Four ways to maintain self-care during reconstruction

ways to maintain your self-care during breast reconstruction

By Terri Coutee The choice to have breast reconstruction when you’re affected by breast cancer can feel like a monumental decision.

If you choose to have reconstruction, it requires research to learn all your options, as well as planning, preparation and a healthy dose of self-care and focus on your health during the process. The process can seem less daunting if you treat it as a life event – one in which you can be fully engaged and assert control. As a two-time breast cancer survivor who chose breast reconstruction, I want to share my tips on maintaining your health and self-care during the process.

1Research your options If you choose to have breast reconstruction, you can request an implant filled with saline or silicone that’s inserted into the breast area after mastectomy. Another choice is using your own tissue, which is called autologous breast reconstruction. There are various areas of the body to harvest to create a flap for a new breast. I chose the most common reconstruction, called the DIEP flap, which uses tummy tissue, skin, fat and underlying blood vessels. The third option is a combination of an implant along with autologous or flap reconstruction.

2Plan ahead It’s important to start planning your leave of absence from work for your recovery after surgery. Speak to your plastic surgeon to determine the amount of time you’ll need off from work based on your reconstruction procedure. Perhaps you’re a workfrom-home or full-time mother with children. Arrange for a family member or friends to look after your children while you are in the hospital and/or traveling for your surgery. There’s nothing more comforting than placing the care of your children in trusted hands so that you can focus on your surgery and recovery. You will find your friends and loved ones will want to help, so reach out to them and allow them to assist you. If you have a pet who needs supervision during this time, make arrangements so you feel comfortable knowing they’ll be there during your healing when you return home.

3Preparation and recovery Begin the “nesting” process. Prepare some healthy meals ahead of time and put them in the freezer. Put simple items within arm’s reach in your kitchen, such as a cooking pan for soup, your favorite healthy foods, and cups and glasses. Make sure these food items, as well as the clothes in your closet, are shoulderlevel height and lightweight to ensure safety and proper healing, as you’ll have movement restrictions with your arms for a couple of weeks after breast reconstruction.

Let the friends and family who’ve volunteered their help begin a meal train for you. With so many options available now for takeout, delivery and curb-side pickup, this is a great way to make them feel a part of your recovery. One of my favorite tips: Prepare your very own recovery basket for your return home. Find a special place to prepare your basket before your surgery, such as your favorite recliner or overstuffed chair. Create a special basket of your selected favorite items for recovery. Here are some of my favorites:

• Hand cleanser or wipes • Bottled water or your favorite water bottle • Eye covers for resting • Healthy snack options (e.g., fresh fruit, nutrition bars, pudding, nuts, dried fruit) • Lotion and lip balm • Back scratcher for reaching • Alcohol wipes to strip drains • Pre-moistened facial cleansers • Earbuds and phone charger • Favorite magazines and books • Writing tablet with pen • TV remote • Tablets (e.g., iPad or Kindle) • Your favorite cozy, warm blanket and pillow

4Focus on your health It’s important to focus on your health before, during and after your breast reconstruction. This will depend on your level of activity and if you’re in treatment before surgery. It’s not too late to begin a simple walking regiment, lift light weights or do basic squats to prepare your body for surgery. This will also help with your recovery. When surgery is over and you begin your healing process, start slowly – and only with approval and instructions from your plastic surgeon.

You should begin moving the day after surgery. Gradually work up to more activity to regain trust in your newly reconstructed body. Celebrate each small milestone and improvement.

You’re worth the self-care and planning it takes during your breast reconstruction. Think of this as your part in taking control of an often-overwhelming time in your life. You will look back on this and feel a sense of accomplishment and pride for all you’ve been through. You might also be able to pay it forward and share your self-care tips with someone else after breast reconstruction.

Happy healing – and let me know if I can help!

Terri Coutee is a two-time breast cancer survivor who underwent a successful DIEP flap breast reconstruction. She shares her personal story and evidence-based content from diagnosis through breast reconstruction on her blog DiepcJourney. Terri is a strong proponent of shared decisionmaking and the founder of the nonprofit DiepCFoundation.org, providing resources and support to empower breast cancer patients to make an informed decision about all their options for breast reconstruction.