Time frame

Hi there

it varies a lot. I went back to work a week after mastectomy (left breast) and axillary clearance but my job (event management) involves my feet and legs a bit more than my arms. Home house work was OK - you are warned not to raise your affected arm above shoulder height but I think it depends a lot on your shoulder mobility. Mine was very good and I could raise my arm straight up quite quickly and painlessly. Old maxim stands, if it hurts, don't. I was told to allow at least two weeks, which I think is good advice. But sometimes it can take longer. 

I have I have only just had a one side mastectomy and I have been told at least 4  - 6 weeks before returning to work for light duties only.  Treat yourself kindly and let yourself heal completely before returning to work, you don’t want to end up unwell again.  Good luck

Thank you ladies. My op is November 27th and I have given myself until Christmas as a minimum. The sooner I can get back to work the better. Our business has failed over my treatment time in the past six months so I need to make myself available to work for someone else. Hopefully there won't be any hiccups. 

You have to remember this is major surgery and your body needs time to heal.  Your surgeon will be the best to advise.  We are all different in the way we react and heal.  This is a link from BCNA website that may help you

https://www.bcna.org.au/understanding-breast-cancer/treatment/surgery/staying-mobile-after-surgery/

I think the time frame you've been given is good advice.  Do your exercises religiously and ask your surgeon for a recommendation to a good oncology physio should you need it if the axillary area tightens.  I'm not suggesting there will be a problem but if you have the info you can get on top of it straight away if there is - also find out from him/her how soon after surgery you would be able to see a physio if necessary.  These physios can be expensive but you can get a health care plan from your GP which brings down the price.

@Sister Thank you. I have a brilliant osteo who encourages the body to heal itself without actually going near the injury at all. My BC experience so far as been lightened because of him. I may not be able to afford him but I can't not afford him. And yes, I have totally used up my health care plan on him and an exercise physio. The Osteo helped my mental health more than the Psych did! Not that my mental state is anything to brag about but at least I am holding it together, kinda.
@iserbrown It would be so much easier if our bodies all acted and responded the same. But then, who would need a doctor!? Mind you, I often find you ladies here are more helpful anyway. The doctor often looks at me and says "ooh, I haven't heard of that before"

Hi @Blossum1961  I am just over 2 weeks post op for single Mastectomy.The op was definitely not as bad as I thought it would be although I didn't have reconstruction with it.  I think because I found the chemo hard it made the surgery seem easier plus I had already 2 other surgeries this year I knew what to expect. I had my drain in for about 2 weeks but still extremely sore and definitely restricted movement. Now drain is removed am really amping up the exercises they suggest.  Also gently massaging the scar daily as apparently the inside scar can adhere to the chest wall and restrict movement for life.  My work is really physical so can't see me rushing back until I am ready.  You will be fine but I agree with @Kate62  be kind to yourself and let everything heal properly especially after everything you have been through to date.  

Thank you @kitkatb. I am not having a recon either so I will just continue to follow your progress 😀 as it gives me a small idea of what to expect even though things can go topsy turvy and we are all different

I took 3 weeks off work but I found it took a lot longer then that to get the mobility back in my arm and I’m still
working on my strength.