Working while going thru treatment
I was wondering how people have handled time off from work. I was planning on taking a medical leave while going thru chemo (starting in November), but people keep telling me about their friend or family member who was able to work thru all their treatment. I don't know yet what exact drugs I'll be getting, so maybe the side effects won't be as bad as I'm anticipating. but am I overreacting by wanting to take time off for this? any advice is appreciated!
Comments
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Yogagal, I don't know what kind of work you do, so it is hard to say whether you will need to take medical leave or not. I was able to work thru chemo but it was very part time. Fortunately my employer has been understanding and worked with my erratic schedule.
It is hard to say how you will react to chemo, some ladies get through it with very few side effects and others have a really rough go of it.
Hopefully others will stop by with some of their wisdom.
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thanks Bren58. I work in a corporate office, so lots of meetings and sitting at a desk. A good week I'm here 50 hours, some weeks it's more like 60. It's not physically demanding, but it can be stressful. But maybe a part time schedule could be worked out.
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I worked full time. I'm an RN but I do marketing to physicians. I had dose dense (every 2 weeks) AC then T. Chemo on wed. Took off thurs and Friday and back to work Monday. I could have worked on Thursdays-felt fine then.
With my second breast cancer, I've also worked full time. Carboplatin and taxotere. Chemo every 3 weeks on Thursdsy. I work Friday and take off the Monday after chemo. Tired lots but workable. I have wonderful co workers and love my job. -
I had 4 AC every 3 weeks and 12 taxol. I was able to work through treatment. I am a bartender so it is a demanding job. There were days I didn't want to go in but I did. I worked a few less hours than usual and I would not work double shifts. I pretty much slept and rested all other times. Don't do anything with time off until you know what you are getting for chemo and the schedule. We all can help you better once you know the drugs and the schedule. I remember being scared and thinking I was going to spend the next 6 months in the bathroom. That is not the case these days. They have great anti nausea meds and remedies for side effects. Chemo sucked but it was doable. Keep with these discussion boards, they were a life saver for me and others. Good luck to you.
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It is dependent on how you feel - I did not work because I worked in a lab with biohazardous materials, with the potential to be immuno-compromised, it was inadvisable for me. I also had 5 surgeries in the 14 weeks leading up to chemo, so I was a bit behind the eight ball energy-wise! Can you do intermittent FMLA at your job, so you just take off the days you are not feeling up to par?
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I did dose dense ac followed by dose dense taxol. I work retail mgt on feet all day. I worked 36 hrs chemo week and 40 hrs off week. For me it was very doable. I did apply for intermittent FMLA but never used it. I did not decide what to do until I got thru first tx to see how I would react to it. Good luck to you
Lisa -
Everybody reacts differently. I have a desk job and usually work 40-45 hours/week. I took intermittent FMLA and used a little. I had to take a day off for every chemo treatment (it takes hours) and then every treatment cycle I would have 4 days where I had ZERO energy. Two of those days fell over the weekend so I only needed to take off two days every three weeks. So it was very doable for me. The best advice I can give anyone is:
1. Take care of yourself during all this: eat well, make a point to get good sleep, stay hydrated
2. Listen to your body - enjoy the good days, take it easy on the rough ones - don't overdo it
3. Communicate with your oncology team. For example, I had a lot of stomach troubles (not nausea, it was pain) and it took a few changes in medication before my doctor found the right combo of drugs that gave me relief. This is not the time to "suck it up;" be honest and let your doctor know what is going on. There are so many things they can give you to control side effects.
Good luck to you!
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I had dd AC x 4 and dd Taxol x 6. I chose to leave my part-time child-welfare job, but continued to attend graduate school and work at the University part-time. I was grateful for the "routine" as well as the distraction. It was a challenge at times, and my brain didn't always function quite right, but it was doable. Everyone is different; sometimes you don't know until you're already in the middle of it. I encourage you to work towards some flexibility in your schedule, if possible, just in case you have a rough time, or you need some time off. Good luck!
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As mentioned, everyBODY is different.
