How Long After Breast Cancer Treatment Until I Return To Work

I was talking to someone about to have her first surgery in connection with reconstruction and we got on the topic of recovery after breast cancer surgery. Of course, recovery time depends on the individual and clearance by the doctor to return to work will be based on the doctor’s recommendations but there is much more to it than what we see on the surface. It seems that my friend and I are on opposite ends of the spectrum and I think after our conversation I understand why. So let me share.

“There is a natural empathy that we have for each other and every other woman who shares the breast cancer diagnosis and we support each other’s choices regarding what works perfectly for each of us.”Barbara Jacoby

For me, after both my lumpectomy and double mastectomy, I returned to work as soon as the drain tubes were removed. After both reconstruction procedures, I went back after a 3-day weekend. I have since learned that this is unusual but I didn’t understand why this would be the case. Of course, I have a desk job and that does make a huge difference when compared to someone whose work requires physical labor. But, my colleague is in the same situation so I had to question her a bit more.

Neither of us needed to return within a particular time span because of financial restrictions as we still received our full paychecks when on medical leave. We both enjoyed our work and had bosses who were totally supportive of us and with what we were dealing. We both had spouses who were right by our sides through all of our surgeries and treatments. But, I did discover one big difference and that is my friend had several children including older teenagers and a mother and sisters who live nearby and a whole host of church ladies who were there to handle her every need and although I had no family or close friends nearby, I didn’t want the help of anyone else, period. This is what ultimately set the stage for our individual choices about our returning.

My thinking was I was not in great pain but rather uncomfortable and I could be uncomfortable at work doing something of worth or uncomfortable at home watching TV or playing on the computer. Driving to the office was not a problem especially once Kirk started backing the car into the parking space so that I didn’t have to get all twisted around to maneuver it in a very tight space. At work, I was focused on the work and on making decisions and busy interacting with others in my department. At home, I was alone and had no meaningful work for my mind that would serve as a focus. So, it was out and about as soon as possible because, very frankly, I was bored

For my friend, it was entirely different. Being a wife and mother and caregiver for another family member while working a full-time job for years created an entirely different scenario for her. With her surgeries and treatments, she became the center of attention and had everyone waiting on her for a change. She did not have to work, make dinner, do the laundry, run errands and take the children to all of their club meetings, sports and activities. For the first time in two decades, she didn’t have to get out of bed early in the morning and keep on going until she dropped at night. Therefore, she made the choice to stay home and relax and recover at her leisure. The time off that she had without being responsible for everyone else was probably the best medicine for her recovery.

While I am sure that my friend and I are at totally opposite ends of the spectrum with regard to returning to work after each treatment or procedure, we do understand each other and our choices in a way that only another breast cancer patient can understand. There is a natural empathy that we have for each other and every other woman who shares the breast cancer diagnosis and we support each other’s choices regarding what works perfectly for each of us. That is what is most important for us and for every other woman who is dealing with breast cancer.