How long were you off work after treatment?

I was only off work about 6 weeks after bilat mastectomies.  But I am part-time and wasn't getting paid while being off, by anyone.  So I guess I can't really tell you how insurance would have treated me.  I thank God for the insurance coverage we have, but then of course, we all pay quite a big amount each year for it.  Best regards --

I was off for 2 wks. after my bmx. Took my chemo days off and an occasional extra day. Took an extra week off at Christmas following rads (which ended at Thanksgiving). Otherwise, I worked throughout.

I was working 1/2 time and taking care of my little kids before my diagnosis.  I was off work for a week and a half after my BMX, then during chemo I worked one 1/2 day every two weeks, really light stuff.  My counts were too bad to do my usual job even if I'd felt better, but I felt awful.  Two weeks after chemo ended, I went back to my 1/2 time work and 1/2 time kids, except that I missed basically 1/2 hour every morning for radiation.  As soon as radiation was over, I was doing all of my 1/2 time job again.  Now it's really clear to me that I did not realize quite how bad I felt during treatment and how hard it was to do my job well.  I finished radiation last December and didn't really feel good until maybe 2-3 months ago.  I know someone who had a lumpectomy, but otherwise similar treatment to what I had, and missed something like three days of work total throughout the whole thing, never felt bad at all.  Certainly seems like there's a wide range.

I am not stage III, but I have to comment on this post.  I can not believe the insurance company is just cutting you off.  Please tell me how an insurance company can decide if you are healthy enough to return to work.  You have no idea how this infuriates me.  Insurance companies run the medical field, they determine what tests are necessary, how long you stay in the hospital, etc, and apparently now they determine when you are cured.  Sorry for the rant, this type of crap drives me crazy.

 By the way, guess what I do for a living.  I am an insurance agent (lol).  Only write home, auto, business and life.  I would not sell medical insurance if I was starving.  I don't agree with the way this country allows insurance companies to dictate what procedures are medically necessary. Five minutes before I was wheeled into surgery, my BS asked me if I wanted him to remove tissue from my left breast, so that they would match after the lumpectomy.  He said the right would be significantly smaller when he removed the cancer and surrounding tissue.  Of course, I said yes.  I have since gotten a bill from the hospital, the insurance company denied payment, "not medical necessary"

I worked full time through active treatment except for two days (plus weekend) after surgery. At the time, I thought I'd be more stressed if I make too many changes. So except for doctor appointments, I had my normal routine. Thinking back, I should have taken a couple of more days off just to relax and goof off.   Listen to your body.  Do what's right for you. Take care.

I was off six weeks post-treatment.  Insurance sent me a form and my GP filled in stating I was recovering from SEs of chemo and radiation and would be fit to go back in six weeks.  Try calling the insurance company and asking for a similar form as they all have them.  I am with Great West Life. 

singlemom1 - I worked throughout radiation.  I didn't have lots of energy, but made it through the day ok.  But I have a desk job.  Some days I would leave after 5-6 hours instead of 8.  Just listened to my body each day.  Since you have a long commute and a great employer, I would plan on a reduced day at least one-two weeks in.  That way you won't have to drive home once you're already super tired.  And I have two older kids, so you still have to enjoy your evenings with your 5 year old.  If you can swing it, maybe consider half days, so you won't be wiped out at night with your child.  Just something to consider!  Good luck to you with your radiation.  It's very doable.

Kathy

I finished chemo a year ago and radiation 11/10 and I'm still on long term disability.  They just ask for my medical records about every 3 months.  Even this far out I'm not able to go back to work because of residual pain and fatigue, that are not resolving.