​Radiation, working, young children, and the holidays!?

Como7

I just had my lumpectomy for DCIS last week; pathology is not back yet. My oncologist is recommending radiation, I think it's partially due to my age (42) and of course, it's the standard of care. Because I am trying to solve every problem before it arrives, I want to try to figure out how I am going to 1) work full time (working 7.5 hours plus commuting 2.5 hours), 2) get my toddler to and from her babysitter, 3) prep for the holidays, and 4) do radiation. I'm adding up the hours in the day and just don't know how this is going to work. My husband is gone for 13 hours M-F and about 8 hours on Saturday and our parents do not live in our city (Chicago).

Am I being overdramatic in thinking that I should ask my HR department for a reduced work schedule or to work from home part-time? I'm nervous about how I will be affected by radiation, and not sure how I can even manage the sheer amount of time it takes to get to the hospital, have radiation, and get back to the office. I feel like I'm going to be running around like a crazy person. I'm concerned that if I ask for a reduced schedule, I'll be seen as someone who "can't keep it together" or a slacker. Part of me knows this is silly but I can't help but think it.

I'm not sure how I can have my "life" and radiation at the same time. For those of you who work full-time and have small children, how did you manage this?

Thanks!

Como7

ORknitter

Como, Sounds like you have lot going on. I can only speak for myself but I did a little bit of a decreased work week only when I needed it during rads. FMLA was very accommodating with regards to my personal needs. It sounds like you company will adjust to your schedule especially if you can work from home and not commute. I'm sure others will chime in with what has worked for them with small children, lots to juggle there. You are not a slacker at all, you have a huge adjustment to make that will take some time.

Lctbird

Hello!  I'm new to these boards, however I just started radiation and are 7 treatments in.  I have a 12 year old and my husband and I work full time.  So far so good.  My skin is just barely pink.  I'm getting 16 tx whole breast, 5 of boost, will be done 11/24.  I'm the only person available to do my job and I really love it.  So if I went out on leave there would be no one to cover for me.  My boss is very understanding.  I may leave early in the afternoon sometimes if I get too tired.  I'm getting a little tired today but not sure if it's the rads or not.  I'm not cooking for thanksgiving.  I plan on making a pie to freeze this weekend and may just order a pre-made meal, not having anyone over.  Just a quiet house.  I planned ahead a while back just after I was dx and planning lumpectomy.  I cooked some meals and froze to eat later.  My son and husband help with the housework but we are prepared to hire someone just to get the floors mopped once a week, maybe a friend might want to make a few bucks or just help for free.  I have learned that when someone says "let me know what you need"  they mean it.  Ask!  People love to help others.  Especially since the C word is involved (cancer).  Good luck to you

SpecialK

como - I did not have radiation, but have had a number of friends that have.  One friend who had a lumpectomy, was single and 70 at diagnosis, and worked full time in a demanding job, asked for and received Canadian protocol rads - which is a shorter course of radiation, usually 3 weeks.  This might be a possibility for you.  She asked for the last appointment of the day so that she could arrive and receive her rads, then leave and go home.  She continued to work full time and had no issues other than some pinkness of her skin.  Another friend, with a different type of cancer, had the first appointment of the day so that she could go to work after.  Once you have your planning sim and mold made (or whatever method your center uses) the actual daily appointments are pretty quick, other than the additional once a week appointment with the RO.

Moderators

Hi Lct-

Welcome to the community, and thank you so much for sharing your experiences with rads thus far! Your advice is very helpful, and it sounds like your family has really come together to help as you work through treatment. We're glad to have you here!

The Mods