Working through your TN Treatments

NewToThisStuff

Hi All,

I was recently diagnosed with TN IDC on 12/07/2017, the tumor was last measured at 1.3 cm after being aspirated twice on my left breast on 12/4/2017. They tell me I'm at Stage 1B, grade 3 as a preliminary diagnosis. I first noticed a lump on my breast on 11/18/2017 and immediately made an appointment to get it checked out. An ultrasound, mammogram, needle biopsy and then core tissue biopsy later, I was diagnosed. I was in complete shock and then the fear, anxiety, stress, panic came on. Needless to say, after much prayer I'm doing a little better now but have my moments daily. I am 36 years old, married and have two children, Isabelle 10 yrs, and Noah 5 yrs. I just started a new job, which I love on October 9th and then get hit with this horrifying news. I have a meeting with a team of doctors this Friday to discuss my treatment options but already spoke to my nurse practitioner coordinator about my potential choices. She said this was very preliminary and that the doctors would go into more detail with me on Friday. She did said that I would need a lumpectomy, lymph node test, chemotherapy and possibly radiation if my lymph node tests come back positive. I am scared about what is to come but accepting that I need to get through this to get better and be there for my family.

Any who, I wanted to ask those of you that have gone through this if you were able to work through treatment? My employer is allowing me to work from home for as long as I need to. I don't have enough vacation or sick time stocked up and although I am covered by the state of California for 55% of my income, I am not at this point guaranteed a job once I complete treatment. Besides the job security, I actually WANT to work. I want to try and keep life as normal as possible as a coping mechanism for myself and my family. What was your experience like through the lumpectomy? mastectomy? and chemo as far as work/life balance?

My line of work is office type and all I need is a laptop and office, which I have at home. I was thinking I can do blood work on Thursdays, Chemo on Friday evenings and work from home on Mondays if needed. Thoughts?

Italychick

I worked through all of chemo. Because of the steroids they usually give you, I found a Wednesday or Thursday infusion was better. The steroids kept me going and then I had the weekend for more downtime. Plus, if you have any reactions, better to have them during a normal work week instead of over the weekend when most doctors are off. I was able to go into the office but worked from home following infusions on Thursday and Friday. I actually even brought my laptop and worked during the infusions too.

I had a Lumpectomy and other than being sore, it didn’t inhibit my ability to work at all

My advice - stay as active as you can and do everything as normal as you can. It helped me the most to do normal things.

NewToThisStuff

Thank you @Italychick. Was your first chemo worst or were they all the same? Also, I noticed that your signature stated youfinished treatment on 2/17/16... did you have additional chemo?

Italychick

I had Herceptin as well as chemo, and the Herceptin ended in February of 2017. They were pretty much all the same, except more gastrointestinal issues around round 4.

Libber

I did work through chemo. Actually took my computer and work materials with me on chemo day. With that said I did take some breaks when needed to allow my body to rest. Took days off for surgery. Radiation-worked through that with a break to go to treatment.

With that said. I work from a home office and have to travel. I did limit travel through treatment as best that I could. I had a few major meetings when I had to be “ON” and my wonderful husband went with me to help with travel stress and heavy lifting

NewToThisStuff

Wow! Thanks for the info. This is all giving me great hope at also being able to work and keep life as normal as possible.

NinjaMeow

I was diagnosed at 40 with 2 very young boys and a full time job. I worked throughout the entire treatment regimen and surgeries. I love my job and for me keeping in a schedule and routine helped my sanity immensely. I usually work from home part time but during treatment was home full time. It is totally manageable and duoble if your employee is willing to work with you. I had a bi-lateral and ended up with 3 surgerie. Hope this helps

yellowdoglady

I worked through 18 weeks (6 rounds) of chemo and 7 weeks of daily radiation. Took a day off here and there when needed. It's doable. Just try to avoid crowds during chemo, so you don't pick up other peoples' illnesses while you're without a proper immune system.