Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: May 2002 Posts: 2,152 | For the first few weeks, you need to eliminate as much drag on the shoulder as you can. Put a pillow under that arm when sitting or sleeping to support it. If you walk any distance, support it under the elbow with the other hand. No lifting of anything over a pound. And get a script for PT to help get your strength back on that side. When dr says OK, use Biafine or other vit E cream on scar. Biafine is a deep wound healing cream and also is used while having radiaiton tretamtents to prevent burning so a good choice if you will eventtually have rad. PT also should massage scar to prevent scarring. You should be as good as new in a couple of weeks. ND is the easy part. I had a tonsillesctomy when I was 12 and that hurt like hell. Hope you are doing fine.
Take care, Eileen
---------------------- Aug 1997 unknown primary, Stage III mets to 1 lymph node in neck; rt ND, 36 XRT rad Aug 2001 tiny tumor on larynx, Stage I total laryngectomy; left ND June 5, 2010 dx early stage breast cancer June 9, 2011 SCC 1.5 cm hypo pharynx, 70% P-16 positive, no mets, Stage I
|