Did you work during Radiation?

octogirl

Katja, for what it is worth I was never advised to, nor did I ever use, cornstarch. In fact, I don't recall it ever being mentioned on the rads thread I was on...(though it could be my brain fog...)...I could see the benefit of it in keeping the area dry, but I really don't think it is absolutely necessary. Ask your RO about it, and about alternatives. you might want to check on one of the radiation threads that is more recent (some recent answers, but this is an old thread...)

I worked through radiation. I did the three week version. Over six weeks it would have gotten tedious. This, and the fact that the closest place to have it done was a 40 minute drive from me, and not near work, was the reason I asked for the three week version. RO consulted with his Stanford affiliated board, and they gave the green light. Even at only three weeks, it was a good excuse to buy a new car :-) Seriously, I think working during rads is quite doable IF, and I stress IF, you don't have a very physical job (mine is mostly desk based) and if you have flexibility. Appointments sometimes went long, or were changed around, and while they tried to do them at the same time each day, it wasn't always possible...

Octogirl

Marmx1105

Hi I was diagnosed in July, 2016. I had a surgery in August. I start radiation in a couple weeks. I'm scared and concerned how it's going to affect me and should I ask for accommodations via FMLA at work, I'm a full time 911 Operator/police dispatcher/Single parent. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

jenco60

I am working full time through rads and it has become unbearable under my arm and breast. I have tried numerous products: pure aloe, pure coconut oil, pure lanolin. It hurts, burns and itches. I am stopping radiation after 20 sessions. I am done. Sorry if this offends but everyone should know this HURTS!! It is not getting better, it is getting worse.

ChiSandy

It will continue to get worse for a week or two after stopping, then suddenly and dramatically reverse.

muska

Lucky, I am not surprised to hear what you say. It was very similar for me: rads drained me emotionally and psychologically more than 6+ months of chemo. I managed to continue working through rads only because the facility was 15 min from work and I was scheduled last patient each day which was after 5PM, so I could go home and rest.

Toad

I worked about 60 hours a week through radiation. I had radiation during a period when I could have taken off - and would have if I had needed to. I had no fatigue, and no skin damage, so I didn't feel any need to take time off.

Cherilynn

I am about to possibly start rads, and will know in 5 days. I am an elementary special education teacher and will have a 30 minute drive to and from rads. I too have used up 10 days with surgery. I have 20 days left, due to having 2 unrelated surgeries last year. I'm hoping I can work at least half days toward week four, but if I can't, I will use what I have left. I too have STD and LTD and I am using STD now. Sine I work with some kids with behavior issues, it can be very stressful. I also have fibromyalgia and am already tired when I'm stressed, so I sleep more than some people on stressful days. I fear what I can't do more than the pain that may accompany radiation. I will also leave this stressful job as soon as possible, as I believe it compromises my quality of life. Thanks for all the good advice on what to wear. This is a great site I just happened upon.

I am not sure of rads since I have DCIS stage 0, grade 2, lumpectomy, very good margins with surgery. I will also go on endocrine therapy and fear the side effects of that too. I would like to know, since this is such a personal decision, if most people would consider a reacurrence rate of 7% over a 10 year period to be good or not with just endocrine therapy. With rads and Tomoxifen, it's predicted to be 3% or less. It's all such a gamble, but would like anyone's input. Thank you and good luck to all you survivors put there and those just starting the journey like me.