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kimvidito
kimvidito Member Posts: 105
edited June 2014 in Life After Breast Cancer

Hi everyone

I am scheduled to go back to work in 3 weeks.  I tried to do a little more activity last week like going shopping, more housework, going out for lunch... without any rest in the afternoon.  Boy, am I paying for it.  The past 4 days have been hell.  I am so tired and my menopausal symptoms are really bad with some lightheadedness and anxiety.  I think I will add a few more weeks to my sick leave and talk to my family doctor about this.  Maybe he can prescribe something.

How long does it take to get better after surgery, chemo and radiation.  It's been 3 weeks and I feel a little better but not good enough for a very busy medical office.(I am a nurse).

prayers out to you all

Kim 

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  • iodine
    iodine Member Posts: 4,289
    edited November 2007

    Hey, Kim---better living thru chemistry!  Get ahold of you onc and get something to help you sleep and ck out something like Welbutrin or Effexor XL. 

    Please keep in mind that you have been thru a huge wringer--it takes at least 6 weeks to get over a surgery.  As far as the chemo and rads, that takes months!

    Don't expect so much of yourself.  You don't say when you finished treatment, but I bet it wasn't that long ago.

    suggestion: when you DO return to work, try going in on a Thursday.  That way you only have to work 2 days that week and then you can rest over the weekend.  I sent all my clients back to work at the end of the week.  That first day or so, everyone will be cking on you anyway and you won't get much done.

    As one nurse to another, begin a walking program.  start with 15 min twice a day.  Up it daily by 5 mins. each trip.  That should be a start to build up staminia.  But remember to go slowly and build up, OK?

    Just know that you are not superwoman and you don't have to be.

    Please give yourself enough time to not completely wear yourself out that first week and get a longer set back from overdoing.

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  • kimvidito
    kimvidito Member Posts: 105
    edited November 2007

    Hi Iodine

    I finished my tx (radiation) 4 weeks ago.  The radiologist stated that I should be OK to go back to work after one month.  I think that this is not right as I spoke to a collegue recently that had breast cancer 2 years ago and she went back to work 3 months after tx.  

    As far as walking, I do walk for 30 minutes every day and this helps a lot.  I did try effexor and it gave me heart palpitations so bad.  I will see my doctor next week for something else maybe zoloft. 

    I guess I'm stressing because the radiologist stated that I should be fine.  I get better every day but not that significant.  I would love to go back to work with my own hair and not a wig too!!! LOL

    thanks

    Kim 

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  • iodine
    iodine Member Posts: 4,289
    edited November 2007

    I've seen many a nurse with chemo caps on at work, but I don't blame you for wanting your hair back.  It just takes too long.

    If you can talk with your boss, try for a partime return.  That would give you a chance to see how you are doing.  I don't argue with waiting more than 3 more weeks (good for you for walking!), but sometimes it helps to get back in the groove, as the saying goes.

    As far as the rads doc and his predictions, well, I'd have more regard if he'd gone thru rads after a cancer diagnosis.

    It's understandable that you want to go back to work feeling great, and if you have disability ins. to wait that long, go for it.  Many don't have that income option, sadly.

    Further discussion with your rad doc seems to be a good way to help define your present concerns and see if he'll give you the time off you think you need.

    I'd still consider part time return if possible.  It helps get life back on some sort of regular track, IMO. 

    Look forward to hearing how you are doing, so post often.