I am currently doing taxotere + cytoxan 4 x every three weeks. I work at a bank and travel to meet customers. My job is not really demanding. I get chemo on Friday and can take Friday + Monday as vacation days. This Friday is my 3rd infusion. Friday's are great because you get two days to take it easy (that is unless you work on the weekends). This works for me because no one at my job knows that I am receiving chemo.
Not only do I work full time (at least 40 hours), I make soap + other skin + hair care. I also vend a few times a month, this is strenuous! I feel great most of the time bad days for me have been Saturday after the Neulasta shot, Sunday + Monday (after my 2nd infusion) and include slight body aches, headache + feeling off. After work I watch my active 5 year old granddaughter. The biggest challenge for me is sleeping . . . I don't get much (melatonin doesn't really work for me); however, once I'm up in the morning I feel OK.
I eat a lot of protein, drink at least a gallon of water daily, take vitamins (including a multi, iron, calcium, vitamin d + probiotics), pray, anoint myself, stay positive + take communion daily.
I also listen to my body to give it what it needs.
I possible, play it by ear. Hopefully, you don't need to take a family leave.
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Hi yoga gal and hugs to you.
I did 6 rounds of TC and am currently doing radiation. I have worked through treatment, although I applied for fmla just in case. I had my treatments every three weeks on Tuesday. I took off Tuesday, worked Wednesday, then worked from home on thurs and Friday because those days were the worst and I was able to take a nap during lunch time and saved the commute time. I found that working helped me feel normal and I believe that staying active made the treatments easier to handle. But, some caution. If you want to do this, you need to make sure you manage your side effects, especially nausea. I also had tremendous support from my dh. He is retired and he took care of me and our home. And finally, I have an executive job and was used to working 60 to 70 hours per week. I definitely had to cut back on the hours. Working is doable, but your health and well being is still number one priority.
Let us know how you are doing. We're in your corner whatever you decide to do. -
So glad you started this thread, yogagal. I also hope to work through my treatments and I don't know yet what chemo drugs I will be getting or the schedule. My meeting with the MO is on Monday and then I will know more. I am a professor, so the hours of class are pretty firm but the rest of the time I can flex around how I feel. Sounds like if I could arrange the treatments on Thursday afternoon then I could get through my Friday morning class and go home for the weekend.... At least that is what I am hoping for. As a contract professor, I don't have any sick leave so hoping I can manage with the help of supportive colleagues. Still debating whether to tell my students.....
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Yogagirl, I agree with the others here. I think it depends on the type of work you do and how YOU will feel during treatment. But even if you have more physical job, I don't think that necessarily means that you absolutely can't work. But please don't let others' stories of how their sister/best friend/cousin worked through chemo treatment make you feel like you have to do this, as well. Do what feels right for you and what makes sense for your situation.
I'm in a similar situation as you and here is what I'm planning to do about it, which is funny after I just told you to not pay attention to what others do (lol): I haven't started chemo yet--I will start in October. However, I have been off of work since August 26th because I had back to back surgeries. First a lumpectomy that showed my "situation" was much worse than originally thought followed by a mastectomy 2 weeks later. I'm planning to use my short-term disability benefit after my sick time runs out. I feel fine now, recovering from surgery nicely but I decided to get started with chemo and see how I feel. I want to get at least a couple of treatments under my belt to see that goes. I hear with chemo you often have good days and bad days depending on when your treatment day is and this can be individual for everyone.
So while I feel great for now and wouldn't mind working, I'm just resting up for the chemo portion. I can't go back to work-even for a short time- now that I have filed for disability because doing so would just start the process over for me.
Not sure if any of this helps but I understand your confusion about when/whether to return to work. Everything is confusing with this stupid disease, isn't it?
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I am working through my chemo (A/C 3 weeks apart then 12 T) and using my FMLA as needed which seems to be a couple of days ever 3 weeks. Other than that I can make it through the day.
Each person is different and you have to figure out what works for you. Don't be afraid to make your Onc change your treatments days if they aren't working out for you. I changed my days from Wed to Thursday. They assured me I'd be able to work on Thursdays. Not a chance. Then I would drag myself to work on Fridays. That was just stupid as far as I was concerned. Now I go for treatment on Thursdays and don't have to go to work until the following Monday. Works much better for me.
