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Breast Cancer/Time away from work after lumpectomy

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Expert: - 12/11/2004


Question
I was diagnosed on Thursday with Ductal carcinoma in situ and Lobular Carcinoma in Situ. I'm having lumpectomy on Monday and forgot to ask my doctor a question.

How long should I expect to be out of work after this procedure?

I've looked online and found some women take 1 day or some take several weeks. Considering this is so new to me I'm not comfortable I'll be mentally ready to face work right away. What is the standard amount of time?

Thanks for any help or guidance you can give me.  

Answer
As you have noticed it is different for different people. So I can not tell you what it is in your case. Some work the day after the operation. Some others need more time. Depends on what work you do and on you. The physical burden of the surgery is usually small. The psychological may be greater.

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Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D.

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I`m a doctor of medicine and a specialist in radiation therapy and medical oncology. I have long experience in diagnostics and treatment of breast tumours.

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I'm a Doctor of Medicine and specialist in Medical Oncology and Radiation Therapy educated & trained in Sweden. Now retired. Background in Radiation Therapy, Medical Oncology, Radiation Protection, Nuclear Medicine, Diagnostic Radiology, Gynecological Oncology, Clinical Pathology, Clinical Cytology,Hematology and Internal Medicine. M.D. from the faculty of medicine, Royal Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. Have also been an exchange student at the Hebrew University, Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem Israel. Former medical consultant, Swedish National Board of Radiation Protection. Former Police Surgeon and Medical Examiner, Stockholm Police Department. Former Chief Medical Officer, The Royal Guards, The Royal Horse Guards and the Royal Household Brigade, Royal Swedish Army Medical Corps.You can also reach me on: http://www.lifestylerescue.com/expert/health-fitness-advice/dr-claes-gustaf/128 I have no restrictions on the number of questions there.

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