How many weeks off from work for mastectomy w/TE?

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San1975
San1975 Member Posts: 36

Hello ladies, just wanted to get an average time off from work after mastectomy. My plastic surgeon stated yesterday at my pre-op appointment 6 weeks. I think this will be fine. Just wanted to see how everyone else did with getting back to work?

Comments

  • Runrcrb
    Runrcrb Member Posts: 577
    edited December 2019

    I was out 6 weeks following my mastectomy with tissue expander. I needed it all. I was active (run swim walk etc) prior to surgery.

  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited December 2019

    I had a BMX with TEs. My son stayed for a week. My the 2nd week, i was off pain meds, able to drive and did everything for myself. I think 6 weeks will be plenty.

  • AnnC2019
    AnnC2019 Member Posts: 203
    edited December 2019

    I was out three weeks. I only had one side done, so that made it easier. I think I would have gone back sooner but one of my drains just wouldn’t quit producing fluids. The discomfort from the tissue expander is still there and has become the new norm. I still wake up sometimes when I turn from side to side.

  • San1975
    San1975 Member Posts: 36
    edited December 2019

    Thank you everyone for your responses, I was just wondering because I have a desk job but I work from home. So i'm lucky for that. I told the PS that I was planning on taking two weeks and he was the one that said I will need 6 weeks...guess it doesn't hurt to take the time off.

  • SummerAngel
    SummerAngel Member Posts: 1,006
    edited December 2019

    I was out 3 weeks with a work from home desk job. If you want to take 6 weeks I see no reason not to, but if you like your job and think you might get bored you might want to decrease it a bit.

  • BgRose
    BgRose Member Posts: 10
    edited December 2019

    I am an LPN in busy ophthalmology clinic.

    Was released to work 2 weeks after BMX with TE with no restrictions (except lifting no more than 10 pounds).

    However I have high tolerance for pain and did not need any pain meds after the surgery. Listen to your body.

  • Brilee76
    Brilee76 Member Posts: 227
    edited December 2019

    I started back half days 3 weeks after surgery. I was unable to work from home and have a 45 minute commute each way. I was back full time at 6 weeks.

  • ScatteredEnergy
    ScatteredEnergy Member Posts: 382
    edited December 2019

    Following. The only surgery I ever had was a tummy tuck w/ lipo to flanks. Started a new job 21 days after with an hour commute each day. I was not in pain, I just felt tight on my drive back home every day. I wish I would have been able to take more days off back then and now as well lol. Financially I can't do six weeks so I hope I'm able to recuperate fast.

  • Yogatyme
    Yogatyme Member Posts: 2,349
    edited December 2019

    I was already retired when I had BMX but would have needed 6 weeks for sure. My niece took 6 weeks off but began working from home after about 2 weeks. My sister could have gone back to work after 1 week but is staying out the full 6 weeks recommended by PS. So as you can see, it is different for each person. I will say my sister was given pain blockers and both my niece and I felt like it made her post-op much easier than ours, so you may want to consider talking w your surgeon about this

  • San1975
    San1975 Member Posts: 36
    edited December 2019

    My breast surgeon said I should be good after two weeks. It was my plastic surgeon that encouraged me to take 6 weeks. I do work from home but I decided I’ll see how I feel. If I can go back early and feel alright I will. Thanks for all the replies!

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