Back to work...

Hi AZS,

I'm not sure what words of wisdom I can offer without knowing more about the type of work you do. I can say, there are many of us who continue to work full time despite the diagnosis. I for one only took a couple of weeks off when I was first diagnosed as I was dealing with pleural effusion and was pretty short of breath. But, to be honest, I was desperate to get back to work. I did not do well staring at four walls, particularly in the middle of winter. And, as you said, it adds a level of normalcy which we can all use.

I was mandated by my employer to have a gradual return to work so started at about 80% and then increased from there. If I had a recommendation it would be to do that if you can, easing yourself back in a bit. I don't know what gem/carbo is like but suspect you will need to pace yourself.

Hope it goes well for you.

AZS, I work (full-time) and have been doing so this entire cancer thing. It's an administrative (desk) job but pretty high level in the organization. I work on projects so they usually have an end date. I hope you have as supportive a work environment as I do.

I love my job. The job is varied, the people are great. I don't have kids so if I stayed home I'd go crazy in the winter. Having a reason to get out of bed (kids for most women) makes it easier to live a real life.

What I've learned is to ask when I need help. So far that's mostly physical things. Also to keep your boss and whomever at the organization apprised of how you are doing. Doesn't have to be in detail but they need to know you're on carbo and wonky things might happen. Or if you're used to it that wonky things won't happen. Keep the lines of communication open.

I've been on Xeloda with zero problems at work (except for my mind). Next month I start Halaven and I hear there might be naps in my future. If so, there's a couch in the lounge and it shall be mine for the duration of the naps. No one here will care. [see what I mean about supportive work environment?] And when I have to cut back, I'll go in and say 'I can only manage three days a week'. I've been discussing this possibility with them for years. Just to get them used to the idea. Meantime I've been training someone to take over some of my tasks.

I have a friend who is taking Carbo/Herceptin and has for three years now. She works full-time. What her company did for her was to re-structure her job so that it was less stress and she could so some of it at home. It was a wrench for her, as she went from supervising 5 people to a more project-oriented job but she loves the 'less stress' part. She takes one 30 minute nap at work every day. It's part of the routine.

You'll work out a routine that works for you, I'm sure. And if you want to work, you should.

AZS, I have worked full time since diagnosis at a demanding job and my colleagues are not aware of my situation. It is definitely doable and there are benefits - having some normalcy and having to focus on things that can take your mind off having MBC. Making money is also nice, of course. Depending on which treatment you are on and what your job entails, you will need to tweak your normal routines here and there and may need to do less in the evenings or on the weekends in order to rest. I would say you should try it and reserve judgment. If it is not doable, then you can reassess from there. However, you may find that you enjoy it, despite the fact that there will be some fatigue. If I stayed home, I would probably spiral into a depression, spend too much time thinking about the fact I have MBC and feel like MBC "stole" my career from me. It is much healthier for me to work from a mental perspective, although it can be hard physically. I am also raising a toddler which makes resting at night and on the weekends hard but I am very fortunate for my life and would not change anything right now. There may come a day when I cannot work but for the last 3.5 years, through various chemos, targeted therapies, hormone therapies and a recent Y90 radioemobolization to my liver, I have managed it.

Good luck and keep us posted.

I also work a fulltime job and couldn't imagine anything else. I agree with everyone else. If I stayed at home I would spiral into depression and that would just make things worse for everyone. I think you will feel the gratification behind it and know you made the right choice. Oh yeah I forgot to mention. You will need a nap time. It will be mandatory. Good luck on your first day back! You've got this!!!!