Work... what to do

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ipenelope
ipenelope Member Posts: 301
edited May 2020 in Stage IV/Metastatic Breast Cancer ONLY

Hello ladies. I hope everyone is doing good.

I have a dilemma and could use some thoughts.

I work as a home health care nurse, meaning I go into clients homes for medication management, wound care and mental health care. I have been out since March 18th related to having lung surgery. I started chemo and immunotherapy on 4/20.

Im supposed to go back to work Monday, 5/4, and with COVID19 I'm at an increased risk, like everyone else. I'm seriously stressed about going back and possibly catching something. My job will provide a mask for each client, to be used multiple times per client, gloves, gowns, eye coverage and hand sanitizer.

Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!

Thank you!!!

Katie💗

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  • 3-16-2011
    3-16-2011 Member Posts: 559
    edited April 2020

    Wow Katie

    What a lot to think about. I imagine you are well informed of the risks because you work as a nurse. When I stepped away from work I sought advice from people at work who knew other people in similar situations (to mine) to see how it worked out. This gave me the confidence and information I needed to apply for disability. This worked for me but it's not the right move for everyone.

    I wish you peace with your decision and feel free to ask me any questions.

    Mary

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  • DivineMrsM
    DivineMrsM Member Posts: 9,620
    edited April 2020

    ipenelope, from what I read in your signature line, you were diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in February, had lung surgery a little over a month ago and are currently on chemotherapy. Now you question whether returning to work in less than a week. I’m not gong to mince words. You are at high risk for many reasons: on chemo, lung issues, metastatic. If it were me, I would not go back at this time. Can you get short term disability or leave of absence?

    You are seriously stressed for good reason. Listen to what your instincts are telling you. It’s important you put your health first. I don’t know anything about your personal life and financial situation, but you owe it to you to see if you can keep yourself safe in these times.

    Yesterday I came across this article that I found sobering, you may want to read it:


    Coronavirus is 3 times more likely to kill patients with certain cancers, study says

    BY SUMMER LIN

    APRIL 28, 2020

    https://amp.macon.com/news/coronavirus/article242344371.html


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  • cowgal
    cowgal Member Posts: 833
    edited May 2020

    ipenelope - Is it possible for you to do non patient contact things for your company for a while until all of this settles down?

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