Care for cancer patients undergoing surgical treatment

After undergoing partial or total cancer removal surgery, the patient will be given some tips that may help with recovery:

1. Follow Pain Medication Instructions:
   The specialist doctor may prescribe pain relievers to help reduce the pain from cancer surgery, which can be taken in the hospital and continued at home.
2. Care for the Wound:
   Proper care and attention to the cancer removal wound and changing the bandages correctly.
3. Care for the Surgical Drain (Drains):
   Proper care of the surgical drain to avoid complications.
4. Monitor for Infection Symptoms:
   The patient should be informed of the symptoms of infection or inflammation at the surgical site, or signs of lymphedema, so they can inform the doctor if they notice them.
5. Rest:
   Getting sufficient rest during the recovery process is critical, as cancer surgery is a major operation that requires a longer healing time.
6. Avoid Showering:
   During recovery, it’s advised not to shower with water because of the presence of stitches, as this could cause them to be removed, slowing the healing process (sponging the body instead of using water is recommended).
7. Seek Help from Friends:
   Some friends may assist the patient with difficult household chores and provide moral and emotional support, helping increase comfort and happiness.
8. Follow a Healthy Diet:
   Drinking plenty of fluids and eating fiber-rich foods, as some medications may cause side effects like constipation.
9. Applying Ice:
   Using an ice pack on the chest or under the armpit may help reduce swelling and pain caused by the cancer removal surgery.
10. Follow Doctor’s Instructions:
    The specialist will provide advice after cancer surgery, and the patient should strictly follow the instructions and medications prescribed by the doctor.
11. Continue Exercise:
    Engage in light exercises such as walking for 10-15 minutes or longer to improve mental well-being and stimulate blood circulation, which may help speed up recovery.
12. Sleep:
    The patient should get enough deep sleep after cancer surgery. If sleeping on their side is difficult, the patient should consider sleeping on their back with the help of pillows.

13. Consult the Doctor Immediately If Any of the Following Occur:

• Pain that doesn’t subside with pain relievers.
• Fever or chills.
• Excessive bleeding at the wound site.
• Excessive swelling.
• Appearance of discharge or foul odor.