DCIS

Sorry to hear your diagnosis, welcome to the forum. I wasn’t working when I had my WLE, I was at home with a 4 year old but yes I’d say that was reasonable. Everyone is different and some people will say they needed more or less but I’d definitely say that I was fragile for a couple of weeks. It does depend on your job too though, if you have a very physical role you may need a week longer. If you can afford to, take as much time as you can, this can all be mentally tough too, all the best x

Hi Rose40, sorry to hear of your diagnosis. I had a lumpectomy (left side) and got my results 2 weeks later. I had to then have a axillary clearance as I had a positive sentinel node. I had the results for that 10 days later. Even after my first op I found I wasn’t able to drive after 2 weeks. I think because it was my left side (gear stick side) it was more difficult. Then after the axillary clearance I didn’t drive for at least 4 - 6 weeks because I just didn’t feel comfortable or safe driving. That was just me though. Everyone is very different on how they feel and perhaps also which side is operated on. 

Wishing you all the best for your journey. 
Hugs from cuffcake x x x x x

I had 11mm ogpf high grade DCIS removed .   Took 5 months off work as I knew I had radiotherapy coming up.  I worked public sector so had 6 months full pay option on sick so I had no financial pressure .  Work didn't put me under pressure to return.  My GP rang me when she had diagnosis letter from BC clinic.  She ofeted me a 3 month sick paper straight away.  As she said a cancer diagnosis and treatment takes its toil mentally. I had a desk job but I needed to be mentally alert and decisive.  I wasn't, some day I couldn't even decide what clothes to wear!   Take the time you need if finances allow  x

Thanks Anna12345. It has been more mentally tough than I thought it would be. I’ve been very emotional since I got my diagnosis, I thought I’d be ok but some days I just get a bit overwhelmed. Work has been really good about it and told me to take any time I need, it’s quite a mentally challenging job so I’ll definitely take the two weeks then as I’ve been working non stop since the diagnosis and struggling to concentrate most days. I hope you are all better now, thanks so much for responding x

Thank you cuffcake2000. Mine is my left side too so it’s good to have in mind that it may be hard to drive for a few weeks, so I’m mentally prepared. Thank you so much for your response, I hope you are doing well now after your ops. Hugs x

Thank you Grogg. I’m so glad you were able to take that time off work. The BC nurse said they will give a 2 week sick note for after my op but she also recommended taking more time if needed, possibly up to the time I get the results 6 weeks after as I may need radiotherapy, further lumpectomies etc I think I’ll just see how I feel after the 2 weeks. Like you I work a desk job but need to be mentally alert and decisive and struggle to focus at the moment. Thank you so much for your response, I hope all is well with you x

Hi Rose. Sorry to hear that you are facing this. I had the same op plus Sentinel Lymph node biopsy. I think you will need the two weeks to recover. I didn’t feel too bad at all but did get tired and lacked energy. It is mentally exhausting waiting for results. Six weeks seems a very long wait.  Fingers crossed that they get clear margins first time. Just be very kind to yourself and take it easy after surgery. We have all gone through this and the op itself is not too bad at all. Good luck. 

Hi Rose, depends on the operation I would say.  I had 2 scars, one underneath and one under my arm for the lymph node biopsy.   I was signed off by the oncologist for 6 weeks on the day of the operation and then had notes from my GP covering me on reduced hours until after radiotherapy.  I worked reduced hours from week 3 but looking back that was too soon.   See how you feel and make sure you are fit enough to go back to work.  I work from home, which makes a difference.

Hi Rose40 

I really don't think there is a 'standard' time off after the operation. 

I had 2 areas of DCIS and an area of cancer. The total amount they removed was 80mm.  I work for construction in the office part time, so it's just SSP if I don't work.  I had the operation on Wednesday afternoon and was back at work Friday.  I was driving by the following Monday (left sided) - even though my boss had offered to pay for taxis to and from work for me.

I think if I'd still been working for my previous job (had 6 months full pay, 6 months half pay if off sick), I would have taken more time off - especially as I was full time then.  No harm in taking the 2 weeks, unless you need to get back to normality for your own peace of mind.  

It will really depend how you feel physically and emotionally as to when you should go back to work.  If you need more, then just ask your doctor as I am sure they will support you. If you need less, then great. But don't overdo it and then find that you wish you hadn't gone back to work too soon as might be harder to tell colleagues that although you came in, you now aren't - if that makes sense.  

Good luck with the operation.

Lesley

1. Hello Rose40,

I was diagnosed with high grade DCIS 25mm & IDC 15mm right breast late October 2022. I had a lumpectomy & sentinel node biopsy on the 1st December, I got the histology results on the 14th December. Unfortunately they did not get clear margins, I had a second operation on the 5th January.

I went back to work after the second surgery far too quickly and I’m now off again. The first operation I went back after 2 weeks, but was very uncomfortable and sore. I worked from home occasionally until the second operation. I didn’t drive for around 3 weeks after the first operation. 

Everyone is different, but my consultant and nurse advised me to rest as much as possible.

I’m now waiting for an oncologist appointment and hope to start radiotherapy in the next few weeks or so.

Good luck on your journey xx