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Yogagirl,
I worked thru treatment, but have a job that is 30 very flexible hours and can work from home on the days I wish to. I manage a small non-profit. So the situation was all in all ideal. So when folks are impressed that I worked, I remnid them thatmy situation was different than most. I had treatment on Fridays and then would be low key during the weekend. If it was a day I was tired, I would work from home and perhaps nap for a bit during the day. Others are right, you need to decide what will work best for you. The benefit for me was keeping my mind on something other than cancer - that was the biggest benefit for me. I did herceptin/taxol for 12 weeks, surgery and then 4x3 weeks of the A/C.
it depends on your job, and the expectations. You will know what works for you.
Be well
Nel
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I am doing 4 rounds of cytoxan & taxotere. I have my treatments on Thursdays & take Friday off also. Seems like I will miss at least one more day each cycle. The gastro SE have been pretty nasty for me. I talked to my MO about doing 1/2 days & still might go that route. I am using intermittent fmla for now. Luckily I have very understanding boss & co-workers which makes decisions easier.
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This is something i been thinking about..have not even had my surgery yet..I live and work at the same place..work 5 days aweek husband is here also ..my job is in the office most of teh time and its the slow time of the year so do hope to be able to work to keep my mind going...hope to know tue on the surgery not sure on treatment yet i do know i am her2
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((hugs Edie))
Rest assured that your treatment team will come up with the best plan of action for you. You were diagnosed right around the same time I was so I can understand all the confusion! I am also her2+. Most likely you will be given the drug Herceptin for a year as a part of your treatment; it is what they call a targeted therapy that often works well on her2+ breast cancer. Have your doctors told you about this yet?
Hang in there and it will all work itself out, one step at a time!
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I taught through chemo (four rounds dose dense AC with Neulasta shots). I had infusions on Fridays, zonked out on the weekend, and was back to work Monday. I felt all hyped up (from the steriods), like a ADHD kid in serious need of meds, so if I would have been home, I would have been climbing the walls. I was also glad to work so I had to think about and deal with other things.....not just sit around and think about my crummy situation. That being said, everyone's body reacts differently, and some people really can not work. Unless you really don't want to work (and feeling that way is OK too), I would wait, see how it goes, and adjust accordingly.
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Hi ladies, I have recently applied for intermittent FMLA and will use my first day tomorrow. I just completed my 3rd dose dense AC today and so plan to stay home tomorrow (aside from going in to get my Nulasta and hydration fluids). My boss is very supportive of this and so I am grateful for that. Looking forward to starting weekly TH, I hear those side effects are better???
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I work as a restaurant manager 50 plus hours per week and on my feet alot. I did dd AC x4 and just finished treatment 3 of dd Taxol x4. So far I have been keeping up. I do the chemo early on Thursday and go right to work. Work on Friday and off Sat & Sun. Sat & Sun have been my "bad days" so it has worked out good like that. I often would come home from work and would go right to bed.
I did it this way because financially I needed to. The other benefit is that I don't have time to think about "poor little me". Or when I feel a little cruddy, I get so busy at work that I forget wbout it for a while. If I was at home, I would probably be feeling whiney.
From the start I planned to do it as I explained above, but I also knew that all I could really do was take it a day at a time and go from there.
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I guess I am one of the few who couldnt work. I did 6 TCH. I had a BMX in Dec of 2011. Six weeks later I went back to to work planning on continuing to work. Um. NO. Ended up having surgery to remove my tissue expander due to infection 4 days after starting back. After my first tx was not doing well. 2nd tx put me back in hospital. I ended not working at all and got terminated from my job as I used up my protected FMLA. I really dont mean to scare you but it just depends on how your body reacts. I finished tx with a reduced dosage. I am 14 months PFC and doing pretty well going through some reconstruction surgery now. Just wanted to let you know sometimes things dont go as planned through no ones fault. Much love.
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Moon,
I hope you are doing well. You are right, we have to be able to deal with the unexpected and we all have different responses to the treatment. The most important thing is to put our health and well being first. I think it is uplifting to know that many women are able to maintain their regular work schedule.
