teachers working during chemo

joteach

I am a special ed elementary school teacher. I worked through my chemo. I always had my tx on Wednesday and went back to school the next Tuesday.  4 sick days x 4 tx. It really really helped me to be working. I had a regular sub that the kids knew as well as a top notch assistant. My class was small last year (6 kids). I wore my wig and the kids did not know (some of the other teachers in the school complemented me on my new hair style!) I took many precautions not to get sick (purell, not going to the lunch room, specials, or assemblies,etc.).

I can't imagine taking the time off when I felt OK. I tolerated the chemo pretty well. The rads were a breeze as I went after school. Now I am looking forward to going back next month.

 Joan

Hattie

Sounds like you would feel better working, so go!  

I took off a year and was personally glad, but felt better supported by family and friends than by work.  You will be fine.  A good sub helps.  As does hand sanitizer and taking it easy when you need to.  From what others tell me, the herceptin is a breeze compared to the chemo, so forward and good luck!

Take care,

--Hattie

 P.S. When I visited school wearing a scarf (chic, I thought!), a third grader told me I should try Rograine!  My students were very supportive, as were their families. 

srb

I am doing radiation during the summer but was on CT all of second semester last year.  I teach 7-12 science in a small school.  I was very open with students about what was going on with me throughout the entire process.  Good learning for them and good therapy for me.  The CT was not easy to work through but it took my mind off of how I felt at times.  I used the same type of schedule as joteach.  My treatments were on a Wed.  I taught on Thurs and Fridays following for as long as I could go. Usually Thurs I went all day and on Fridays I was home by noon or so.  (My principal was very cool about covering when I needed to go home.)  Quite lucky, but I think they really appreciated the efforts I made to be there as much as I could physically!   I took the following Mon and Tues off mostly because of my low white blood cell count.  I did not want to risk infection especially during winter months.  Most likely you will not feel as good as the treatments continue.  I thought numbers 4 and 5 of my 8 were the worst.  Can't help you with the HER.  Good luck with everything!

irishbrae

Hi,

 I finished my first week of school and it went really well. I teach high school kids and they were very understanding. They asked if it was similar to what was  going on with Christina Applegate, and I said yes, I'm just a little further along in treatment. I went with the scarf because it is sooo hot in the south in August that a wig just seemed impossible.

A week from today I get my last round of cytoxan and taxotere. Then it is on to herceptin 

bourscheid

I am a fifth grade teacher.  This is my first post.  I just underwent a modified radical mastectomy (the first teacher workday) and went back to work two weeks later after missing one week with the students.  They have been fantastic and everyone so supportive and helpful!  I start 8 rounds of chemo in 2 weeks and hope to work as much as I can through treatments.  I will have treatments on Thurs. and hopefully return to work on Monday or Tues.  Depends on how I feel.  I also have a great sub who picks right up where I leave off and keeps things running smoothly.

mzmiller99

Lori,

I've been hoping a grade school teacher would post about working during treatment.  I teach kindergarten, am almost 62, and I finally took the last two days off. 

I feel so guilty, as I'm only doing radiation, but I'm just not able to give them the vitality it takes, especially at the beginning of the year when I feel as though someone drained the life right out of me. 

 I have a long trip (3hrs.) to get down and back to the hospital, and that's part of my fatigue, I'm sure.  I have very little appetite and have lost 20 lbs. and that's part of it, too.

I also have a great sub, who has been in the room with me since school began, in case I couldn't come in one day!  She can handle them better than I can, at this point. 

Good luck and let me know how you're doing.

Susan

threegirlsmom

It is great to see so much optimism and positive attitude here! I meet with the oncologist on Monday.  Not sure what to expect.  I am a first grade teacher and have great ambitions of not missing much school and keeping things as normal as possible for my students.  Thanks for all the great comments!

threegirlsmom

Hi Bourscheid,

Sounds like we have pretty similar situations.  I had a lumpectomy and will undergo six rounds starting in about two weeks.  Wanted to wait until after homecoming as my senior daughter is on court.  I am getting kinda freaked out and nervous.  So many people on here sound like it was hard but doable....how are you feeling?

Westie

Don't mean to be sour grapes but I am a Gr. 8 teacher.  I had a modified radical mastecomy in April/08 and just finished 4 rounds of dense dose AC and 4 rounds of dense dose Taxol.  In a few weeks I will begin 35 Rads.  When I first met my oncologist I asked him when I could expect to return to work.  He said April/09!  In my experience there is no way I could have worked through chemo; you can imagine my surprise when I read this thread!  Hope you all can carry on!

mzmiller99

Westie,

I cannot imagine going back to work with all that chemo and  teach middle school besides!  I think we all assume we can carry on no matter what, only to be brought up short with reality. 

I did my first full day today, no chemo, mind you, and I am beat!  My PCP said her sister had a mastectomy, no chemo, and stayed out of school for a year!  She used up all her sick days and then used the sick bank days!  So, I guess, between struggling into school everyday and taking off an entire year, we find what works for us. 

