When you're diagnosed with cancer, most likely you will receive some kind of surgery. Usually, your physician has a list of care instructions for you to prepare before surgery.
What about after-surgery preparations? When you return home it can really make you feel better if you are well prepared. You'll thank yourself for the steps you take beforehand while you're recuperating.
Seven ways to prepare for after surgery:
- Take care of any pressing issues so you won't have to deal with them when you come home from the hospital. For example, pay bills that are due. You also might want to pay some bills that are due at a later date, or just get them ready to mail out.
- Go to the grocery store and stock up on food. Hopefully someone will be catering to your every need but its always good to have a plan B.
- Get prescriptions filled ahead of time that will be needed after surgery. Sometimes you only get the prescriptions after the surgery is over, but you can ask you doctor to give you what you need ahead of time. You don't want to be waiting in line for your drugs when you're in pain and just out of the hospital.
- Treat yourself to some special things that you like. Examples: Aromatherapy candles, soothing music or videotapes/DVD's to watch.
- If you like to read, buy some books to give you something to do when you're less active. If you have another hobby that you enjoy, stock up on that too.
- Catch up on household chores so you won't feel stressed out and can relax when you return home.
- Accept help that others offer. Plan to rest as you need and don't push yourself.
