Post lymph node surgery - driving?

Hi LottieWat

Sorry to hear that you were diagnosed with breast cancer and that it spread to your lymph.  You will be given exercises to do with your arms after surgery to help regain full mobility.  You do them everyday for about six weeks.  You need to be careful with the arm for at least two weeks after surgery.

Wishing you the best of luck with your possible surgery.

Best wishes

Daisy53

Hi 

So sorry to hear about your diagnosis and hope your surgery goes ok. 

I have just had bilateral surgery- lumpectomies and lymph nodes and I only felt comfortable driving after about 3 weeks. I do drive an automatic which has helped. I started with short distances initially.

The arm exercises do help as well- you’ll know when you feel ready. 

Take care x 

Hi , sorry to hear about your situation

..Im 3 weeks today after a axillary lymph node clearance to level 3 ...which I believe means up to the area of my clavical...( but I have no medical qualifications)! ...I did my arm exercises as instructed, and massaging my arm etc ..and my arm is as normal except for a numbness at the back of it.... Im still taking ( over the counter) pain meds to stay on top of discomfort, But I would say Ive recovered well....

I hope its a simular journey for you xxxxxx

Hi,

I had a full lymph node clearance on my right side plus a mastectomy and a lumpectomy on my left. I have a slight restriction in movement but this is for reaching high. I use a manual car still and am fine. 

I had 4 months (12 cycles) of chemo and 15 sessions of radiotherapy which finished mid August. I went back to work full time on 1st September.

Good luck x

I was able to drive after about three or four weeks. I asked the nurse and she said try it and see how you feel. The first time, I didn't feel ready. The second time felt ok. Driving seems to be ok for me. I'm now five weeks post surgery and still have some burning pain sensations and stiffness, but the exercises help and it is getting better slowly. I can't lift anything heavy or reach up without a bit of a struggle, but getting there.

Thanks NikRY02 hope you are recovering well after the surgery 

Hi Monty45 I’m glad you are making progress with your post surgery recovery. Thanks for sharing. 

Hi LottieWat. 

I had the same as you in May and waited about 6 weeks before driving. It's wise to check what your insurance says about it and the DVLA. I drive a manual car but mine was on my right side so not sure how you'd be changing gear. Steering was ok though. Definitely do the exercises to help with shoulder mobility. 

All the best for your treatment. 

Tawe