  My rads onco told me I'd feel the SEs for at least as long as I had treatment, and maybe more. So, I'm hoping next month to be feeling better.  Just in time to start AIs!!

Good luck with your treatment and do what feels best for you.  April isn't that far off, not in the whole scheme of things, and you need to be on your game when you're teaching. (I often feel like I'm trying to herd a bunch of ferrets with these kindergarteners!!)

Susan

mcdds

I was diagnosed in Feb 2005 and continued working at my school as a paraprofessional during treatment.  I would have my chemo on Thursday afternoons and come back to school the following Monday.  I think there was only one time that I missed a whole week of work. My school was very supportive and helped me out in so many ways.  My principal at that time was a survivor and she understood so much!  I had 6 treatments of A/C given every 2 weeks.  I finished right at the end of school and then did radiation over the summer.  It wasn't easy but I was determined to keep things as normal as possible for me, my family, and the kids I worked with.  I had neulasta shots after every treatment.  I wasn't sick until school was out and then developed pneumonia.  

 By the way, I went back to college after all this and am finishing up my degree and teacher certification this year!

Carol  

Westie

Thanks Susan.  I taught Kindergarten for two years.  I have to hand it to you!

mzmiller99

Carol,

Congratulations!!!  You are amazing! 

 Good luck with your certification, etc.  It is crazy what you need to do to be certified these days!  Almost as though they're trying to discourage anyone from going into the field, at least here in NYS!

Susan

Annakin

I was diagnosed on July 31, surgery on Aug. 9 and back to school by the 13th.  I did 8 treatments, 4 AC and then 4 Tax. Last treatment on Feb. 1.  I taught everyday.  Had my treatments all on Friday so that by Monday I was ready to go back.  On Tuesday after Taxotere, I had to go home twice due to the aches.  It was not easy, but something I had to do.  I would not give in to this beast.  I felt like as long as I could work, I was normal.  Wore two different wigs, kids really didn't notice.  A few did but no big deal.  I did all my radiations after school, so never needed to take off.  My onc. encouraged me to do whatever I wanted to do.  I was careful and purel was my best friend.  Do whatever is best for you.  I am glad it is over, but I would not change my decision.  

Ann

HensonChi

Well hello everyone!  I am doing TCH with the Neulasta shots, and I take about 4 days off everytime due to the fact that I ache all over and that I have some severe stomach problems with the chemo.  At about day 8 I snap out of it and feel like my normal old self again.  I do hate using the sick days....but I can't be in school when I don't know when the stomach problems are going to hit.  My last chemo is October 28th...it seems like a long haul but only 2 left to go now, and then 6 weeks of rads.  Hopefully I can do the rads before or after school.  Take care!

irishbrae

I had my last round of chemo (cytoxan and taxotere) on September 8th. I took a half day to do the treatment and was back to work the next day. The next afternoon I had the neulasta shot. After the first 3 treaments the day after neulasta was my worst day so I expected to need the day off. As it turned out, I got up went to work and actually felt better than I had after the other treatments. It seemed that maybe it helped to get up and do something. 

      I was really tired at the end of the day for the first week after treatment, but i just went to bed early. It hasn't been all that bad, but I'm definitely glad it is over with. Next week I start a year of herceptin. Anybody done that already? 

bourscheid

It's good to hear from those who have experienced this from all sides.  Go for my port tomorrow as well as MRI (head) and MUGA scan.  Then PET/CT on Wed.  Chemo starts Oct. 2.  Getting kinda nervous but anxious to get started so I can get on with living!  Not working is not really an option so I am going to do my best both for myself, my family (15 yr old daughter, dh of 20 years, and 18 year old college freshman son).  I get really lazy and bored when I sit around and have always felt best when busy. 

Thanks for the encouragement!  Purel is a staple in my classroom, also started sparying desks, doorknobs, lightswitches, etc. with 10% clorox/water solution at end of school day to kill those nasty germs. 

Great story...Our district always offers flu shots to students and staff.  Due to early outbreak ours was offered last week.  I had 13 of my 17 students get the shot! I went first! One of my students (10 yr. old girl) has always fought getting a flu shot.  Her mom said she came home and said "I AM getting a flu shot this year.  If we get the flu, Mrs. B can't come to school!"  She did get the shot said it didn't hurt a bit!  Who said kids weren't compassionate!  My kids (students) cheered the first time I was able to reach the top of the SMART board!  They call writing on the board my "physical therapy".

threegirlsmom

irishbrae, your post is an inspiration to me!  I start on October 9th.  I have been getting kind of nervous..mostly about the hair thing.  I teach first grade.  Hearing your description makes me feel like I can do this...thank you!

suemed8749

irishbrae: I've done two Herceptin-only infusions, and I've had no side effects. I go in after school and am home by six. The worst part is going into "that" room!

