How long to recover?

mummommama

Hello fellow survivors.

I completed radiation September 17th, 2013. I did not have chemo but am taking tamoxifen and had a complete mastectomy. I'm getting some pressure to go back to work (a high demand job that uses lots of brain power and multitasking), but I just don't feel up to it.

What have you all experienced as the "recovery time" before going back to work? I'm wondering if I should just push on through like a marathoner or rest more and avoid a big fatigue relapse. I have considered going back part time, but honestly, I only think i could handle 1/4 time, if that.

Any suggestions? Thank you

SophiaMarie

I will be done tomorrow, and like you didn't do chemo. Do you exercise? I've noticed that if I do about 45 mins of moderate exercise in the morning, I feel much more "normal" during the day. This really helps the fatigue too. Not sure if it's the cure for what you're dealing with, but I can really tell the difference! Would they let you start back slowly?

BrooksideVT

I made a huge, huge mistake going back to work one month after finishing radiation.  If you can stay out longer, please do.  It is not unusual to have the post rads funk for months.  Your body has been clobbered (that's body, mind, and spirit) and it might just need  more time than generally expected to heal.

mummommama

Thanks for the feedback. It helps to hear lots of stories. As it turns out, my insurance has booted me off and is claiming my cancer was a pre-existing condition because I got my mammogram during the first 90 days on the job. Of course no treatment until after the 90 days, but they're being sticklers for this.

I have to go back to work because I can't afford to be off without the disability insurance. I've been half joking that I will go back in my pajamas and unwashed hair, but I will be there since that's what the circumstances demand. I may put on real clothes, but I'm probably not up to the hair fixing/makeup routine yet. I'll take my time on that. My small act of defiance.

christina0001

Everyone is different. Age and other health conditions you have also come into play. By the time I got through rads I was 33, no other health conditions.

Having said that, I worked full time all through rads with no problem. My energy level was fine. I did have some depression after my mastectomy, which can certainly sap your energy. I think sofiamarie's suggestion to try to exercise every day is a good one. That's a great way to start building your energy and endurance back up.

GrammyR

Mummo - I completed Rads Sept  26 .It took about 4 weeks for some of my energy to return. I am 66 so work not an issue luckily. But 7 years ago  I went back  to work in 6 weeks after m first chemo. Your insurance situation is one of the types of cases ObamaCare is supposed to help. They cannot deny d/t pre- existing disease. You must fight the ins company in writing or ask your Dr to write a letter for you and you mail it in. Only other option is to get on Medicaid in your State. Call your local Social Security office.So sorry work is giving you the ultimatum. Hang in there.

mummommama

Thanks again Ladies. Exercising is helping. I'm 49 and I think depression may be part of my energy drain, too. I live in Canada - can you believe it? The private insurance (a supplement to the one the government provides) is the one thats claiming pre-existing condition. Such a shock as I never expected to have that sort of problem here. And it wasn't that I had active cancer treatment when I started working there, it was just that i found a lump and had a mammogram before I worked there for 90 days (which found cancer in the opposite breast, but they don't really care).

It will all be okay. One think this cancer journey has taught me is to not freak out over things I can't control. So that's a big improvement!

LizA17

I thought pre-existing conditions didn't matter anymore??

mummommama

The ACA in the US has made them not matter anymore. A very humane way to approach health care. In Canada, my surgeries and treatments are all covered under the single payer system, but my disability insurance (purchased through my employer), is private and separate.

And they suck just as much as the US insurance companies did before the ACA was enacted. No heart, no soul, die for all they care.

13kkan

I went back to work part time during the latter part of my chemo, (Taxol part). I too had a high demand job. I could not handle it. Slowly my tasks were being given to others. (I had a wonderful supervisor who knew how hard it was for me.) I was so tired and my brain was very foggy and I knew radiation was coming so I had to resign from my job. Hardest decision I have ever made. I loved my job. I need to focus on me now and getting better for my family. It's going to be hard with only one income now but my husband is very supportive and wants me well again. Please take the time you need to recover.

KKan

mummommama

Oh Kkan, I'm so sorry. I hope you are on your way to healing. You are so fortunate to have a supportive husband to help you through it.

I'm going back to work 1/2 time in December because I'm afraid I can't handle full time right off. Yesterday I had a pretty busy day and today I'm exhausted. I expect that's how it will be when I go back to work - that I'll need to rest during the 1/2 time I'm not there. Meanwhile working in some level of exercise each day seems to be helping. I'm fortunate that they will allow me to return part time and work my way back into full time (I hope soon!).