Recovery and follow-up

1 / Understanding your care

Set goals for daily life

Rehabilitation is part of the tumour service at Aster MIMS Kannur. Discuss the tasks you want to return to, including washing, dressing, stairs, work and caring for others. These goals help make the recovery discussion practical.

After limb or pelvic surgery, you may need advice on transferring from bed to chair, using aids or protecting the operated area. The permitted movement and weight-bearing depend on your operation. Follow your own instructions rather than another patient’s exercise programme.

Further reading: [1]

2 / Understanding your care

Prepare for going home

Before discharge, ask for clear instructions and a contact route for concerns. Involve a family member or carer if you would find that useful. Write down what you can do independently and where help is needed.

• How should I care for the wound and take the prescribed medicines?
• What walking, lifting or joint-movement restrictions apply to me?
• Will I need equipment or changes to the sleeping and bathroom arrangements?
• Who will guide rehabilitation, and when should the plan be reviewed?
• When will the operation and pathology findings be discussed?

3 / Understanding your care

Why follow-up matters

Follow-up after cancer treatment checks for recurrence, treatment effects and changes in function. The schedule and tests depend on the diagnosis, treatment and health of the individual. People treated for benign tumours or GCT may also need surveillance tailored to their condition.

Keep a treatment summary, pathology reports and the follow-up plan together. Ask who coordinates each part of care and how information reaches the other clinicians involved. Report a new or persistent concern between appointments; it does not automatically mean the tumour has returned.

Further reading: [2] [3]

4 / Understanding your care

When to contact the team

Seek prompt medical advice about an increasingly red, hot or painful wound, discharge, fever or feeling unwell. Do not wait for a routine follow-up if you are concerned about an infection.

Persistent limb swelling, heaviness or tightness after cancer treatment also deserves assessment. Some patients develop lymphoedema after surgery or radiotherapy, but swelling can have other causes. Ask for an assessment before starting compression or massage.

New swelling with pain in one leg or arm needs urgent assessment for a possible blood clot. If it is accompanied by chest pain or breathlessness, seek emergency care immediately rather than waiting for a message reply.

Further reading: [1] [4] [5]

5 / Understanding your care

Returning to work and everyday activities

Return to work, driving, sport and other activities needs an individual discussion. Ask what functional milestones matter for your role and whether a gradual return or practical adjustments would help.

Recovery includes confidence, sleep and emotional wellbeing as well as movement. Tell the treating team if pain, fatigue, worry or changes in body image are interfering with daily life. Ask which support is appropriate and available to you.

Further reading: [1] [2]