Going in to hospital

For many people having surgery for breast cancer this will be their first visit to hospital. You'll be given all the information you need before being admitted and again you can ask your breast care nurse if you have any concerns. Take pyjamas that you feel comfortable in for after your surgery but remember you will need to be able to remove them easily for the staff to check your wounds so often button up pyjama tops are best. You might want to take some squash with you to add to the water that you're encourage to drink and take some magazine or light reading for when you're feeling a bit better after your surgery. Most wards have a contact number for relatives and friends which you can give to your family and friends should they wish to contact you.

After surgery

After coming home from hospital you will need to take things easy for a little while. Make sure that you have help at home and that you don't do any lifting or strenuous housework. You're body will tell you when you're ready to start doing light chores around the house. When people offer to do things to help you they really mean it so don't be afraid to let them. It often makes them feel better to be able to help.

Diet and Exercise

When you're starting to feel better then gentle exercise such as walking will aid in your recovery and make you feel better. Don't do anything too strenuous. Now is not the time to be worrying about losing weight or keeping fit. The main priority now is to look after you and to get well.

Future fears

There will come a time when your main treatment has been carried out and your cancer care team don't need to see you quite so often. For some people this can feel a little daunting because you've become so used to having regular checks and because you may have fears that your cancer will return. Again, talk to your breast care nurse. She will be able to tell you what to look out for and hopefully allay your fears.