Newly Diagnosed! Need tips!

hdangelbaby

Hi! I just got diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. Very recently actually. I was diagnosed 10/14/2010. I had a lumpectomy with axillary node dissection on 10/18. I'm going to my follow up tomorrow to get the drain and stitches removed. I know what's next. Chemo and radiation. I work at a retailer which is high stress, and someone always gets sick. Never fails. I am considering taking a leave (paid disability) while I am on chemo, mainly to stay away from the public and their germs, and the high stress my job requires. I think this is a good idea, but some friends think it will make me sad and depressed. I know there will be good days and bad days, but i don't want to worry about having to "call in" or adding to the stress of my co workers on the days i can't come in. with a leave of absence, they will find someone to work my spot till i come back then i can have my position again. What do you all think? I have had to make so many decisions in such  a small amount of time. also, how soon do they usually start chemo after surgery?? thank you for replies. I am so happy to have found this support group!--Angel

chrissyb

Hi Angel, you sound like a very together girl.  As far as taking time off for your chemo, it will depend how you cope with the treatment.  Everyone is different in how they react to the drugs.  One person will feel terrible all the way through and others just for a day or two.  My suggestion would be to perhaps have a week off for your first treatment and then if you find you can't  cope with work you still have the option of taking full sick leave for the rest of your treatments.  My understanding of time between surgery and chemo can differ but the norm is usually a of weeks so that you can begin to heal.  Goodluck.

Peace, strength, love n hugs.  chrissyb

Karen09

I took a leave of absence (disability) for 11 months when I was having treatment.  For me it was good.  I don't know how others work full time and get through everything.  I probably could have worked part time no problem but being off completely gave me time to focus on getting better plus I avoided all the germs and bugs and things.  At times, I did feel a bit secluded and down.  I live alone but took in a stray cat which was a great comfort and great company to me, especially while I was off work.  If you do take the disability, I would recommend keeping busy, doing little projects around your home, watch movies, go for walks when you can, have people visit. I was more than ready to get back out there when my 11 months were over.  Good luck!  I'm sure you will do well. 

shiramg

i take short term disability.  i will take off for chemo + 5 days then come back to work.

Alyad

I worked all through chemo, but took a week or so off after each round. Now in retrospect I wished I had taken disability for 6 months as I felt pretty beaten down long term - I don't know if not working would have made much of a difference. I think I felt compelled to try to be a good employee, tho my job was not that high stress and did not expose me to too many germs. I got laid off 3 months after finishing radiation, so that may cloud my opinion.  I was thankful to be laid off for other reasons, but I think the extra 1000 bucks or so I made working vs taking disability wasn't really worth it.

MelBell07

I had my surgery on 3/18 and started chemo on 4/22, so about a month in between was the time frame for me. I stopped working on 3/17 and didn't go back to work until 9/1, when I started radiation. I was happy I took the time off from work...Yes, there were good days and bad days, but I tried to keep busy if I wasn't sleeping. I went on FMLA, and they had someone hold my position too. It all worked out. Good luck to you!!