I live alone. I am supported by my partner who comes down for my appointments and stays a couple of days. We stocked up on food prior to surgery. Easy stuff, ready meals, healthy snacks and drinks. Bulk buys on fresh foods that you can freeze in single portions like fresh meat and fish. Friends pop round with soups and snacks that either get eaten then or frozen for later. Reach out for and accept all the help you can get, even if you have never done it before. Make a list that any visitors can see. Keep people informed. It stops them feeling useless (not my words) and gives them the chance of helping you. Talk talk talk. Post-surgery exercises. Do them, but don't over do them. As you recover, look at gentle basic yoga poses and stretches. Skin care. Vitamin E oil is good for scars to help them be less tight and to fade. You are likely to be told after a few weeks to massage booby to help the seroma and swelling disperse. Use moisturiser, the more natural the better. I use a homemade one containing natural oils and beeswax that I have been using this for a number of years anyway. It nourishes my skin and hopefully reduce any of the skin damage from radiotherapy next year. Keep things simple and natural. Fresh air and sunshine. A remarkable tonic whatever the season, just wrap up well and don't over do it. Try and get out every day. Post a letter, walk round the block, smile at someone, notice the changes of the seasons/sights/smells/sounds.
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