• Drink 8 to 10 (8-ounce) cups (2 liters) of liquids daily, if you can. Choose water, juices (such as prune juice), soups, and milkshakes. Limit liquids with caffeine, such as coffee and soda. Caffeine can pull fluid out of your body.
• Slowly increase the fiber in your diet to 25 to 35 grams per day. Unpeeled fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and cereals contain fiber. If you have an ostomy or recently had bowel surgery, ask your healthcare provider before changing your diet.
• Both over-the-counter and prescription medicines can treat constipation. Ask your healthcare provider before taking any medicine for constipation. This is very important if you have an ostomy or have had bowel surgery. Follow the instructions on the label or from your healthcare provider. Examples of over-the-counter medicines for constipation are:
  • Docusate sodium (Colace®). This is a stool softener (medicine that makes your bowel movements softer) that causes few side effects. You can use it to help prevent constipation. Do not take it with mineral oil.
  • Polyethylene glycol (MiraLAX®). This is a laxative (medicine that causes bowel movements) that causes few side effects. Take it with 8 ounces (1 cup) of a liquid. Only take it if you’re already constipated.
  • Senna (Senokot®). This is a stimulant laxative, which can cause cramping. It’s best to take it at bedtime. Only take it if you’re already constipated.
  If any of these medicines cause diarrhea (loose, watery bowel movements), stop taking them. You can start again if you need to.

If you have not had a bowel movement in 2 days, call your healthcare provider.

The healing process and new sensations

As you’re healing from your surgery, you may feel many different sensations in your arm, chest, or chest wall. You may feel sensations such as tenderness, numbness, twinges, or all 3. You may also feel the sensation of liquid going down your arm when there’s no actual liquid. This can happen because your nerves were cut during surgery.

After your mastectomy, you may also feel like your breast or nipple is still present. This is called a phantom sensation.

These sensations usually come and go and often get better within the first few months after surgery. Some sensations may last months, or even 5 years or longer. This is because the nerves are the slowest part of your body to heal. Most people say that the sensations are not severe or distressing.

Because of the change in sensation, do not put anything hot or cold (such as hot water bottles, heating pads, or ice packs) directly on your surgical site.

As you continue to heal, you may feel scar tissue along your incision site(s). It will feel hard. This is common, and it will soften over the next few months.

Caring for your incision(s)

Your incision(s) will be closed with sutures (stitches) under your skin. These sutures dissolve on their own, so they do not need to be removed. If you have small pieces of surgical tape (Steri-Strips) over your incision(s), your surgeon or nurse will remove them at your follow-up appointment. If you have surgical glue (Dermabond) over your incision(s), it will dissolve on its own over time.

Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions on how often to clean your incision(s).

A week or two after your surgery, a pocket of fluid may form under the skin of your armpit or chest area where tissue was removed. This is called a seroma, and it’s harmless. The area may feel soft and puffy. It may also feel tender.

Seromas often go away on their own. If you develop a seroma that’s large or feels uncomfortable, call your healthcare provider’s office to discuss with your doctor or nurse.

Call your healthcare provider if:

• The skin around your incision is very red.
• The skin around your incision is getting more red.
• You see drainage that looks like pus (thick and milky).

Eating and drinking

You can eat all the foods you did before your surgery, unless your healthcare provider gives you other instructions. Eating a balanced diet with lots of calories and protein will help you heal after surgery. Try to eat a good protein source (such as meat, fish, or eggs) at each meal. You should also try to eat fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

It’s also important to drink plenty of liquids. Choose liquids without alcohol or caffeine. Try to drink 8 to 10 (8-ounce) glasses of liquids every day.

If you have questions about your diet, ask to see a clinical dietitian nutritionist.

Showering

If you’ve had breast reconstruction, talk with your plastic surgeon about when you can shower and if there are any special instructions. If you have not had reconstruction, you can shower 24 hours after your surgery. Before you go home, your nurse will teach you how to secure your drain(s) while showering.

When you’re ready to shower, take off your surgical bra and any gauze pads covering your incision(s). If you have Steri-Strips on your incision(s), do not remove them.

