Confused - time for recovery and return to work

I had a lx and alnd. I was out 3 weeks, mainly because I had drains for 2 of those week. I could have gone back when those were removed but that was the week between Xmas and new year so doctor just told me to go back after the 1st and that is what she put on my paperwork. But I would expect longer with mx. . My neighbor had bc in both breasts. She had lx in one, mx and alnd on other side and she started working from home after 3.5. I think she went back at 6 weeks.

Everyone is a bit different in terms of healing time, pain tolerance, etc... and as others have mentioned, not having reconstruction makes for a smoother/quicker recovery period.

For driving, my surgeon told me I was clear to drive once I had the drains out and was no longer taking the narcotic painkillers, but suggested that I put a small pillow between the shoulder strap and my chest until about 2 weeks of healing to make sure the seatbelt strap didn't rub on/irritate my incisions.

For desk work that requires no heavy lifting or no significant upper body work, it seems taking 1-3 weeks off is about average.
My surgeon told me I could go back to work as soon as I felt physically ready, as my job is a desk job that doesn't require lifting anything heavier than a laptop.

I took one week off, then did one week working from home as my job allows that but, in all honesty, I'd have been ready to go back on week two and was just trying to be conservative about it and not overdo things.

Many folks who report longer recoveries had tissue expanders inserted during mastectomy, some had permanent implants. If the surgery includes reconstruction it is more invasive and takes longer to heal. My insurance STD standard for BMX + reconstruction was five weeks. BMX without reconstruction heals faster, I think you made the right choice by requesting 3 weeks.

I work from home much of the time, and was back to doing some work on the couch by the end of the same week (MX, 4 nodes removed & prophylactic oopharectomy).

So much depends on YOU, the type of work you do, what type of pain management you end up needing, etc. Go with your gut.

I had Lt MX 7/15/16 I'm slated to go back to work 8/14/16 29 days after surgery I have a heavy lifting job and am concerned I could mess something up but my supervisor told me I had to have written clearance from my surgeon and Occupational Health before I can be put on the schedule I have good days and bad days not sure what's right for this kind of thing everyone is different I drove 6 days after surgery with a protective pillow but sometimes by the afternoon I'm wiped out--Good luck to all of us God speed to total reco