Poll: non-reconstruct Mx return to work?

LostLittle1

Quick Poll:

How long were you out of work after unilateral mastectomy without reconstruction?

Which breast : left or right?

Are you right or left handed?

What type of work do you do? desk job, waitress, etc

What country are you in?

Thank you for your insight!!

kayzee426

I am in "mid-stream" of having reconstruction. I have 2 more appointments for saline to be added to the expander that was placed during my mastectomy. I have been on short term disability for 1 month and my time runs out on Monday, May 18th. I am very nervous about returning to work, as my reconstruction is not complete. I don't have a date for the implant surgery. However, today I saw the oncologist and was advised to undergo chemotherapy. They want to start treatments by 7/1 and the plastic surgeon wants to do the implant prior to my having treatments. It will be 1 x week for 3 weeks, then 1 x month for 12 months. I am overwhelmed by all this. I have used up all my time off/my disability ends in a few days. I can take FML to "keep" my job, but this is making me nervous. I need to digest this ......my job is not secure as it is (as of today part of my job has been outsourced offshore to India) and I'm heading back to work with so much on my mind......It was my left breast and I'm left handed. I do computer work for Liberty Mutual in the "support department". Tonight I feel so overwhelmed.......

Jennie93

I had UMX, left side, they also took pec muscle and 6 lymph nodes. Had drain for one week and went back to work the day after it was removed (that was also the first time I drove myself anywhere). Am right-handed, found that I could do pretty much everything needed with one good arm. Job is only part time and flexible, not overly strenuous. Some reaching but no heavy lifting, walking but not long periods of standing.

Also worked all through chemo and rads. Was not expecting to need those, but we were surprised by some positive lymph nodes. But it ended up being do-able.

ScienceGirl

Out of work for only 2 weeks with bilateral mastectomy (only took sentinel nodes, 3 total). No reconstruction. I work in a lab, lots of walking/on my feet.

glennie19

I took 4 weeks,,, (have lots of sick time)  left breast,,, right handed.  Desk job, on computer all day.  USA. 

Luckydog42

I has UMX on right breast and am right handed. I did have expanders placed.

First week = no work at all. I was on heavy duty pain killers for first four days that made me loopy.

Second week = I did a little work from home on my laptop. Because of the lymph node removal, my arm would get sore and swell a little, so I worked for 15-20 min at a time, a few times a day.

Third week = back to work but I was moving slow and had to take it easy

Mich71

Out of work 3 weeks per doctor; desk job Left side mastectomy / Left-handed.

The 3rd week was Thanksgiving and I probably could have worked those 3 days since my employer gives Thurs/Fri as Holiday Pay had Dr. been willing to release me. Still a bit tired though that 3rd week if I recall correctly.

Debutante8

I had BMX. Taking just over 4 weeks off and will probably work reduced hours when I return. I am working 2-3 hours per day on my laptop, starting the 3rd week. I am mainly tired.

Lolis197138

I had a left UMX and am right handed.

Took a week off work but I was still on the blackberry since day 1 after surgery and worked from home the second week. I was not in pain and didn't need any pain killers. 

I have a desk job and am in Canada. 

MizMimi

I am wondering how much time to plan being off of work. The PS said two weeks but said she was only speaking for her part of the surgery...the reconstruction, and could not speak for the surgeon doing the double MX.

I won't be talking to surgeon again until late June. I am a full time Dental Hygienist and work in a fast paced office. I am thinking of giving myself 3 weeks. Any thoughts from anyone?

Thank you!