Surgery, Treatment and Work

adgnola

I met with my doctor today and confirmed my diagnosis and we are establishing the treatment plan. I'm looking at a double mastectomy with DIEP reconstruction followed by 12 weeks of chemo (I think?) and then hormone therapy.

I'm feeling strong about the cancer, butI'm feeling anxious and worried about my job. I do have FMLA paper work being submitted but I have a lot invested in this job (over 20 years), not to mention it brings home necessary income. How do you manage all of this? How soon were you able to get back to work following surgery (I sit at a computer primarily)? Did you have to miss a lot of work for chemo? I would love to hear how some of you handle this aspect of life with cancer.

illimae

Well, I went straight to the finish line with a stage IV diagnosis from the beginning but I was pleasantly surprised by how tolerable chemo was. During the 5 months, I only missed the actual day of my infusion and worked all other days. I did miss about 5 weeks after surgery because my body kept producing fluid, which prevented my drain from being removed sooner (FYI, drains suck!). I finally got back to work but left early each day for 6 weeks of radiation. Once everything was done, I was back full time and I felt well enough to handle the stress and workload, however, now that MBC has spread to my brain, I feel I can’t keep the pace and must retire. Best of luck 😀

edwards750

I went the opposite direction. I was working the night shift 3 nights a week. Work was intense but paid well. Travel time to and from work was long which didn't help and not in the best part of town

When I was DX I took off for the surgery initially and then DH and I ran the numbers and decided I would take early retirement. Radiation was not bad at all- 33 treatments. Fatigue halfway through.

I know women who continued to work with minimal interruption in their work schedule but everyone is different. You should do what’s best for you and don’t overdo. My company told me I could come back anytime but I chose not to and that’s worked out with babysitting my 2 year old grandsons among other things. I stay pretty busy with church and club activities.

Sorry illimae - that really sucks.

Diane

Lula73

Are you having your DIEP at The Center for Restorative Breast Surgery on St Charles St? They are absolutely THE BEST. Let me know if you have any questions! If you’re behind a computer at a desk I would say you could Iikely go back to work at 4-6 weeks barring any complications. Would your job let you work from home since it’s primarily computer work? If so you likely could definitely go back at 4 weeks working from the recliner. I can’t comment on the chemo but I know others will continue to chime in.

vlnrph

I took 4 months off since working from home was not an option. A pharmacist needs to be at the counter, so to speak, or the shop cannot operate. Protecting myself from exposure to sick people was also a concern.

The original plan was for 4-6 weeks FMLA leave following surgery but then chemo was required so it ended up being the entire summer. I used vacation/paid time off days interspersed throughout in order to keep up with payroll deductions for insurance.

I went back resuming my previous 60% schedule but then took early retirement a year and a half later partly due to the commute along with short staffing and unpleasant personnel conflicts. It was no longer a nice place...

edwards750

vinrph - I did something similar. My job was stressful and a long commute and it was late shift work. The pay was good and while the job demanded concentration for very detailed work I did like my job. My issues were with the people too so I took early retirement too. So glad I did.

Diane

adgnola

Thanks for all the feedback ladies. I like the early retirement idea! I had actually mapped out a 5 year plan just before I was diagnosed. I work for a private university which provides a tuition waiver for my son as a benefit. After 25 years of service I can leave the university and he will keep the waiver, so I had mapped out a 5 year plan to pay off debt and prepare for an early retirement. I have 4.5 more years to go! I am hoping I can keep up my 5 year plan despite this diagnosis.

Runrcrb

adgnola - my mastectomy was single with tissue expander placed at the time. I went back to my desk job after 6 weeks and appreciated the 6. After DIEP (again, single) I went back at 5 weeks.

During chemo I took off on chemo days and no other time. I went to bed early many nights but typically only felt crappy on day 4 and 5. Depends on your reaction to chemos that you will get. I worked through radiation too, being able to schedule it at the end of the day.

I did some level of exercise (run, walk, swim) most days.