My job requires I lift 50 lbs. If I have a bilateral mastectomy will I be allowed to return to work once healed, or will I loose my job?

[EttaMagath]

mastectomy, return to work

[Warrio]

You definitely need to spell sign your doctor's about this. I know for myself, I had a bilateral mastectomy with immediate in December 2021. I am 36. I was not cleared to resume normal activities for 6 weeks. I personally cannot lift that much. I don't normally lift that much, on my left side I had 20 lymph nodes removed and I have to be careful with what and how much I carry. This I know, this is in part that I didn't lift much prior to surgery. I hope you get answers you need and are able to heal quickly. But don't rush the healing process. Best wishes.

[serendipity123456 in reply to Warrio]

I thought I read somewhere that OSHA says you should not lift more than 40 pounds. Maybe check into that also.

[PJBinMI]

It might be worth it to talk with an attorney who specializes in employment law. If you job only "requires" an occasional lifting of 50 lbs, you may be able to reach some agreement with your employer. I don't know what it's like for an earlier ,cancer, but I was diagnosed with metastatic bc and had no trouble qualifying for Social Security Disability. One of the requirements was having paid into social security for at least ten quarters. I hope you will find out what you need to in order to be at peace with your decisions.

[NPmary]

I dont think they are allowed to fire you if you are being actively treated for breast cancer. See if thesocial workers at your cancer center can help you or steer you to resources that can. Good luck, let us know how you are. I ❤🌺❤

[gladudey]

Hi Etta,If you are accustomed to lifting 50 lbs and enjoy doing it easily, once you are healed and your surgeon approves, I don't see why you would have a problem!

Fifty years ago my mom had a double and those times it was a radical mastectomy.

Doctors told her she should exercise... She was busy lifting my babies in the air, gardening, carrying heavy shopping bags and never stopped moving... In spite of having all her lymph nodes removed, she never developed lymphedema!!!!

Good luck!