Getting back to work

Noone really knows if stress causes breast cancer or recurrence. Thats all up in the air.

I think if you enjoy your job, you should do it. I really don't think there is any job that doesnt come with some stress once in a while.

I think after all this, treatment ect, its how we handle the stress. I know after BC, I handle my stress better/different than pre BC.

I also did not work while I was going through treatment. I was actually a stay at home mom, and still am. I just had my exchange surgery and will be having an ooph probably in the next 3-6 months, so Im waiting to finish all this before going back to work.

One thing I know is Im not ready for full time hours. I want to go back 2-3 days a week first to see how I do. I havent worked since Sep 2005.

Seuli....

I do consulting work so if I don't work, I don't have income.  I do have savings, but the less I use, the better.  Plus if I take myself out of the consulting gigs, I will lose all the goodwill I have built up over the years.  So I have continued to work.  But certainly not full time.  Enough though, to pay for most of my expenses and, importantly, stay in the game.

My identity is greatly tied up with my work and in making a positive contribution.  So very important to me that I have been able to do major studies even if not feeling in top form.  Working is not an option for me from a mental challenge standpoint.  And yes, it was stressful the evening I spent with my client when I really wasn't feeling well, but needed to finalize a presentation she was delivering the next day.  I was tired to the point I was shaking when I finally could lie down, but the presentation was a home run!

Back to your question:

There are all sorts of venues where you can work as an Investment Advisor, and my take would be to find the right one.  Major defection in the industry from the large global firms to boutique ones who are in closer touch with their clients.  One of the advisors I use has just gone this route.

So I would see this as a case of finding the right 'fit' in terms of your own values and priorities.  There might even be a niche in advising families with a member undergoing a serious disability and how to best manage funds/work to see them through this period.

I think too that you have to think of periods of stress as being part of the territory.  This is different than ongoing aggravation from a no-win situation.  I have been there too. In fact, a certain amount of stress is energizing and keeps us focused.

I certainly don't want to be one of those who is walking around with no real purpose in life such as a family member who has unfortunately achieved his life's goal of "retiring and doing nothing". 

So my take is that meaningful work is an invaluable part of a full recovery. - Claire

Stress in itself is neither good nor bad...it is how we handle the stress that is important...if it fuels us it is good...if it makes us sick, then it is not good.  I worked during Tx, but the job turned toxic after I was done Tx....and after 15+ years in the same school as a school psychologist I had not choice but to leave...the job was making me sick (the people I worked for were toxic...I loved the kids) and I would cry on Sunday dreading going to work...I was loosing weight and just miserable....it was a hard decision and a financial cut, but it was either money or my health....I am now working for a different school district part-time and it is a much better situation...I enjoy what I do and who I work for....SO.....long winded answer....even if your job is stressful, if you enjoy your job and are happy, then I say its good...you can always go back to your job and see how it goes...if you don't like it then you can look for something else.  Good luck in figure it all out.

I haven't returned to work yet either.  I finished chemo in June 2009 and rads in August 2009.  The way I looked at it was I spent the last 8 months going through crap and fighting cancer, so why can't I have the next 8 months getting over the fatigue, clearing my mind and getting myself healthy?

I'm going back to work in April.  My job was very stressful and I had many hats to wear.  I used to work in the evenings, weekends and during my vacations!  Last month, I called my boss and told him that I am stepping down from my management position and just want to do something with customer service.  You know what?  It felt sooooo good telling him that.  There was a weight lifted off my shoulders.  I felt so much more at ease and now I'm kind of looking forward in going back.  Kind of.  I have gotten used to being home and so has my husband and my son.  I have from now until mid-April to win the lottery!