Hugs, Sandra -
Well, I am going into my appointment with the MO on Monday armed with my calendar and the syllabi for all my classes I teach. I have in mind a schedule for every 3 weeks and we will see what cocktail he has in mind for me on what schedule. I agree with Sandra! it gives me hope to know that others have been able to keep up some semblance of a work schedule. As with every thread I have joined on BCO, you all have shored up my confidence and my spirit! Thanks so much! I am sure I will see some of you on the October chemo thread once it starts -- stay strong, warriors!
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TeamKim, you go, girl!
You are very smart to make sure your MO knows you want to work. My MO was very supportive, in fact she said...."I want you to work!"....and that gave me even more confidence. I hope your appointment goes well and you get a big confidence booster on Monday.
Sandra -
thanks for all the advice and words of encouragement!
I am currently off work because of an unexpected infection that landed me in the hospital Sept 19th. I have cellulitis in my right breast, the doctors are perplexed why I got it so long after my biopsy. I am now at home taking oral antibiotics, this infection is slow to go away and it is delaying my treatment.
I took this as a sign from the universe to slow down and take care of myself. Trying to let go of planning around my treatment, and just take it day to day. -
Yogagal, so, so sorry that you are ailing and that your treatment is delayed. It is good that you are putting your health first and foremost. When you a are healthy, there is enough time for planning around things...now is the time for healing.
Hugs to you!
Sandra -
Yogagal, I just got out of hospital too for. Ellulitis about 3 weeks ago. And here is the kicker. My last surgery was May 30 th 2013. My ps ws really ticked. Lol
I was a non worker during treatments. I had A/C/T. Every 3 weeks an it kicked my butt. So did the neulesta shot. Good luck -
I teach high school and my BS has advised not working during chemo. Something about infections from kids, fatigue and such. The next step, chemo, is still hazy to me. I still don't know what my chemo treatment will be, and I am avoiding what chemo might mean to me while I am recovering from surgery. I am concentrating on recovering from dmx and recon (the one-step surgery). My school allows me time off, and like me they are just waiting for news from my MO, before I make my decision. -
Segunda, you are right to take it one step at a time. We educators feel like we are letting someone down if we take the time to heal. But in the long run, if you picked up an infection from the kids, you would take even more time to march through this recovery.
Yogagal, I hope the infection is responding to treatment. Keep your eyes on the finish line. This is a temporary setback, and you should slow down and take the time to heal.
I had my first chemo infusion Thursday, and while the weekend has not been a piece of cake, the SEs were not as bad as I had imagined. They say you don't really know how your body will react until you go through the first treatment, then you have a blueprint of sorts. My biggest challenges were constipation and cramps, fatigue on day 3, and a persistent headache. This morning, I seem to have developed a yeast infection, so will need to deal with that today. I'll be teaching my classes tomorrow, and for the rest of the week.
I decided to tell my students what was going on with me because I will be losing my hair in a couple weeks and it will be obvious, plus some rearranging of our syllabi was needed to accommodate my tx. They have been great, with lots of notes and emails of support. One class even organized a surprise send off to my first chemo -- they all wore pink, read inspirational quotes, made me a blanket to snuggle under, and even contacted my husband and son to participate! It was so wonderful to have all those young people in my corner as I was off to the first infusion!
So far, so good..... -
I applaud all those who worked thru chemo. I fully thot I'd be one too - I'm young & healthy & work a computer/desk job. I'd prepped for all the SEs related to my chemo, &I don't normally get nauseous/motion sick, so I figured I could avoid *that*. I scheduled infusions for Thurs at my dr's recommendation so I'd feel ok by Mon or Tues.
But round 1 kicked my ass, & I struggled to put in a few hours working from home at all. Couldn't do it due to the SEs (got everything *but* nausea, of course). Finally had to file for state disability (I'm a contractor & don't have paid time off). That was a real blow on top of everything else. The 2nd round was better managed w/different meds, but still not workable. I just did round 3 & it's been like a roller coaster whipping me back to round 1, almost that bad.
I don't want to bring anyone down, I just want to be a reminder that the best laid plans may not come to be. If you can, try to prepare to accept either situation.
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