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  • kimvidito
    kimvidito Member Posts: 105
    edited November 2007

    Hi Iodine

    I did chose to go back to work part time.  I will start at 2 days and increase to 3 and 4.  I am not going back to work full time even when all is said and done.  I guess waiting a little longer to start work is not to feel 100% better because that won't be for a while but to take care of me.  In the past 2 years, I have had tremendous stress.  I have a 16 year old with CNS Lupus.  He is very sick.  He is going through a flair right now.  He needs to have a hip replacement soon as the high doses of prednisone caused bone death in the hip.  My daughter is just getting better emotionally from the 2 year roller coaster ride.  My husband was in the hospital 3 weeks ago.  I just can't seem to catch a break from the stress.  I have a doctors apt tomorrow with my GP and will discuss some meds to get through this.  As I said before my nerves are frazzled and if something bad happened to my son anytime soon, I think I would have a nervous breakdown.  I am a strong person but lately I am such a wuss.  I think that it's just too much shit going on at once.  I do see a therapist as well and it helps but I need more time and definately zoloft or something.

    thanks for the support

    Kim 

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  • NFlood
    NFlood Member Posts: 58
    edited November 2007

    Kim,

    My heart goes out to you.  It seems like we have some things in common.  I quit a VERY good job in mid sept and found out that I had cancer on Oct. 9th.  My parents have both been ill, my sister in law is sick and I had to leave my husband in a different state while I recover from surgery.  The state we were in did not diagnose my cancer, they missed it!!!  Zoloft DOES help.  Be strong.  My children are grown and I am fortunate that they are well.  I will think of you and wish you best with your family and your return to work.

    Nicki 

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  • JapanLynn
    JapanLynn Member Posts: 471
    edited November 2007

    Hi, all--

    I'm going back to work on Mon., after 5 months (I'm a teacher...was diagnosed during the summer, which became the longest "summer" on record).  I'm nervous...as a special ed teacher, my job can be pretty intense, and it's been so long since I've dealt with kids.  While I still have sick leave left, I need to go back next week, but my circumstances are a little different, since I live/work in Japan.

    I've decided that I'll take the advice here and just ease into things as much as possible...and if I get too tired/feel crummy, I'll take a half day or full day as needed without feeling guilty.

    Iodine, I like the idea of going back late in the week...I chose to fly in this past Monday from NY, and spend the week getting resituated and over jet lag. 

    Good luck, Kim...do what you need to do.  Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

    Lynn

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  • my3girls
    my3girls Member Posts: 3,766
    edited November 2007

    Kim,

    I can relate to your circumstances as well.  I too, was fighting stress, and lack of sleep during all of my tx.  I was diagnosed last March, went through 1 chemo tx, and then my then new husband, decided to be an A*%!  So on top of the chemo, I had to deal with him leaving, a restraining order, and a divorce by early July!! It was a nightmare.  Unfortunately, I had to work full time through this, since I was once again a single mom.

    Everyone is different to how they respond to tx's and some people just need more time to get back on their feet. 

    Only you know how you feel.  Take the time you need to be fully recovered.  If financially, you do not have to return to work...wait...as long as your job is there waiting for you.  Part time does sound good.  I know for me, work was a good thing, even though, there were days, I felt horrible...it kept my mind off of allot of what was going on at the time.  Plus everyone at my work was so supportive!

    You have been through allot...even the strongest women have "wuss"moments.

    Take care, all the best to you!

    xoxo

    Lisa

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  • kimvidito
    kimvidito Member Posts: 105
    edited January 2008

    Hi everyone

    I went back to work last week.  Only 1/2 days for now.  It is nice to go out there and stop thinking about cancer.  I am VERY tired.  I feel like I took 2 steps back because I had to start naping again.  I am going to Florida on Friday.  I hope I am strong enough to enjoy.  God knows we all need a vacation.  I guess if I get tired I will chill by the pool.  The sun should do wonders for the endorphines in my brain.

    take care everyone

    Kim 

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  • Waving
    Waving Member Posts: 32
    edited January 2008

    I hope you enjoy your trip to Florida Kim. I wouldn't feel bad about napping - it's a good way for mind and body to catch up on sleep it needs for whatever reason.

    In case you're not getting notifications - Terri has answered a post of yours in the metaplastic rallying thread here

    http://community.breastcancer.org/topic/96/conversation/695326 

    Cheers,

    Waving (Ed)

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