Hoping you have the same easy time with Herceptin - Sue (high school English)

bourscheid

Good luck threegirlsmom!  I start Oct. 2.  Keep yourself surrounded by positive thnkers.  I am trying to make sure I set a positive example for my students (and fellow staff) about handling adversity.  However, friends also are a great support when you just need to whine once in a while! Yesterday was a whiny day - shoulder pain from port insertion felt like being kicked by a horse!  Principal sat with me on the couch in the office and just let me whine and rest for a few min. while kids were at PE.  Then I felt strong enough to finish out the day - although having a rocking chair in the room helped!   The kids thought it was cool to sit around the rocker and learn!  We had some great discussions!  Took mornning off to rest for 2 hr drive on windy mountain roads for PET/CT scan.  Upside...get to see my son at college!

bourscheid

Well...so far chemo and work are going to be okay.  Had first treatment of Abraxane/Avastin on Oct. 2 (not the treatment I was expecting since mets were found) and got a picture from school on e-mail.  They were all decked out in pink for me! (faculty, staff, and students from both elem/middle and hs!)  What an amazing show of support! 

SE's were minimal this time.  I am back at work as of 10/6 and it went fine!  I am getting a little anal about use of germx and clorox wipes!    Go away germies!

terrilee

I teach 8th and have my second AC treatment this week. My first treatment made me feel badly for about a week, but partly because I went back too soon and did too much. I felt good for a week, then started feeling badly on Friday with a persistent mouth sore and earache. My diagnosis was at the start of school so I had to take off a week for my surgery. I'm fortunate that I have a lot of support at home and school. Wednesday students all dressed in pink as a surprise! 

 Hopefully I can get through the next 9 weeks of AC. I feel better when I get up and out of the house, usually. My onc says the Taxol and Herceptin will be easier. I hope so. 

Tonda

I am an elementary librarian, I work with Pre-K through 5th grade and I finished 5 of 6 tx of TC last Wednesday.  I have worked since the beginning of the year, the only times I have had to take off is when my WBC dropped after the last two tx.  I needed to be away from the kids for 3-4 days according to my onc.  That has bothered me more than the chemo, I hate missing work.  I start radiation next month and plan on working through that as well.  Good luck everyone, these kids can be icky with germs but if you wash frequently and not let all the kids hug you (which is harder than you think) then you should get along fine.

 Tonda

sydpen2

What a great thread!  I'm a Middle School Teacher.... 54 and so far have only missed Fridays for treatments.  Even though it is tough Mondays and Tuesdays I push through it and glad I have.  I was diagnosed with Stage IV breast cancer that has spread to  my liver and bone.  Taxol and Aridia have been my companions this past summer and should be done by Thanksgiving.  The Aridia will continue.  It's been a tough battle but I work with the best teachers and staff anywhere!  They have surprised me with donations..... a great cake to share when I got positive results from my PET scan and still continue to be very supportive.   I also coach and am a volleyball official.  As for the wig.... I wear quite the assortments of caps!  And go bald when I officiate.   The kids have been amazing and haven't had much reaction actually.   The older students ask how I am doing and think it's pretty cool.   I have had to cancel half of my officiating due to aches in my back and legs but have done a few.  I don't want to give in to this thing and will continue to work every day that I can!

bourscheid

Hair loss started yesterday so I wore a scarf to work for the first time.  The kids loved it and so did I!  We had a good discussion about the hair loss and then went right back into our day.  So far everything is working out great.  I have been missing a half day on Thurs and then staying home on Fridays but feeling like I'm playing hooky since I feel so good.  The onc. has said I can switch to treatments on Fridays so I only miss one day at a time.  I think this is going to work out better for me.

towens88

Hi Irishbrae.  Sorry it took so long to reply, but I didn't take the disability.  Fortunately, my district has a sick leave bank.  So I can use up to 90 days.  I was docked for the 1st 3 paychecks, but now i receive my full pay.  I haven't gone back to work yet because I just finished chemo and now I need to start rads.  The bad part is rad is between 8am-4pm.  I have to stay at home.

 Tamica

towens88

Westie,

I understand.  I have been at home since May 08 and I have not been back to teach since.  I feel guilty, but I know that I would rather go back when my treatments are done and I am up to the challenge of teaching.

terrilee

My second A/C chemo had me feeling worse, so now I'm worried. It was before a fall break, so I haven't had to go back to school yet since tx. Many of my students (8th grade) did poorly on their test while I was gone. I'm afraid I'll need to take more than a week off after my next chemo. The last of this round is at Thanksgiving, so I'll not have to take off quite as much then. I'm not sure I now feeling up to 'the challenge of teaching' as towens says, so I guess I need to look into taking disability. After the four A/C I still have Taxol and Herceptin, and radiation. 

survivin

The AC were the worst! Luckily, I had those over the summer. I had my taxol on Thursdays and sometimes had to take Fridays off. When I did my radiation in April, I only taught half days. Then for my year of Herceptin, I just took a day off every three weeks -- almost no side effects to the Herceptin. My school was really great about it. They created a sick bank in case I ran out of days. The down side was that the first sub got appendecitis, and the second found another job, so my poor students had at least six different teachers last year.

But never feel guilty about taking time off. It's time to focus on you now. I think that's the hardest part for a teacher.

bourscheid

Hello again teachers on chemo!  Hope everyone had a great Christmas break and was able to recharge.

Went back to work on Monday and it was really nice to get back.