How long off work after recon?

Hi All,

Have finally decided to go for recon and am on the list for a right expander implant which will be ‘pumped up’ ha ha - to match my left. Was originally off work in 2005/6 for 7 months with invasive ca 25 mm & DCIS so I had lumpectomy and then completion mastectomy as my margins weren’t clear -.

THankfully all is well - Oh forgot to mention I had FEC x 6 followed by a full year of Herceptin cos I was HER+ - was a very long road but I’ve dome out the other end a much better person for it I think.

My final step is this recon - only 42 (39 at diagnosis) and feel I want my ‘boob’ back!!!

Has anyone else out there had this expander reconstruction if so my main question is - how long am I going to be off work again this time - i only work part time and hopefully I will be back to work then going for the ‘pumping up’ to an outpatients clinic.

ALL YOUR THOUGHTS AND EXPERIENCES ARE VERY WELCOME

THanks
Clemy XX

Hi Clemy

If you wish to discuss this further with one of our specialist nurses please fell free to call our helpline on 0808 800 6000 which is open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm and Sat 9am-2pm. Alternatively you can use our ‘Ask the Nurse’ service whereby you can email your query in to the team, you will find this service under the ‘Support for you’ tab at the top of this page.

Kind regards
Katie

Hi I had an expander on 31st August last year. No problems at all back to work after 4 weeks, driving after about 1 week. Currently waiting for the permanent anatomical implant and implant to the good side to even things up, hope I’m going to look like an eighteen year old, I’m actually 56. I only wish that I had done the operation sooner rather than waiting for two and a half years. If you want to ask me anything please just post.

All the best Lou

Can’t comment on the expander I am afraid. But recon from back with implants and was back driving and back at work full time after 6 weeks. hope this helps.