Recovery time and leave time from work

HPFULL

It is looking like I will be having a lumpectomy and lymph node biopsy along with nipple reconstruction with radiation to follow. I am wondering how many days I should take off of work to recover from the surgery.

finallyoverit

Hi HPFULL,

When I had my lumpectomy in 2011, it was on a Monday. I took off the rest of the week to rest and recover. I returned to work the following Monday. The only issue I remember was finding a bra that was comfortable and didn’t rub on my incisions. Good luck with your surgery!

GreenHarbor

HPFULL, my surgeon wanted me out of work for one week, although she did say she'd write me a note to stay home for 2 weeks if I wanted. I'm an office administrator at a church, working 4 mornings a week. I was fine going back after a week. Good luck!

98hgmom

I took a week off of work for my surgery but I could’ve returned earlier.

gb2115

I took a week off but wished I had done 2. My sentinel node biopsy site was extremely painful and made it hard to move that side. I couldn't take shirts off by myself for a couple weeks and that was with narcotics. Driving to work was miserable. Work sent me home a couple times to take painkillers and rest. It eventually got better. I think everyone is different.

Sjacobs146

Everyone is different. My lumpectomy was very easy, I could have gone back to work in two days, but I'd already planned to be out 3, and then it was the weekend.

HPFULL

Thanks. My Dr said a week and a half to recover so I am considering just taking 2 weeks. they might need to remove the nipple permanently so that might take more time? I don’t know it I should all so overwhelming. Thank you so much for taking the time to respond. I feel so much better hearing from people that have been through this