Safe to return to work as floor nurse after mastectomy and lymphedema

Posted by sabine66 @sabine66, Aug 5, 2020

Set to return to work after left mastectomy and axillary dissection, I am scared that returning to work as a nurse, scared of accidental injury to my left arm, needle stick, scratch from patient etc. Are my fears valid? Do I need to look for a another job? Can I still safely work as a nurse ? My anxiety is rising and at the same time working as a nurse has always been my passion, I love my job.I miss the patients , my coworkers! Cancer has taking so much already, and I worked so hard to make the dream of being a nurse come true.

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trixie1313 | @trixie1313 | Aug 5, 2020

@sabine66
After recouping from mastectomy and also have lymphedema, you do have a serious decision to make. Perhaps you can talk with your manager to see what your options might be and possibly there may be a different nursing position that is out there that you can do now. Life throws us many "adventures" and it's up to us to figure out which one to take. Hoping you find something that fits.

betsyk | @betsyk | Aug 7, 2020

Hi Sabine66, do you have lymphedema or are you saying you are concerned about getting it due to axillary node dissection? I am a recently retired PT with a certification in lymphedema therapy. I had a lumpectomy with axillary node dissection (12 nodes)27 years ago. I have been careful but have lived my life and have not developed lymphedema. I would encourage you to see a lymphedema therapist for an evaluation and discuss your fears with her. I might suggest you consider a low grade (15-20mm/hg arm sleeve to wear for work and air travel). I wish you good luck in making your decision.

mimi1001 | @mimi1001 | May 29 2:58am

It's 2024, how are you doing. I am in the same situation and need help and recommendations. I am an ICU RN.

Thank you

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Jun 7 8:11pm

In reply to @mimi1001 "It's 2024, how are you doing. I am in the same situation and need help and..." + (show)

Hi @mimi1001, I'm tagging @sabine66 to make sure that she sees your question and updates us about her return to work.

Mimi, do you currently have lymphedema as a result of breast cancer treatment? Or are you being cautious to not develop lymphedema?

mimi1001 | @mimi1001 | Jun 18 10:56pm

As of right now, I don't have lymphedema but at risk. I would like to get in touch with healthcare workers particularly nusrses. Are they be able to go back to work after chemo/ radiation and s/p mastectomy.

Thank you