Rehabilitation is a very important part of breast cancer treatment. Normally the postoperative health care team makes every effort to ensure that the patient returns to her normal routine as soon as possible. Recovery is an individual process that is dependent on many issues - from the extent of the disease, or the type of treatment; person's immune system,etc.

Before breast reconstruction techniques became available, breast cancer treatment was limited to eradication of the complete cancer. The emotional and psychological devastation that some women felt after breast loss was largely neglected. For these women the mastectomy deformity served as a constant reminder of their life-threatening experience. Many experienced feelings of depression, disfigurement, and impaired body image. The external prosthesis used to replace the missing breast was often not an adequate solution. It was usually not incorporated into the woman's body image as a restored breast, and for physically active women, it could be cumbersome, uncomfortable, and easily displaced during sports and other activities.
A woman's motivation and desire for a restored breast are the most important indicators for breast reconstruction. This operation can be performed immediately at the time of the mastectomy or after a delay as a second operation. Immediate breast reconstruction has become an appealing option for women undergoing mastectomy, and they are choosing it with greater frequency because it combines a proven treatment for breast cancer with immediate breast restoration. This approach ameliorates the woman's experience of breast loss and the psychological and physical problems that this causes.
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Regular follow-up exams are the most important course to recovery that is recommended by any doctor. Based on investigational data some of the hospitals/ doctors tailor an individual programme for each patient's recovery. The acceptable follow-ups can range from limited physical examination and annual mammography for asymptomatic patients - especially those who complete treatment for stages I-III breast cancer. The frequency of follow-up and the appropriateness of screening tests after the completion of primary treatment for stages I-III breast cancer remain controversial.

Doctors continue to check the woman closely to be sure that the cancer is not recurrent. Regular checkups would usually include a conclusive examination of not just the breast but also the chest, underarm, and neck areas.

A woman who has had cancer in one breast has an increased risk of developing cancer in her other breast. She should report any changes in the treated area or in the other breast to her doctor right away.

The doctors encourage patients to discuss any other physical problems that come up, such as pain, loss of appetite or weight, changes in menstrual cycles, unusual vaginal bleeding, or blurred vision. Any form of dizziness, coughing or hoarseness, headaches, backaches, or digestive problems that seem unusual or that do not go away. Some times these symptoms are the indicators of a recurrent cancer, but they can also be signs of various other problems. It is important to share your concerns and post-operative issues- be it physical or psychological- with your doctor.

Loss of appetite can be a common complaint from most cancer patients- especially as they feel too tired or uncomfortable to feel any pangs of hunger. Some of the other known side effects of cancer treatment -such as nausea, vomiting, and mouth sores, can make it hard to eat. The doctors tend to prescribe medicine to help with these problems and to ensure some form of pain management.
Exercising after surgery can help a woman regain motion and strength in her arm and shoulder, whilst reducing the pain and stiffness in her neck and back. Carefully planned exercises should be started as soon as the doctor says the woman is ready, often within a day or so after surgery. Exercising begins slowly and gently and can even be done in bed. Gradually, exercising can be more active, and regular exercise becomes part of a woman's normal routine. Women who have a mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction need special exercises, which the doctor or nurse will explain.

 Good nutrition, psychological equamity and physical rest are the three important codes to recovery. Nutrition tends to provide the patient with energy that they need to feel better and fight fit. Eating well means getting enough calories and protein to help prevent weight loss, regain strength, and rebuild normal tissues.

Some cancer patients find that they gain or lose weight post therapy, this could be due to several different reasons- from drug therapy after effects, water retention to the stress of breast cancer treatment. Patients should talk to their physicians if they experience any significant weight fluctuations during treatment. An attempt to lose weight during treatment could cause increased health problems in some patients.

Each person's diet is modified to fit their personal needs- for example certain types of cancer causes diarrhea in this event the patient may want to temporarily reduce their intake of high-fiber foods like vegetables, fruits, cereals, and whole grains- hence a dietician will normally take all the factors into consideration before creating a programme for the patient. Breast cancer patients should talk to their physicians, nurses, or registered dietitians about maintaining proper nutrition during treatment. Certain foods, vitamins, or minerals may interfere with cancer treatment.

A generic recommendation is used to draw up the table below. It addresses the varied dietary needs that provides several of the nutritional benefits:

• Fruits: Good sources of vitamin C. Fruits are usually low in calories and fat.

•  Vegetables: Excellent sources of fiber and vitamins (A and C). Deep-yellow or dark-green vegetables are rich in vitamin A.

•  Proteins: May provide protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins. Meats, beans, nuts, and seeds provide these benefits. Some seeds, like almonds, are good sources of vitamin E.

•  Dairy products: Milk and cheese provide calcium, protein, and vitamin B12.

• Grains: Breads, pasta, rice, and cereals provide carbohydrates and B vitamins. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy.

Doctors, nurses, and dieticians can explain the side effects of treatment on appetite and can suggest a programme to cope. Loss of appetite can occur from a variety of breast cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, radiation and several drug therapies. It may also result from other side effects such as nausea or vomiting or from the emotional burden of breast cancer.

There are a few recommendations for coping with symptoms like nausea, dizziness, vomiting :-

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