Gently wash your incision(s) with soap and water, letting the shower water run over them.

After you shower, pat your incision(s) dry with a clean towel. Put your surgical bra back on and secure the drains to your bra. If it feels more comfortable, you can place a clean gauze pad over your incision(s), under the bra.

Avoid baths, hot tubs, saunas, and swimming pools until your healthcare provider tells you it’s OK. Also, talk with your healthcare provider before you use deodorant, lotion, powder, or perfume anywhere near your surgery site.

Wearing a bra

If you got a surgical bra, keep wearing it until your drains have been removed. After that, talk with your healthcare provider about what to wear. Your surgical bra will provide support, help keep you comfortable, and hold your drains in place. You should wear your surgical bra while you sleep but take it off it before you shower.

While you’re healing from your surgery or going through the different stages of breast reconstruction, your bra can be padded to help balance your appearance. One way to fill the bra is to use a soft breast form (temporary breast prosthesis). This breast form is a lightweight nylon pouch. You can adjust the size of the pouch to match your opposite breast by adding or taking out the cotton fluff inside. You can wash the nylon pouch using a mild soap such as Woolite^® or Ivory^®, then let it air-dry.

There are specialty shops that sell many types of breast prostheses and bras. You can buy these products from websites, no matter where you live. You can also buy them at local mastectomy boutiques and lingerie stores. To find a list of online shops and shops in your area, read Resources, Clothing, and Support After Breast Surgery.

You can also line your bra with soft gauze, which you can get from your nurse. Replace the gauze often to make sure it’s always clean.

Breast and nipple prostheses

A breast prosthesis is a more permanent breast form than the soft nylon pouch.

A nipple prosthesis is an artificial nipple and areola (the circle around your nipple) made from silicone. It can be attached to your reconstructed breast or breast prosthesis with adhesive (special glue). Nipple prostheses come in many sizes and skin tones to match your natural nipple.

If you have not had breast reconstruction, you can usually start wearing breast and nipple prostheses about 4 to 6 weeks after your surgery.

If you’re interested in wearing breast and nipple prostheses, talk with your doctor. They can give you a prescription for these prostheses during your follow-up appointment. Check with your insurance company to find out what’s covered for your prostheses.

There are specialty shops that sell many types of breast and nipple prostheses, and bras. You can buy these products from websites, no matter where you live. You can also buy them at local mastectomy boutiques and lingerie stores. To find a list of online shops and shops in your area, read Resources, Clothing, and Support After Breast Surgery.

Physical activity and exercise

If you’ve had reconstruction, do not lift objects heavier than 5 pounds (2.3 kilograms) until your doctor says it’s safe. This is usually about 4 to 6 weeks. Also avoid strenuous activities (such as jogging and tennis) and contact sports (such as football) during this time.

A member of your care team will give you written instructions on what exercises and movements you can do while your incision(s) are healing. You can also find a list of exercises in the resource Exercises After Your Mastectomy or Breast Reconstruction.

The scar tissue that forms around your surgical site can limit your arm and shoulder’s range of motion. If you’ve had reconstruction, you may also have muscle pain or tightness. If you’re having discomfort, it may be helpful to take pain medication 30 minutes before starting the exercises.

It’s normal to have less energy than usual after your surgery. Recovery time is different for everyone. Increase your activities each day as much as you can. Always balance activity periods with rest periods. Doing aerobic exercise, such as walking and stair climbing will help you gain strength and feel better.

Sexual activity

You can start sexual activity again when you feel ready. Having sexual intercourse will not harm your surgical area.

It may be helpful to let your partner see your incision(s) soon after surgery. This may ease any worries you both might have. Let your partner know what is and is not comfortable. Avoid putting pressure on the surgical site in the first weeks after surgery. Try placing a small pillow or towel over the surgical area. If you have any questions, talk with your nurse.

You may have concerns about the effects of cancer and your treatment on how you look or on your sexuality. Our Female Sexual Medicine and Women’s Health Program is available to help you. For more information, call 646-888-5076.

