Hi, I’m new on here and have a lumpectomy scheduled for the 20th November. Stage 1, grade 3 ductal.
The surgeon will take a sentinel node biopsy at the same time but I just wanted to know how soon I might be capable of driving? It’s the right side but I’m also a carer so quite important for me. Thank you!
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Hi Alex , I didn’t want to post too much on your other post as it’s in the Ask the Nurses section . I was pretty surprised how quickly I recovered from lumpectomy , the scar from the sentinel node biopsy was far more uncomfortable than the breast incision , some surgeon can do both via one incision if your cancer is in the right position . I was left side but you will need to be aware of how the seatbelt goes across your chest whether that is comfortable enough to drive after 2 weeks . Tip for return journey from hospital bring a pillow or cushion to put across your chest as you really will feel the seatbelt initially .Lots of support and advice here if you need it .
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Thank you…appreciate your advice. It’s all a bit scary at the moment!
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Yes its really overwhelming and frightening in the beginning , it does get easier . Lots of people here who understand how it feels .
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I think I was driving about four weeks after my right side lumpectomy. You need to feel confident that you can change gears, do an emergency stop, handle the steering after a while (for example motorways will be easier than town driving).
I wedged a small cushion between my chest and the seat belt at first.
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Hi there.
I had my lumpectomy on left side (I drive automatic though) and SNB on 31st Oct.
Definitely not ready to drive yet but was hoping I would be ok 2 weeks post op. I need to run kids around but thankfully my Mum is staying with us a few more days.
Would be good to hear if anyone was alright at 2 week mark? I had some nasty swelling and bruising that has started to settle now but I think holding my arms on the steering wheel for more than a few mins would be tricky just yet…and def not emergency stop 
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Hi blue80, I was fit to drive with gears after two weeks but I only did short journeys. No problem with the gears mine was left side. I have started to go slighter further now it’s almost 4 weeks. I think you just need to listen to what your body is telling as we are all so very different
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Hi, I wish you well with your lumpectomy. They normally say you can drive after two weeks if you feel safe enough to drive. I had planned on driving after three, but then had to have another lumpectomy so it was nearer 7 weeks before I did drive again. I was right side too, so put a small hand towel under seatbelt for a few days. It is more lifting heavy things that you need to be careful with. Take care x
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Hi @alex2
I would check with your insurance company first of all - when you say you’re a carer do you drive clients around as part of your job ? If so there might be different rules for that than if it’s for pleasure / every day.
No company will cover you during the first 24 hours after any kind of general anaesthetic either. I wasn’t told any hard and fast rules but during the first week I felt a bit off kilter and didn’t drive at all . I think I started doing short journeys about 8 - 10 days after . Mine was right side as well so I didn’t have to change gears or use the handbrake with my affected arm which was good.
Best of luck with everything and hope you have a speedy recovery ( no pun intended)
Joanne. X
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I was right side … driving and back to work in 2 weeks.
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Hi Blue80,
I had a lumpectomy on Oct 24th left side and SNLB. I drove after 9 days (automatic) with a cushion across my chest, just locally for around a mile. Coped okay with the discomfort, mostly it was turning the wheel and the fatigue as I had chemo before surgery so am quite worn out. I drove again after 13 days, 6 miles in total, and it was a lot better. Not much discomfort at all, still needed a little padding across my chest where the seatbelt was. Good luck, hope when you venture out, it goes well.
All the best. Helen.xx
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Also, think moving onto the advanced exercises I started after a week really have made a difference. They really hurt at first but after 3 days or so, they became easaier and my movement and soreness have improved greatly.xx
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Hi - I had a right side lumpectomy in late 2020. As cancer found in one sentinel node I had a full underarm node clearance at the same time so two incisions. I have an automatic gearbox and as I was also a carer I had to get behind the wheel pretty quickly but I was fine after a couple of days. Much depends on the position and size of the incision(s) - I had a small incision under the nipple for the lumpectomy and that was not too painful but I used a rolled towel under the seatbelt for a few weeks. Good luck 
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Welcome to the forum @alex2
It is full of kind people and I hope you find the support you are looking for.
Please know that our nurses are here for you any time 0808 800 6000.
Sending our love,
Lucy
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I had bi lateral lumpectomy and was approx 4 weeks and only short local journeys. Every time I turned the wheel, tried to reverse and reach for gears I was uncomfortable. Obviously being both sides is probably more problematic that one side.
You must be guided by your team and how you feel. If you’ve been advised not to drive by a medical professional you will not be insured if you have an accident.
You mentioned being a carer, I would advise your team about this, I’m sure they would not advise you to do any heavy lifting for some time. The whole healing period is at least 12 weeks, even if the scar on the outside looks ok.
I wish you well with your surgery.
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Thank you for your message-it gives me hope that I might be able to drive sooner rather than later! Im surprised they managed to test your lymph nodes immediately and then have the lymph node surgery at the same time. I have been told I will have to wait about 4 weeks before I’ll know the results of the node biopsy.
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Thanks Joanne, I’m a carer for my husband and also have a son so need to be fairly mobile. The car is automatic so that will help but have also taken on board the advice on here! Thank you everyone 
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During surgery they found the cancer in one sentinel node via the intra-operative assessment (not all hospitals do this).
By removing all nodes for biopsy at the same time as the lumpectomy, it was confirmed that all other nodes were clear 
But it left me with lymphoedema. Not the end of the world but a nuisance
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Right I see. Yes I did ask the question whether they would just remove the nodes during the lumpectomy as there is then another agonising wait to see if it’s spread and whether another op is required! They did mention the lymphoedema.
How are you now?
That’s exactly what I’m going through, had 2 nodes removed, waited 4 weeks for these results which were both positive so now got to have another op in 2 weeks to remove them all and wait another 4 weeks, I’ve gone into complete meltdown today 
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