Teacher

MT_Girl

I have been teaching fulltime- 6th gr science in a middle school. I was diagnosed HER2 Oct.31, 2011, had right side masectomy & 21 lymph glands right arm removed Nov.17, 2011. Returned to work fulltime Aug.25, 2012 chemo. 2 months midway through chemo. 3 months after chemo I had reconstruction. 4 wks later back to work. Got sick and had to be down another 2 wks.  Long haul but my daughter was in my class this year so I had big motivation.

Every bit of energy revolves around the job & the rest of the time I rest.  I can't see working fulltime next year but don't know how we'd survive on half a paycheck. I am 51. If I retire early my monthly allowance is something like $350 a month. I am a single mom now. I don't feel disabled but there are times when I am. I couldn't do the emergency evacuation practice with my class, a para did it for me. I am susceptible to heat stroke so 30 min recess duty on the blacktop in the sun is not good for me. I use the elevator instead of the stairs. I use to spin many plates at once. I always did above and beyond the requirements & now I am being measured against my overachieving self and am falling short.

How do I create a quality life for us? I am a survivor but what is practical for me to thrive?

Denise-G

MT Girl - I was diagnosed in October 2011 also - Stage 3 Her 2 + 14 nodes...you know the drill.

I was feeling much like you, plus I have severe Lymphedema, and just felt terrible.  My Lymphedema

Specialist talked me into going into a Cancer Rehab program that had just begun at my local hospital.It is the STAR PROGRAM created by a Harvard educator/doctor - female who had BC at age 38 and a year later still felt like crap.

It is physical therapy based.  I really didn't want to do it, but my insurance said they would pay for 20 sessions.

Well, I have only done 3 sessions and I cannot believe the improvement in me - stronger, feeling better, I can move my arm which was about frozen after Rads...

I planted 3 flats of flowers today.  I couldn't have done that even 2 weeks ago.  This stuff is helping! 

MT_Girl

Denise- Thank you!! I was just feeling decent a week ago. I went shopping for myself on a Saturday, the first time in way too long. Then few days later got heat stroke & just didn't recover. I am always fatigued but after the heat I was back to exhausted & plugging along on sheer will power. I went to doc & ended up in ER. Every test known to man seems to be the protocol. Low sodium! Put me on saline IV and I am nearly back to where I was. The experience has shaken me.  I will ask for PT. Thank you!!! MT_Girl

gardengypsy

Bumping.

I've read that teachers are in the top 3 professions at risk for BC.

I am wondering if I can go back to school. It's been a rough road.

Thoughts from any teachers out there?

exbrnxgrl

Very old thread! I am an elementary school teacher. Save for a 3 1/2 month medical leave, I have continued to work, even at stage IV. I adore teaching. It is a calling for me and brings me tremendous satisfaction and happiness. For me, that's the best medicine so I intend to keep working until it becomes impossible