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.