Working while in treatment?

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4thefather
4thefather Member Posts: 187
edited June 2014 in Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment

I am an at-home medical transcriptionist, and I have worked a lot less since my diagnosis, surgery and treatment. I am, however, wondering if working at all is a good idea. I have trouble with concentration and forgetfulness, not a good combination for work. I just worked on a 4-minute report and then, thinking it was a different report after going away from it for a minute, closed it. I will not get credit for my work on that report. It is just plain mental confusion. I have had trouble with not paying bills or paying the same bill twice. It is tough. For those of you who worked before all of this, did you keep working, take a leave, or what did you do?

Cathie

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  • Kinclan
    Kinclan Member Posts: 24
    edited September 2008

    I kept working, but less hours.  I would find I would get tired and had to nap. My boss was GREAT about whatever I could work and I work very close to home.  You should stop when you are not feeling well.  Many people told me to just listen to my body.  I found work was a good distraction from the whole cancer picture.  I had trouble with concentration and forgetfullness, so I would write notes to myself.

    Cathy

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  • 4thefather
    4thefather Member Posts: 187
    edited September 2008

    The trouble with the field that I am in is that you have to be very accurate with the medical reports. I don't feel up to par, and I am very good at what I do.

    Cathie

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  • vision4utoo
    vision4utoo Member Posts: 138
    edited September 2008

    I am working through chemo and have had similiar problems - I make notes and everyone in my office has ben helpful and understand I am not at usual pace.

     With working at home - I would find that more difficult as there isn't anyone to keep me mentally stimulated and help pull my focus back.  I catch myself at home wandering much more and reminding myself what I am doing after a long pause in the kitchen to try to recall where I was headed.  The kids think it's funny (in a nice humorous way) and remind me as well.  I only experience this the first week after chemo - after that it is much less noticable.

    Take care of you!

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