Need to decide if I should start STD for AC and Taxol regimen.

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dysonsphere
dysonsphere Member Posts: 204
edited January 2020 in Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After

I have a mentally demanding job. I am literally talking to clients 8 hours a day in a call center. Every call is recorded, every second of my activity is scrutinized. There is no wiggle room for mistakes. So, I am leaning toward taking the short term/long term disability that my job offers when I start my 5 month AC and Taxol regimen. I really can't take the chance of being fired because I can't concentrate and give bad information or process something wrong or have a less than pleasant tone. I have done a search for people who work during chemo but it seems to be people who can work from home or have some sort of admin job. Does anyone have experience working a job where you work with the public or process transactions that require you to focus and be pleasant all day? Is it possible while on the "red devil"?

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  • MsMarie
    MsMarie Member Posts: 78
    edited January 2020

    Hi dyson! I have a professional job where I need to be on my toes. I took treatment days off only. During A/C, I did treatments on Thursday and always felt good enough to work Friday. I rested on the weekends and felt well enough to work Mondays.

    During Taxol I had treatment Friday. They give IV Benadryl which always made me so sleepy after treatment, so I never planned to work on treatment day. Was fine for Mondays.

    I didn't notice a lot of chemo brain, but I did make some adjustments.

    Chemo wasn't bad for me, I didn't have many SE, but everyone is different. The meds they give help. I didn't need any OTC after AC#2.

    I know it's scary not knowing how your mind and body will react. Have a positive attitude that you will have minimal SE. I suggest you work closely with your supervisor for time off and a plan in case you do need STD. AC was harder than Taxol for me, but some have a tougher time on Taxol.

    Sending positive thoughts and hugs. You can do this‼️

    MM.

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  • dysonsphere
    dysonsphere Member Posts: 204
    edited January 2020

    Thanks MsMarie!

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  • MsMarie
    MsMarie Member Posts: 78
    edited January 2020

    p.s. I’m in the Austin area, what part of Texas do you live

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  • dysonsphere
    dysonsphere Member Posts: 204
    edited January 2020

    I live in Houston!

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  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited January 2020

    I refused the Benedryl after the first infusion, when they determined I was not allergic to any of the other drugs - because it put me to sleep too. I always got something for nausea in the IV and never had any nausea. I was given steroids the day before, day of & day after. I had chemo on Thursday but with my regime that took 6-7 hours, so pretty much the whole day. With the steroids, I felt pretty good on Friday so worked after I got my Neulasta shot first thing in the morning. Managed to sleep & recover most weekends.

    I had TCHP and then AC after surgery. I thought the AC was harder, but then I'd been doing chemo every three weeks for 5 months by then.

    Personally I'd save the disability leave until you see how you react to the drugs. Can you talk to your boss about just taking some days off? Or will that cause immediate problems? And will you need time off for surgery or radiation later?

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