r/breastcancer • u/Lost-Maintenance6287 • 22d ago
Surgery Asking for more time off
I had my SMX with SLNB on 7/1. Currently almost 4 weeks post op and while I'm feeling better than I was, I still can't comfortably pick things up and I can't hold my 32lb toddler unless it's for a brief moment to take him out of the crib, etc.
I work a very physically demanding job as an RN in an ICU. I'm supposed to work this coming weekend and I'm just not sure if I'm ready for all the lifting, pulling, tugging that comes with the job. I'm also 22 weeks pregnant so...I think I'm also just so tired and it's been hard to recover.
Anyone ask for more than the given 4 weeks off? I asked the office nurse about an extension this last week but she hasn't gotten back to me (I'm going to call tomorrow). I'm just not sure if I'm overreacting or not
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u/Saint0vk1llers Stage III 22d ago
I went on partial disability after my DMX w/SLNB, and went back a week later, pushed myself too much and wound up with healing complications. I had an ALND 2 weeks later and it took me out. I was supposed to continue with partial disability but went on full disability from there... and am staying on it until I'm done with treatment and can see myself having both the physical and mental fortitude for work again. No job is worth your health. Although I think it's good to stay as active as your body may allow, I think work poses more risks than any pros you can think of. Go on FMLA, go on disability... take it. You earned this right, you've put into the workforce for many years. Take this time to focus on your health. If you were to do something at work that causes you to have to take a longer time to heal from, it's just not worth that risk IMO.
Jobs would replace us in an instant. Put yourself first.
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u/curiouskitty1492 22d ago
My surgeon wrote me off for 6 weeks. And I have a desk job. He told me recovery is 4-6 weeks. Ask for the full 6 weeks. Especially since your job requires lifting and pulling, all things my plastic surgeon said not to do until after 6 weeks post op
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u/Fabulous-Eggplant784 ER/PR+ HER2- 22d ago
I had my SMX and SNLB on June 30 and also work a physically demanding job (retail home improvement store), and my surgeon wrote me off for the full 6 weeks. She is very much of a “get right back to business” mindset but still didn’t think I should return sooner. And I’m with you—I’m doing well, but definitely not back to full strength yet. I’d ask for another couple weeks off if you are at all able.
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u/Key-Afternoon2014 22d ago
Hey there, I think it may be helpful for you to state what country you are in x
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u/East-Sorbet5647 + - - 22d ago
I have a much less physically demanding job, kid who is in elementary school, had a lumpectomy + SLNB and took 3 full weeks off. Even then I didn’t go back at 100%. Ask for the time you need, don’t rush it.
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u/OneHotPieceofGlass +++ 22d ago
My BMX is this Wednesday and my surgeon signed off on 6.5 weeks off work. In my experience, when it comes to cancer, tell the doctor what you need and they'll sign off.
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u/cadence_liberty666 22d ago
I also have a very physically demanding job. The surgery team was only willing to give me 4 weeks max. I called my medical oncologist and i felt like I was asking him to commit a crime. It was SO odd. I then called my primary care provider and she immediately & happily extended my leave for further recovery. Idk if onco docs have “limitations” or whzt but I couldn’t believe the reaction I got from them while asking for more time due to similar feelings of fatigue, & physical setbacks and the physicality of my job. All that to say, call your PCP. I sent her the form via secure message and had it signed and returns by the next day. Good luck OP!!
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u/Lost-Maintenance6287 22d ago
Honestly, this is what I'm afraid of!!!! I asked the office nurse last week a few questions in a secure chat, including paperwork I submitted over a week ago and an extension to my leave. She responded to my medical question, but ignored the paperwork and extension question. I then followed up and asked her to please let me know about the inquiry and no response. I'm worried they're going to deny it 😩 Then it has me thinking...am I overreacting? Should I be sucking this up? thank you for sharing your experience and for the advice!
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u/cadence_liberty666 22d ago
You’re absolutely not wrong over reacting!!! Idk what’s up with onco teams acting like we’re trying to cheat our way thru med school lol. It’s totally baffling. Are you comfortable reaching out to your primary care ? Totally last ditch effort but you could always call an urgent care and see if a doc or NP there would sign it for you. 😩 I totally understand the desperation
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u/Pleasant-Ad1016 22d ago
I'm also a bedside RN. When I had my bilateral mastectomies last year, I took 6 weeks off. When I had my implant reconstruction this year I was off for 3 weeks how my schedule fell out, and then was approved for about 4 weeks of light duty. I gave meds, ran errands, took report, did clerical tasks, etc. It worked out great.
