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If the bottle is warm to the touch by a finger, then placement on the chest may not be unreasonable. However, relying upon the skin of the chest to determine pain threshold can result in a burn. Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA
Often the skin of the breast area has diminished sensation after mastectomy, so if you apply a hot water bottle that is too hot you can cause a burn without feeling it. Check with your surgeon.
There will be diminished to no sensation at the mastectomy site. You will not have any feedback as to the temperature of the hot water bottle. I would not recommend it as you are at risk for being burned as well as possibly increasing bleeding/bruising. If you do place something warm there, check it frequently with a part of your body that is sensitive (such as the cheek) rather than skin that is thicker or callous (such as the palm). Be careful.
Never put any source of heat on operated skin. The skin will burn and can cause major problems
I would be extremely careful with a hot water bottle on the skin of the chest because it will have diminished sensation and you may get a burn. I saw a patient once who did just that. Best to ask your doctor.
I generally want people getting some walking exercise right away. By 6 weeks patients can typically do almost anything. I would reserve exercises that specifically cause pec major (chest muscle) to heavily contract (push-ups) or stretch (yoga) until the 8 week point. Of course...
Treating the disease process should take priority so I would defer to your breast surgeon and radiation oncologist based upon your individual case. Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA
In this case, you should definitely follow your surgeon's instructions since every surgeon has a different approach to follow up care. It is typical to wear the bandage for 48 hours after surgery and the post surgical bra for up to 6 weeks. However, your surgeon should know what is best for your...
