Working & Chemo

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Lisa1970
Lisa1970 Member Posts: 47
edited June 2014 in Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment

Hi All,  I will bestarting my chemo (TCH) next Thursday 05/14 and have been informed by my work that in order to keep my insurance, I will need to maintain atleast 30 hr.so f work per week.  I understand that everyone is different with chemo., just wondering what you were/are on for tx and how are your managing...

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  • kaitig
    kaitig Member Posts: 21
    edited May 2009

    I just finished TC a month ago.  Infusions on every 3rd Monday.  I took off the afternoon of treatment, and went home early on Thursday..... and sometimes took friday off (just really fatigued).  The other two weeks were fine.  Hang in there.

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  • deb6563
    deb6563 Member Posts: 179
    edited May 2009

    They cannot require you to work if you are unable.  That is against the law.  As long as you can cover your part of the insurance premiums, you cannot loose your insurance.  If they pay 100% of the premium, they still cannot require you to work when  unable. 

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  • cyalata
    cyalata Member Posts: 19
    edited May 2009

    I just finished TCH on 4/22/09, every 3 weeks x 6.  I only missed the day of my treatment but cut my hours to 5-6 hrs a day because I was tired & my job is flexible.  If I had to, I would have been able to stay longer.  Don't listen to all the horror stories, everyone is different.  I felt fine through all my treatments just a little more tired toward the end.  I hope it's as easy for you.  I think a good attitude helps alot.  Good luck!

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  • junie
    junie Member Posts: 1,216
    edited May 2009

    I had A/C chemo.   Tx on Thurs, took Fridays off and was able to work on Monday.   The fatigue was my worst side affect, but was fortunate to be able to cut hours to work around that.   A lot depends on what type of job you have.   When my blood counts were at their lowest, I wouldn't schedule meetings and asked anyone who had a cold to call me and stay out of my office.   And, my dr filled out a form for me to get a temp handicap parking sticker.   That let me park next to our building (otherwise a mile+ walk from employee parking lot to my office--that really helped.   During rads, I was able to work from home part-time,   Best wishes on your journey!

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  • Bethie1
    Bethie1 Member Posts: 393
    edited May 2009

    Hey Lisa!! I'm surprised to hear that you have to work through this in order to keep your insurance.  You must be in private industry, but despite that; you should not have to work if you aren't able to.  I'm very fortunate I'm in state employment. I was out 5 1/2 weeks, and fortunately have been able to work with taking time for my chemo appts.  Best wishes for a relaxing recovery

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  • HensonChi
    HensonChi Member Posts: 357
    edited May 2009

    Hi I had TCH on Tuesdays and took the following 3 days off.  The problem was more the Neulasta shots than anything else....i was miserable!

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  • cathy50
    cathy50 Member Posts: 46
    edited May 2009

    At work i took out LTD so i worked when i felt good. It's been a year now and still on LTD.

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  • suez219
    suez219 Member Posts: 5
    edited May 2009

    Hi Lisa-

    I live in NY and am a teacher.  I would go on line a check out the Family Leave Medical Act.  I'm not sure if your employer can legally dictate how many hours you have to work.  The chemo you described is easier to tolerate than Adriomycin, which I was on 1st.  I'm on Taxol now and its better but it is not day at the beach!  If you were on Adriomycin (spelling ?) you would be bald, depleted and feeling like you have the flu during the 1st days.  Is this a sweeping rule they made for all chemo's?  You need to investigage fed, state and your insurace company to get yourself informed before you take their word.  Their priorities are not your priorities.  Maybe you could afford COBRA for a few months,  Knowledge is power.  Start investigating.  

    Best wishes and good luck

    Susan

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