Any thoughts on night shift working after a BC diagnosis??

I'm a pharmacist and worked 21 of my 24 years since college on mostly second shift. I loved it b/c I'm an evening person. However, aside from the issues with circadian rhythm and the problems toomuch mentioned above, another side effect was lack of friends and support. The only people I had in my life were the colleagues that worked my hours with me (I've been in mail order pharmacy since 1996, prior to that I worked hospital and LTC). Friends from college are mostly midwest and back east as I went to college out that way - they were getting up when I was going to bed so impossible to talk with. I have had no local friends for the same reason - they're all on "normal" shifts and I'd lose too much sleep getting up to do things. I also work weekends and holidays and so again, can't spend it with people. And that lack of support really impacted me when I got diagnosed.

I have worked first and third shifts also, and it's the rotation that's the worst. I actually went to a sleep psychiatrist last May to treat lifelong insomnia (cured in 3 weeks, no meds), and he said best thing is to get on one shift and stay on it.....even when you're not working. So if you're on nights, no flipping to days when you're off. With having cancer, I will never go back to anything other than what I'm working now which is mid shift 10-6/11-7.

Mommaof4 you have posed a very good question. I am interested in hearing what others have to say about the subject. I am a nurse in a hosptial and work 3rd shift. I am a house supervisor. I have worked this shift for 14 years and am still at it. I do usually work my 3 12 hour shift in a row. There have been at least 8 of us dx with bc over the past 14 yrs but not all of us has worked night shift

I work as a Cat Scan Tech at a local hospital, 3rd shift. I've been doing it for almost 7 years. It was never my choice to work 3rd but that is what was available at the time. The department in which I work tends to have longtime employees. One woman has been there for 30 years. So, needless to say, it will be hard to get on a different shift. I want to desperately. I've never adjusted to the whacked hours. And I suppose I partially blame the bc in it. I have read that working off shifts increases risk.



I had my exchange surgery last week and I'm doing well. Start back to work on Monday after 10 days off. I'll be doing a week of day shift (doc gave me lifting restrictions) then it's back to nights. I hope for the day when I can get off nights. Most importantly I hope for a cure!



Be well.

I am retiring so that I can sleep normal hours -- and do other things I need to do to take care of me. Even though I will barely have enough money to survive, I feel like an enormous burden is being lifted off me. Sitting at work I imagine cancer cells getting together and planning on retaking my body. Ugh! Don't need that crap! I will make do with less. I will find a part time job to supplement my meager pension. It's going to be so much better than staying here.

I work 12hr nights as an RN. It just feels so right for me. I would rather stay up all night than have to get up in the morning. I also do sleep deprivation better than anyone I know. If I have to get up & do something it's not a problem. I'm working only 2 12hr nift shifts per week right now. I think it has to do more with apathy(aquired since BC dx) than not being physically able. I'm getting by........................the more you make, the more they take..................

Don't do it unless you absolutely have to.  I used to work overnight because my customers were in Japan.  After my procedure, I was released to return to work.  My supervisor refused to change my schedule, until I got very loud and ignorant about it.  Had I continued my schedule, I would have been dismissed.  Working overnight is like running a marathon.  That is something you cannot do unless you have the endurance of a 21 year old girl.