Time off work

Logang

I am scheduled for a right mastectomy, no recon on 1/25. How long should I expect to be off work? How long should I expect to be in the hospital? I have my preop appt. this week, but as usual I don't want to wait. Just wanting a general idea for planning purposes. Thanks.

Moderators

Hi Logang, We think that you may find this article helpful What to Expect With Any Surgery. Also, you may want to jump in with this topic, if you aren't already: January 2016 Surgeries.

Logang

Thank you. I have already posted in that thread. I appreciate the surgery link!

ksusan

I had a bilateral, no recon. I was home that afternoon. It probably depends on how flexible your job is. My job isn't a good indicator because I was able to trade coverage with other people. I went in after 2 weeks for a couple of hours, but still couldn't drive at that point. However, I was working from home (ETA: from the day after surgery). I'd have taken 2-3 weeks off if my job weren't flexible.

badger

hi Logang, I had a double mastectomy no recon on a Tues and was discharged Thurs so spent two nights in the hospital. *TIP* get a small soft pillow to put between you and the seat belt for the drive home.

You may be given two sets of paperwork to sign. I got one for same-day surgery (whaaaat?) and one for an overnight stay "if medically necessary", which of course it was, being major surgery. Stupid insurance companies.

Took two weeks off work (desk job) and rode in with a co-worker another two weeks as still on pain meds & not legal to drive. I wish you all the best! ((hugs))

Logang

Thànks ksusan and badger!

badger

ksusan we posted at the same time. My "whaaaat?" was aimed at the ins company not you my dear. I'm glad your surgery went well enough that you were able to go home same day. ♥

shpva57

Hi Logang:

I see your surgery is today. I hope that it went well and that you recover quickly. I have a right mastectomy no recon next Tuesday (Feb. 2). Sending you healing thoughts.

woodstock99

I had a BMX & SNB 2 weeks ago on AV Tuesday and was discharged from hospital on Friday. I had my first post-op visit with BS last Wednesday and had both drains removed today about 2 weeks later. Probably could have out a few days ago but it's hard to project when you will be at specified levels for 2 consecutive days & I preferred to go back once to have both removed as I needed to arrange for my husband to take off and drive me. I did no work the first week but week 2 I started doing some work from home (reading all emails & responding to ones my direct reports could not). I was still taking pain meds every 6 hours along with other meds and was very fatigued. My BS told me today I overdid it last week with visitors and work and that rest is key to healing and friends who have had surgery tell me same but we all heal differently. My BS said I can start weaning off pain meds slowly and can start driving in a week (short trips) and my return to work date is 2/8 or a month after surgery. I learned I am not indespendible and hope I will not be back to my 10-12 hour days. Good luck to you.

Binaboose

My mastectomy is scheduled for March 2016 and I am wondering about how much time I will need off from work? I work from home and have a very flexible job however I am just not sure if I would want to be working. Any thoughts? I will have finished chemo on February 19th and have radiation ahead of me after I have receoverd from surgury. Looking for advice and to learn from the experience of others.

Logang

My surgeon said 8 weeks. I am hoping to be back in 6 weeks. I think all surgeons have differing opinions. Good luck to you!