Progress report

Thanks for your advice Sonya, its much appreciated. I am hoping to take a full month off but I also have the ability to do my job from home.  My boss has said that if I feel like doing half and hour because I'm bored then he is happy with that so I will just wait and see how I feel both physically & emotionally.  I am going to give the breast care nurses a call tomorrow to make sure I arrange one of the support pillows as they sound perfect. Sending you health & happiness, hugs Heather xx 

Hi Heather,  like most have said everyone is different.  I have just had my mastectomy on the 21st of July,  I am a nurse so wasn't in a hurry to get back,  however even in your job I would allow at least 4wks, don't hurry back think of yourself not your boss.  And definitely get one of those pillows they are a God send.  All the best, and remember is all about you not your work or your boss.  Hugs Sonya ????

Thanks Summer,  I'm just trying to give my boss some idea of the length of time I will be having off.  He is well aware that if I need to have chemo &/or radiation then I will be having lots more time off.  I know its one day at a time after surgery and I will definitely ask these questions when I have my post surgery appointment. Yes I do drive but certainly wont be doing any of that until I get the ok to do so and thanks for the info with regard to the curved pillow. In all honesty I am secretly hoping for lots of time away from work but I feel guilty that I will be letting my boss down as I am the only person there to do my particular work. I would only be trying to convince myself if I said I wasn't terrified about what lies ahead for me but I know I have to do everything that is recommended by my health professionals whether I want to or not. I am trying to not get too far ahead of myself but unfortunately that's my personality - I am impatient and I want everything yesterday. I am slowly trying to change things and I know I shouldn't stress over things that are out of my control.  Sending hugs straight back, take care.

Thanks Lisa,  I'm just trying to give my boss some idea of the length of time I will be having off.  He is well aware that if I need to have chemo &/or radiation then I will be having lots more time off.  I know its one day at a time after surgery and I will definitely ask these questions when I have my post surgery appointment.

Hi Heather,

It's Lisa from the Policy Team. The time it takes to recover after surgery can vary from person to person. It can be helpful to give yourself some time to ease back into your home and work life. Your breast surgeon is the best person to talk to about when you can get back to doing certain things, such as driving. You may also wish to talk to your breast care nurse.

Information about returning home after surgery is available in our My Journey Kit. The Westmead Breast Cancer Institute also has a useful booklet, Your Breast Cancer Operation, which provides information about what to expect before and after your breast cancer surgery.

All the best with your surgery!
Lisa

Hello Heather (Little Black Duck)

Good to hear that you now have some timelines.  The waiting time really is the worst so try not to dwell on things too much - as ladies say, take each step as it comes.

The injection is bearable - they will no doubt tell you that "it is like a bee sting" - but just imagine and big bee and you will not get a surprise.  We have all survived it so please don't worry about it.  Besides, it may not hurt you at all, just depends where they have to pop it.

Don't get too tied up about the amount of time off work as everyone is different and their jobs are different.  Plan on a couple of weeks as you don't know how you will feel (physically and emotionally) and if you will sent home with any drains in place.  If you don't need to do any heavy or high lifting you will no doubt be OK as soon as your surgeon gives you clearance.

Oh, do you drive to work ?  That may be an issue as it is illegal to drive following a mastectomy until your surgeon gives clearance, this may be a few weeks.  Do you have the little curved underarm pillow to assist with comfort ?  If not, ask your breast care nurse or at the hospital - you will need it when coming home as a passenger !

Thanks for your update.  Personal message me if you want someone to talk to.

Hugs  Summer  :-)