If there’s any chance you can become pregnant, be sure to use birth control. Do not use any form of hormonal birth control. Your birth control options are:

• Male condoms
• Diaphragm
• Copper T IUD. If you’re interested in this method, talk with your gynecologist. This type of IUD can be kept in place for a long as 10 years or can be removed earlier.

Keep using birth control during your treatment and until your doctor tells you it’s safe to try to get pregnant.

Driving

Most people can start driving again within 6 weeks after surgery. Do not drive while you’re taking prescription pain medication. These medications can make you drowsy, making it unsafe for you to drive. You can ride in a car as a passenger at any time after you leave the hospital.

Also, do not drive until:

• Your drain(s) have been removed.
• You have recovered your full range of motion.
• You can comfortably turn the steering wheel.

If you have questions about when it’s safe for you to drive, talk with your healthcare provider.

Going back to work

Talk with your healthcare provider about your job. They’ll tell you when it may be safe for you to start working again based on what you do. If you move around a lot or lift heavy objects, you may need to stay out a little longer. If you sit at a desk, you may be able to go back sooner.

About lymphedema

Sometimes, removing lymph nodes can make it hard for your lymphatic system to drain properly. If this happens, lymphatic fluid can build up in the area where your lymph nodes were removed. This extra fluid causes swelling called lymphedema.

Lymphedema can develop in the arm, hand, breast, or torso on your affected side (the side where your lymph nodes were removed).

Most people do not develop lymphedema, but some do. It’s hard to know a person’s risk of developing lymphedema because:

• There’s no standard test for diagnosing lymphedema.
• Removing or injuring lymph nodes affects people differently.
• Lymphedema can develop soon after surgery, or it can develop years later.
• Current cases of lymphedema can be caused by older treatment methods.

• 

Your risk of developing lymphedema depends on how your lymph nodes are removed (see Figure 3).

During a sentinel lymph node biopsy, between 1 and a few lymph nodes are removed from your armpit and checked for cancer cells. The risk of developing lymphedema after a sentinel lymph node biopsy is low. About 0 to 7 out of every 100 people who have a sentinel lymph node biopsy develop lymphedema.

During an axillary lymph node dissection, more than a few lymph nodes are removed from your armpit. This is done to remove additional lymph nodes that may have cancer cells. The risk of developing lymphedema after an axillary lymph node dissection is higher than it is after a sentinel node biopsy. About 15 to 25 out of every 100 people who have an axillary lymph node dissection may develop lymphedema.

There’s no way to know for sure who will develop lymphedema.

Lowering your risk of developing lymphedema

Doing the following things may help lower your risk of developing lymphedema.

• Stay at or safely work towards a healthy body weight.
• Exercise and stretch your muscles regularly. Talk with your surgeon or nurse about which exercises are right for you.
  • When you resume exercise and activity, make sure to build up slowly and gradually. If you feel discomfort, stop and take a break. Exercise should not cause pain.
• Try to minimize your risk of infection to your hand and arm. Ask your healthcare provider how best to care for cuts, scratches, and burns.

If you had a sentinel lymph node biopsy:

• It’s OK to use your affected arm for blood draws, injections (shots), IV lines, and blood pressure measurements. Ask your healthcare providers to try to use your unaffected arm if it’s available.
• If you start to notice any signs of lymphedema, always use your unaffected arm. If this is not possible, talk with your healthcare provider about which arm is safest to use.

If you had an axillary lymph node dissection:

• Read Hand and Arm Guidelines After Your Axillary Lymph Node Dissection for information about lowering your lymphedema risk after your procedure.

Signs of lymphedema

Some mild swelling after surgery is normal. The swelling may last for up to 6 weeks. It’s often temporary and will gradually go away. You may also feel pain or other sensations, such as twinges and tingling, after surgery. These feelings are common and are not necessarily signs of lymphedema.

If you’re at risk of developing lymphedema, watch for these signs in your affected arm, hand, breast, and torso:

• A feeling of heaviness, aching, or pain
• A tight feeling in your skin
• Less flexibility
• Skin changes, such as tightness or pitting (skin that stays indented after pressing on it)

If you have any signs of lymphedema or are not sure, contact your healthcare provider.