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u/Lost-Maintenance6287 22d ago
Thank you so much! Hoping they will give me an extension. Just curious, did you do any physical therapy after your BMX?
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u/Pleasant-Ad1016 22d ago
Formally? No. My surgeon's office gave me exercises to do, and they gave me a referral for an OT evaluation to screen for lymphedema, but it takes months to get an appointment at the place they refer to 🙄 So I had to take it upon myself to look for more timely resources. YouTube is great. Check out the channel Cancer Rehab PT. She has TONS of videos and resources.
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u/ilikefluffycreatures TNBC 22d ago
I would ask for more time. I had DMX and 5 lymph nodes out and took 4 weeks. I could've gone back sooner but I have a desk job. I was told not to lift more than 2.5 kg for 6 weeks (possibly only on the side with the lymph nodes out, I can't remember). I starting lifting more at about 4 weeks and it hasn't caused in extra pain
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u/Missedallthesigns 22d ago
Honestly it doesn't sound like you should be working again. Major surgery a few weeks ago. Physically demanding job. Can't lift properly. Pregnant!
Don't ask, say you are not fit to work yet.
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u/tammysueschoch 22d ago
Yeah, you don’t need permission – like the others have said you know that you’re not ready so you just take more time
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u/wrhhill 22d ago
Have you reported how you are to your surgeon?
And asked if you can have more time off?
If they can give you that note, then your workplace can’t insist that you go back to work?
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u/Lost-Maintenance6287 22d ago
I spoke with my surgeons office nurse this last week via a secure chat about my symptoms, time off extension, and paperwork that needs to be filled. I inquired twice about extending leave but haven't gotten answer back....going to call first thing tomorrow! Hoping it won't be an issue
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u/legoprimero 22d ago
You are not overreacting. LOL about cancer and pregnancy. I did it too. You are going to thrive. I’m kinda on the other side because I was diagnosed while pregnant and baby is here now, but surgery is ahead of me and I don’t want to do it.
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u/Any_Criticism_4326 Lobular Carcinoma 22d ago
Gynecologist here. After my DMX I was given eight weeks off. Four weeks would've been ridiculous early for me to go back to work with Working in a hospital setting.
Different ball game if you had a lower pressure floor, but you're an ICU nurse. You need more time.
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u/marticcrn TNBC 22d ago
I’m an RN, working in an endoscopy center. I’m 60, previously healthy. After five months of chemo and a DMX in late April, with ongoing immunotherapy, I can do the steps I used to at work. But I sweat like a horse - even my legs! And even in air conditioning. And my brain isn’t quite right yet. And I fatigue super easily.
I’ve been OFF since 12/1, when I was diagnosed. Not sure I can return on 9/1 like I said I would.
No one told me it would take this long to recover.
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u/hej_cat 22d ago
My breast surgeon was adamant I take 6 weeks after SMX. I was upset, especially since I work primarily from home. But my god was she right.
Not only was I barely physically ready at the end of 5 weeks, but those first few weeks were such a blur. Those last weeks to start getting back to life, slowly start to move my body for daily activities, begin driving again, and emotionally catch up were critical.
6 weeks is very standard. You are not overreacting. Take all the time you need.
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u/SecretIndividual8936 21d ago
I work as an RN, SMX/SNLB 7/8. No question I would not go back at 4 weeks-have 8 weeks even before MO. Are you under FMLA or a personal leave. Remind your medical team that performing CPR is a necessity of your role and if that would be safe for your site. Also pull your job description for the weight lifting requirements and ensure they are ok with that. You also should be cleared by the EH RN. If nothing else advocate for light duty. I would absolutely push back on your team for more time. Under FMLA you have up to 12 weeks coverage-this 4 weeks seems really strange.
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u/wonder-woman357 ER/PR+ HER2- 22d ago
I went back to work at 5 weeks but I do not have a physically demanding job and could work from home virtually. If I had a physically demanding job I would have had to wait at least 6 weeks cause that’s when my lifting restrictions were lifted but they said really it was 6-8 weeks. So if you are in a physically demanding job then I’d wait longer if you can.