Working on AC chemo

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Laurencl
Laurencl Member Posts: 237
edited February 2019 in Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After

Hi, New here,

Starting AC chemo in a week. Will I be able to work during any of this?

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  • beeline
    beeline Member Posts: 308
    edited February 2019

    Hi Lauren, I think it will depend a lot on your job and your SE’s. I had planned to just take a couple of days off with each infusion but got hit with nausea much worse than I expected so ended up needing nearly a week off with each one. That said, I probably could have pushed it or would have been able to work from home during some of that time. If you haven’t already, I highly recommend joining the “Chemo starting x month” thread. I am in the sept 2018 group and it’s been great for support along the way. You can also read ahead to what’s coming up by checking out other months. Good luck! Chemo is tough, but you’ll get through it

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  • Janetanned
    Janetanned Member Posts: 532
    edited February 2019

    As previously noted, a lot will depend on how you handle the side effects. I was fortunate in that I handled the chemo with few serious side effects. My nausea was well managed with medication. I did lose my hair, but my wig worked well. I am a teacher in a small private high school. I worked throughout ACT chemo and radiation. My infusions were on Fridays, which i would take off. By Monday, I felt okay enough to go to work. I missed a few days for fever issues, but for the most part was able to do my job. My coworkers and principal knew what was going on and they took over some of my extra responsibilities. On a few occasions my principal sent me home early simply because he felt that I should rest. I was able to sit when I needed to and I had much support while at work. I also had no real responsibilities at home, so I could crash once I got home. Weekends were for resting.

    Looking back at it now I realize that working helped me keep my mind off of the treatment. It gave me a sense of being 'normal' I guess.

    Much will depend on the type of work you do and whether you can take it easy when you need to.

    Best of luck!



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  • ruthbru
    ruthbru Member Posts: 57,235
    edited February 2019

    As others have said, it all depends on how your body reacts. I taught through chemo. Like Janet I had infusions Friday and was back to work Monday. I did let everything else go; hired a cleaning lady, had friends bring food, got myself off of committees etc. Being busy did help keep me sane (saner anyways). I would say to talk to your boss; let them know what's going on, plan to keep as regular a schedule as possible and then adjust as needed. Best of luck!

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  • Laurencl
    Laurencl Member Posts: 237
    edited February 2019

    yes, I thought working would help me feel more normal and give me less time to dwell. Thank you for answering

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  • Legomaster225
    Legomaster225 Member Posts: 672
    edited February 2019

    I worked from home mostly during my chemo. I’m an accountant so I was fortunate that most of my work was on the computer and easily accessible. My coworkers were very accommodating and I even had a “take home” folder at my desk that people would use that would come home on Fridays (dropped off by my boss) and he would take it back on Monday. I was very lucky. I felt well enough most of the time to work (chemo in Thursdays) but was happy I did not have to go into the office when my counts were low. It was also easier to work around all the appointments this way.
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  • ruthbru
    ruthbru Member Posts: 57,235
    edited February 2019

    Are you going to get Neulasta shots? If so, you don't have to worry that much about getting sick.

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  • Legomaster225
    Legomaster225 Member Posts: 672
    edited February 2019

    Neulasta is great and it helped me for sure but you still need to be cautious. I had neulasta through my AC portion and my neutrophil counts continued to drop and still fell below 1. My MO was not comfortable with me being in the office during flu season. I’m sure it’s all on a case by case basis though. Your bloodcounts will be extremely monitored and they will advise you. I never did catc a cold or any other illness though.

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  • DodgersGirl
    DodgersGirl Member Posts: 2,382
    edited February 2019

    my AC was on Wednesday which is my day off. For the most part, my worst SE happened between Friday afternoon and Sunday afternoon.

    Take prescribed nausea meds as directed. Don’t wait til you feel nauseous to start them. Drink lots of water and eat something every 3-4 hours while awake.

    I missed very little work during AC chemo.

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  • ruthbru
    ruthbru Member Posts: 57,235
    edited February 2019

    Walk or do some other light exercise if you can. It will actually help give you more energy.


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  • Mncteach
    Mncteach Member Posts: 274
    edited February 2019

    I am currently working a modified schedule during AC treatment. I am a teacher and was able to take of chemo day (Thursday) and then work half days Friday and Monday. I napped on the floor when the kids were at lunch and recess on Tuesday and Wednesday too. Nausea was my worst side effect which I made worse by not eating enough so I was weaker than expected. Being extra careful to eat even if I don’t feel like it and had a change in meds to help this time around

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