Driving after lumpectomy?

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Hi everyone. I’m new here. Recently diagnosed with stage 2 BC but looks like it’s still localized and lymph nodes look normal. I have surgery (lumpectomy) scheduled for 04/07.  Just wondering when I’ll be able to drive again? I was hoping after only a few days but have been advised it could be a couple of weeks - but unsure if that’s just if you have to be on strong pain killers? 

  • It took me about a week before I could do much. Everyone's different  but it wasn't as quick as I thought it would be.I couldn't drive for about 4 weeks . 

  • Hi  and welcome to the forum. As  has said, everyone is different - I’m sure you’ll get a wide variety of answers. In my case, it was also about 4 weeks before I felt able to drive. I think it’s difficult to predict because there are many factors eg size, depth and location of the incision. Years ago I had a lumpectomy for what turned out to be a fibroadenoma. The incision was just a couple of inches and healed very quickly. But to remove my cancerous lump I had a lumpectomy/ wide local incision - this time the incision was at the side and was longer than my index finger as the surgeon used one long incision to access both the lump and the sentinel nodes. I was really shocked when I saw it! But it healed well, and I had very little pain - no pain killers after the first 24 hours. 
    Sorry very long winded answer and maybe tmi!! But I think I’d rather have been prepared for it potentially being so different to the previous one. I thought I’d be back at work in a couple of weeks, which some people are (some have barely any time off at all). Again we’re all different and also depends on your job. I’d say be prepared possibly not to be able to drive for a few weeks and then anything sooner is a bonus? 
    Love and hugs, HFxx

    HappyFeet1 xx
    Don’t be afraid to cry. It will free your mind of sorrowful thoughts. – Hopi
  • I had a biopsy this past Wednesday. They advised no driving for the next three weeks and recommended doing exercises everyday.