Managing your feelings

You may have new and upsetting feelings after a surgery for a serious illness. Many people say they felt weepy, sad, worried, nervous, irritable, or angry at one time or another. You may find that you cannot control some of these feelings. If this happens, it’s a good idea to seek emotional support. Your healthcare provider can refer you to MSK’s Counseling Center. You can also reach them by calling 646-888-0200.

The first step in coping is to talk about how you feel. Family and friends can help. We can also reassure, support, and guide you. It’s always a good idea to let us know how you, your family, and your friends are feeling emotionally. Many resources are available to you and your family. We’re here to help you and your family and friends handle the emotional aspects of your illness. We can help no matter if you’re in the hospital or at home.

When to call your healthcare provider

Contact your healthcare provider if:

• You have a fever of 100.4 °F (38 °C) or higher.
• You have drainage from your incision(s).
• You have trouble breathing.
• The skin around your incision(s) is warmer than normal.
• You have increased discomfort around your incision(s).
• The skin around your incision(s) is redder than normal.
• The area around your incision(s) is starting to swell.
• Swelling around your incision(s) is getting worse.
• You have any questions or concerns.

Contact information

Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., call your healthcare provider’s office.

After 5 p.m., during the weekend, and on holidays, call 212-639-2000. Ask to speak to the person on call for your healthcare provider.

Support services

This section has a list of support services. They may help you as you get ready for your surgery and recover after your surgery.

As you read this section, write down questions to ask your healthcare provider.

MSK support services

Admitting Office
212-639-7606
Call if you have questions about your hospital admission, such as asking for a private room.

Anesthesia
212-639-6840
Call if you have questions about anesthesia.

Blood Donor Room
212-639-7643
Call for information if you’re interested in donating blood or platelets.

Bobst International Center
332-699-7968
We welcome patients from around the world and offer many services to help. If you’re an international patient, call for help arranging your care.

Counseling Center
www.msk.org/counseling
646-888-0200
Many people find that counseling helps them. Our Counseling Center offers counseling for individuals, couples, families, and groups. We can also prescribe medicine to help if you feel anxious or depressed. Ask a member of your care team for a referral or call the number above to make an appointment.

Food Pantry Program
646-888-8055
We give food to people in need during their cancer treatment. Talk with a member of your care team or call the number above to learn more.

Integrative Medicine Service
www.msk.org/integrativemedicine
Our Integrative Medicine Service offers many services to complement (go along with) traditional medical care. For example, we offer music therapy, mind/body therapies, dance and movement therapy, yoga, and touch therapy. Call 646-449-1010 to make an appointment for these services.

You can also schedule a consultation with a healthcare provider in the Integrative Medicine Service. They’ll work with you to make a plan for creating a healthy lifestyle and managing side effects. Call 646-608-8550 to make an appointment for a consultation.

MSK Library
library.mskcc.org
212-639-7439
You can visit our library website or call to talk with the library reference staff. They can help you find more information about a type of cancer. You can also visit the library’s Patient and Health Care Consumer Education Guide.

Nutrition Services
www.msk.org/nutrition
212-639-7312
Our Nutrition Service offers nutritional counseling with one of our clinical dietitian nutritionists. Your clinical dietitian nutritionist will talk with you about your eating habits. They can also give advice on what to eat during and after treatment. Ask a member of your care team for a referral or call the number above to make an appointment.

Patient and Community Education
www.msk.org/pe
Visit our patient and community education website to search for educational resources, videos, and online programs.

Patient Billing
646-227-3378
Call if you have questions about preauthorization with your insurance company. This is also called preapproval.

Patient Representative Office
212-639-7202
Call if you have questions about the Health Care Proxy form or concerns about your care.

Perioperative Nurse Liaison
212-639-5935
Call if you have questions about MSK releasing any information while you’re having surgery.

Private Duty Nurses and Companions
917-862-6373
You can request private nurses or companions to care for you in the hospital and at home. Call to learn more.

