Any police officers working in patrol during chemo?

I wasn't sick at all during chemo and diarrhea wasn't a problem - constipation however was until I found a way out via prune juice!!! As for the vomiting - make sure they give you Emend (if they haven't already) - the first couple of days you'll probably be working and wanting to come home and clean the house - that won't last (it's the steroids) - your onc is right days 3 and 4 will probably be the worst but it all depends on your stamina level - I was retired when I had chemo so didn't HAVE to get up and out - I was also in my 60s - so guessing you're a lot younger and you've been doing your job for a long time - I say try it and see what works.

I didn't throw up or have diarrhea. I just felt like I had a mild case of the flu, but was able to carry on. I taught through chemo, which is different from being a police officer, but was a busy/on the ball type of job. Are you getting the Neulasta shot? It pushes your bone marrow into producing white blood cells so that you don't really have to worry so much about germs etc.

BTW...regarding bathroom breaks....my retired PO brother-in-law and PO nephew have had the advantage of patrolling my mother's area....so they would use my mom's bathroom on occasion. Perhaps you have contacts in your area where you might be able to use their bathrooms. Believe me, I know what a hassle it is to just find a safe place to remove your vest and belt just to relieve yourself....

Hi I am a police officer albeit my schedule is a bit different now because my specialty is crime scene work so I don't do so much shift as if do call out. I have been trying to do off duty however to help with co pays and what not that were not expected. Last week was my first time trying to pull my regular shift and do some extra duty and I can feel it today. I have been really exhausted the pass two days. I am having to slow it down a bit to keep from being dizzy when I move around. I was trying to eat healthy and be on point with what the nutritionist said however I am finding that my tummy does better with greasy foods like I use to do after a hangover. Since I gave up that oatmeal for a lard biscuit with meat my stomach has been back on track. I found that my vest was a bit tight the other night over the port, so I put a bit more gauze over it to cushion it and slackened up the strap on the right shoulder. I also had to put some slack in my duty belt as I think the steroids have me feeling bloated and leaning or squatting with the extra 20 pounds makes me want to hurl or have indigestion. I wear keepers to keep from taking the entire belt off however some folks around here got special permission for the suspenders which are suppose to take the weight from around the waist and protect the back. I find the medicine that they give me after chemo tend to make me sleepy so if I sit or stand in one place to long I will doze, so I have to keep moving if I am working. I hope some of this was helpful.

The main side effects that I had from chemo (apart from hair loss) were fatigue and nausea. I could function ok if needed but chose not to work.

I agree with the posters who suggested talking to HR about light duties or a desk job. I am also guessing that your employer would have good leave provisions if you chose to take them.

It sounds like you have a very strong commitment to service but looking out for yourself too is important at this time.

Wishing you the very best with your treatment. Look after yourself!

Mrshq1 - I'm not a police officer but a fellow female in uniform - I'm a NJ paramedic. I love my job and I was going to be heartbroken and would have went absolutely crazy if I wasn't going to be able to work going through chemo. Thankfully I tolerated 6 months of Abraxane really well. I just finished chemo last week. My hair thinned so I shaved my head and I wear a hat to work, wearing a uniform didn't bother me but I don't wear a vest, I felt tired and exhausted some days, but I pushed through and continued to work full time (3 - 12 hour shifts a week on top of working a part time job maybe once or twice a week). 12 hours of work is a long day for anyone let alone someone going through chemo. My friends and family were honestly shocked that I still went and continued to work. They always told me to relax and don't over do it. My feelings were if I felt well enough to go to work, then why not? I felt very strongly that I wasn't going to let this disease run my life, define who I am, and not let me continue to do what I love and enjoy. I was diagnosed at 26, (27 now), but prior to chemo, I was healthy and in pretty decent shape, I went to the gym weekly and I ran 5k's regularly and still do, so I really think that had a lot to do with me being able to continue to work with really no problems. My advice would be to listen to your body, and if you are feeling sick, tired, or whatever stay home! My work was always supportive and if I needed a day off then I was more than entitled to do so (over that 6 month period I only took off 6 hours because one day I was dog tired.) I only worked days (7am-7pm) but as stressful as my job can be sometimes, I never had any issues doing or performing my job as a medic. Best of luck!

Mrshq1:

How are you feeling now after first CT infusion? The chem effects may not show up until 4 days after infusion. Everyone has different reaction to chemo. I had 6 CTs and worked full time thru the treatments. My job is more mental (in the office) than physical, but the fatigue factor can be cumulative as the treatments go. My Onc told me the first week is fatigue, the second week is risk of infection, and the 3d week is "happy week". My pre-planned Hawaiian trip was carefully calculated to occur on a happy week. At certain point your red cell counts may be so low that even walk up stairs is a hard thing to do. Duty is important, but you have to take care of yourself during chemo treatments to avoid infection. Listen to your body don't over push yourself. Best wishes to you.

Great posts on this thread. But Mrshq1, I'm really surprised to hear you don't have supportive HR in your workplace.

Keep in touch with this site. There is so much help for ladies going through chemo X.