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. 

  • I had an 80mm lumpectomy on left breast so the seat belt goes over the breast. 

    I think the insurance might have been invalidated for me ;) but I had my operation late Wednesday and went for a test drive in my manual car on Sunday following.  

    I managed fine, so as I had made arrangements to go to work the next day,  I cancelled all the taxis I'd booked for the next 3 weeks to and from work  (although it was only 5 miles).

    Have something in place, just in case you can't drive and just see how you go.

    Kindest wishes, Lesley

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  • The leaflet they gave me in hospital said 48 hours but a friend (different hospital) was told 2 weeks. It might depend on location of the wound versus seatbelt position, plus of course you can’t drive if you do need anything other than paracetamol or ibuprofen. 

  • Thanks all. I guess I’ll just have to wait and see and just try and have some contingency in place. 

  • Hi I had my lumpectomy at start of June and surgeon had told me no driving for 2 weeks. I had to pop to pick my daughter up as bus had broken down and was 11pm, so I went to collect her (5 minute drive) after 12 days and I could really feel the pull in my arm. I didn’t attempt to drive for 5 more days and I’ve been fine. I had no issues with healing and was absolutely fine and doing normal things day after op, but driving just pulled and was uncomfortable, even in automatic car with automatic brake. I actually enjoyed not being at everyone’s beck and call as ‘mum’s taxi’

    Your body will tell you if your not ready 

    Good luck with the op, it was not nearly as bad as I had imagined and nodes scar hurt more x