Rehabilitation Services
www.msk.org/rehabilitation
Cancers and cancer treatments can make your body feel weak, stiff, or tight. Some can cause lymphedema (swelling). Our physiatrists (rehabilitation medicine doctors), occupational therapists (OTs), and physical therapists (PTs) can help you get back to your usual activities.

• Rehabilitation medicine doctors diagnose and treat problems that affect how you move and do activities. They can design and help coordinate your rehabilitation therapy program, either at MSK or somewhere closer to home. Call Rehabilitation Medicine (Physiatry) at 646-888-1929 to learn more.
• An OT can help if you’re having trouble doing usual daily activities. For example, they can recommend tools to help make daily tasks easier. A PT can teach you exercises to help build strength and flexibility. Call Rehabilitation Therapy at 646-888-1900 to learn more.

Resources for Life After Cancer (RLAC) Program
646-888-8106
At MSK, care does not end after your treatment. The RLAC Program is for patients and their families who have finished treatment.

This program has many services. We offer seminars, workshops, support groups, and counseling on life after treatment. We can also help with insurance and employment issues.

Sexual Health Programs
Cancer and cancer treatments can affect your sexual health, fertility, or both. MSK’s sexual health programs can help you before, during, or after your treatment.

• Our Female Sexual Medicine and Women’s Health Program can help with sexual health problems such as premature menopause or fertility issues. Ask a member of your MSK care team for a referral or call 646-888-5076 to learn more.
• Our Male Sexual and Reproductive Medicine Program can help with sexual health problems such as erectile dysfunction (ED). Ask a member of your care team for a referral or call 646-888-6024 to learn more.

Social Work
www.msk.org/socialwork
212-639-7020
Social workers help patients, families, and friends deal with common issues for people who have cancer. They provide individual counseling and support groups throughout your treatment. They can help you communicate with children and other family members.

Our social workers can also help refer you to community agencies and programs. If you’re having trouble paying your bills, they also have information about financial resources. Call the number above to learn more.

Spiritual Care
212-639-5982
Our chaplains (spiritual counselors) are available to listen, help support family members, and pray. They can contact community clergy or faith groups, or simply be a comforting companion and a spiritual presence. Anyone can ask for spiritual support. You do not have to have a religious affiliation (connection to a religion).

MSK’s interfaith chapel is located near Memorial Hospital’s main lobby. It’s open 24 hours a day. If you have an emergency, call 212-639-2000. Ask for the chaplain on call.

Tobacco Treatment Program
www.msk.org/tobacco
212-610-0507
If you want to quit smoking, MSK has specialists who can help. Call to learn more.

Virtual Programs
www.msk.org/vp
We offer online education and support for patients and caregivers. These are live sessions where you can talk or just listen. You can learn about your diagnosis, what to expect during treatment, and how to prepare for your cancer care.

Sessions are private, free, and led by experts. Visit our website to learn more about Virtual Programs or to register.

External support services

Access-A-Ride
web.mta.info/nyct/paratran/guide.htm
877-337-2017
In New York City, the MTA offers a shared ride, door-to-door service for people with disabilities who can’t take the public bus or subway.

Air Charity Network
www.aircharitynetwork.org
877-621-7177
Provides travel to treatment centers.

American Cancer Society (ACS)
www.cancer.org
800-ACS-2345 (800-227-2345)
Offers a variety of information and services, including Hope Lodge, a free place for patients and caregivers to stay during cancer treatment.

Cancer and Careers
www.cancerandcareers.org
646-929-8032
A resource for education, tools, and events for employees with cancer.

CancerCare
www.cancercare.org
800-813-4673
275 Seventh Avenue (Between West 25^th & 26^th Streets)
New York, NY 10001
Provides counseling, support groups, educational workshops, publications, and financial assistance.

Cancer Support Community
www.cancersupportcommunity.org
Provides support and education to people affected by cancer.

Caregiver Action Network
www.caregiveraction.org
800-896-3650
Provides education and support for people who care for loved ones with a chronic illness or disability.

Corporate Angel Network
www.corpangelnetwork.org
866-328-1313
Offers free travel to treatment across the country using empty seats on corporate jets.

