Dbl mastectomy w/reconstruction-When can I start work again?

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Kstinekd
Kstinekd Member Posts: 40
edited December 2018 in Surgery - Before, During, and After

Hi! I am new here. Last week I was diagnosed with invasive lobular carcinoma. I am 45 years old and have two positive biopsies in one breast so that breast must be removed. I am strongly considering a double mastectomy with reconstruction via implant.

I am an architect and am knee-deep in designing two houses for clients. I do not want to have to tell them my news; if I need to stop work for an extended period of time, I will have to tell them. So I am wondering how soon after surgery will I be able to work on a laptop or sit at a desk at home.

I also am the primary caregiver for my daughters and usually pick them up from school and take them to activities. How soon until you started driving again?

Thank you all so much! I am sorry that we have to meet in such a forum but am grateful for your help!

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  • Heidi628
    Heidi628 Member Posts: 1
    edited November 2018

    I just had a bilateral mastectomy (double) on November 1st. I was told that I can not drive for 6 weeks but I have been working from home via laptop since 6 days after. I get drained easily but I take my time. Just dont over do it! I found sitting in a recliner with my lads propped up took alot of the pressure off. Good luck


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  • exbrnxgrl
    exbrnxgrl Member Posts: 12,424
    edited November 2018

    Please bear in mind that we all recover at a different pace. That being said, I was happily shopping (I was expecting my first grandchild at the time) and corresponding on my iPad and laptop as soon as I was free of the post-anesthesia, pain med loopiness. I did find that I tired easily for a few weeks and as less focused than usual. As for driving, obviously you need to be off narcotic pain meds but remember your movement, with respect to steering, turning your upper torso etc. may be limited for a few weeks. I believe I drove for the first time after 3 weeks. Backing out of my garage was tough as was anything that involved a lot of steering wheel turning, but it improved quickly. Your body will be healing from major surgery, listen to it and don’t push yourself. I know it’s difficult with young children to take care of, but you’ll be better off in the long run if you making recovery a priority. All the best!

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  • NotVeryBrave
    NotVeryBrave Member Posts: 1,287
    edited November 2018

    I had help at home for the first two weeks but could have managed without it probably for the second week. It's always good to have more help than you need!

    My kids were 11, 13, and 16 at the time. I relied on friends to help with getting them to and from things a lot. I was able to drive after two weeks - was off narcotics by then. It was a little hard and scary at first but quickly got better.

    I think you'd probably be okay for sitting at a computer for at least a couple of hours a day by two or three weeks after the surgery.

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  • coclico
    coclico Member Posts: 6
    edited November 2018

    Hi, how are you doing? I will only have 19 days of recovery time before I start a new job after a prophylactic double mastectomy with nipple sparing and implants at same time. Thanks so much, any recommendations are very welcome!

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  • Kstinekd
    Kstinekd Member Posts: 40
    edited December 2018

    Hi, all! Thank you for your replies. In case anyone else looks up this same topic, here is a report on getting back to work. About one week after my bilateral mastectomy with expanders, I was easily able to spend some time at a computer. I was actually happy to be working because I couldn't do much with my arms, so it was an easy thing to keep me busy. Now I am 12 days from surgery and worked about five hours today. Not too bad. All of my work is at a computer, so it's not straining at all. Some days, like yesterday, I had dr appts all day, so I didn't get any work done. But overall, I am relieved I can be productive while trying to recover. Wishing everyone well!

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  • Wigging2000
    Wigging2000 Member Posts: 295
    edited December 2018

    thanks Kstinekd! Hoping to try and go back to work a little bit before Christmas!


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