Good Days
www.mygooddays.org
877-968-7233
Offers financial assistance to pay for copayments during treatment. Patients must have medical insurance, meet the income criteria, and be prescribed medicine that’s part of the Good Days formulary.

HealthWell Foundation
www.healthwellfoundation.org
800-675-8416
Provides financial assistance to cover copayments, health care premiums, and deductibles for certain medicines and therapies.

Joe’s House
www.joeshouse.org
877-563-7468
Provides a list of places to stay near treatment centers for people with cancer and their families.

LGBT Cancer Project
www.lgbtcancer.com
Provides support and advocacy for the LGBT community, including online support groups and a database of LGBT-friendly clinical trials.

LIVESTRONG Fertility
www.livestrong.org/we-can-help/fertility-services
855-744-7777
Provides reproductive information and support to cancer patients and survivors whose medical treatments have risks associated with infertility.

Look Good Feel Better Program
www.lookgoodfeelbetter.org
800-395-LOOK (800-395-5665)
This program offers workshops to learn things you can do to help you feel better about your appearance. For more information or to sign up for a workshop, call the number above or visit the program’s website.

National Cancer Institute
www.cancer.gov
800-4-CANCER (800-422-6237)

National LGBT Cancer Network
www.cancer-network.org
Provides education, training, and advocacy for LGBT cancer survivors and those at risk.

Needy Meds
www.needymeds.org
Lists Patient Assistance Programs for brand and generic name medicines.

NYRx
www.health.ny.gov/health_care/medicaid/program/pharmacy.htm
Provides prescription benefits to eligible employees and retirees of public sector employers in New York State.

Patient Access Network (PAN) Foundation
www.panfoundation.org
866-316-7263
Gives help with copayments for patients with insurance.

Patient Advocate Foundation
www.patientadvocate.org
800-532-5274
Provides access to care, financial assistance, insurance assistance, job retention assistance, and access to the national underinsured resource directory.

Professional Prescription Advice
www.pparx.org
888-477-2669
Helps qualifying patients without prescription drug coverage get free or low-cost medicines.

Red Door Community (formerly known as Gilda’s Club)
www.reddoorcommunity.org
212-647-9700
A place where people living with cancer find social and emotional support through networking, workshops, lectures, and social activities.

RxHope
www.rxhope.com
877-267-0517
Provides assistance to help people get medicines they have trouble affording.

Triage Cancer
www.triagecancer.org
Provides legal, medical, and financial information and resources for cancer patients and their caregivers.

Breast cancer support services

SHARE
www.sharecancersupport.org
866-891-2392
Offers support groups for survivors of breast, metastatic breast, and ovarian cancer in Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, and Staten Island.

Susan G. Komen
www.komen.org
Provides information and support services for those with breast cancer.

Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation
www.tnbcfoundation.org
Provides information to help people understand triple negative breast cancer.

Educational resources

This section lists the educational resources mentioned in this guide. They will help you get ready for your surgery and recover after your surgery.

As you read these resources, write down questions to ask your healthcare provider.

• A Guide for Caregivers
• Advance Care Planning for People With Cancer and Their Loved Ones
• Call! Don't Fall!
• Caring for Your Jackson-Pratt Drain
• Common Questions About MSK's Recovery Tracker
• Exercises After Your Mastectomy or Breast Reconstruction
• Fertility Preservation Before Cancer Treatment: Options for People Born with Ovaries and a Uterus
• Frequently Asked Questions About Walking After Your Surgery
• Hand and Arm Guidelines After Your Axillary Lymph Node Dissection
• Herbal Remedies and Cancer Treatment
• How to Be a Health Care Agent
• How To Check if a Medicine or Supplement Has Aspirin, Other NSAIDs, Vitamin E, or Fish Oil
• How to Enroll in MyMSK: Memorial Sloan Kettering's Patient Portal
• How To Use Your Incentive Spirometer
• Resources, Clothing, and Support After Breast Surgery
• What You Can Do to Avoid Falling

For more information about lymphedema, you can also read the New York State Department of Health’s resource Understanding Lymphedema.