going back to work

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kimvidito
kimvidito Member Posts: 105
edited June 2014 in Canadians Affected by Breast Cancer

Hi everyone

I am done all my treatment and scheduled to go back to work in 3 weeks.  I had lumpectomy, chemotherapy and radiation.  I am a nurse in a very busy office.  Although I feel a little better every day, I don't feel ready to go back yet.  I can do a lot of things like clean the house, walk every day, yoga and I go shopping sometimes.  I tried to increase my activity last week and not rest in the afternoon.  Boy am I paying for it now.  For the past 4 days I have trouble sleeping, my menopausal symptoms are awful, I feel trembly and lightheaded at times.  I felt like this as part of the weakness post chemo and resting really helped.  The symptoms go away usually in the evening.  I will ask for an extension on my sick leave as I feel that I need more time.  Also, will see my familly doctor next week to see what else to do.  My oncologist is only seeing me only next September and my surgeon in April.

Do any of you get scared and worried that you will never get better and how long until this weakness goes away?

hugs to you all

Kim 

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  • Carmelle
    Carmelle Member Posts: 388
    edited November 2007

    Hi Kim,

    I did not go back until I felt good and ready as once you go back there is no turning back. I must say that every week, every month till now almost 5 years I feel better all the time.

    Take care of yourself and family first and do not fret about it.

    Michelle

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  • kimvidito
    kimvidito Member Posts: 105
    edited November 2007

    Hi Michelle

    Thanks for the words of support.  I will see my family MD and discuss a plan of action.  One month after radiation and I do feel a lot better but still not myself.  I feel like I can't handle outside stressors like yelling or crowds or confronting telephone calls.  I guess there is a lot more healing to be done.

    take care

    KIM 

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  • Tine
    Tine Member Posts: 58
    edited November 2007

    If you can, take the extra rest.

    My radiation fatigue didn't hit me until 6 weeks past treatment.

    I had a hysterectomy on top and waited about 6 month past that to go back to work. So that was almost a year past treatment.

    Was it too early??

    I donno, I thought I started slow, added a few hours to my shifts, added a day, went all the way to full time. But.. I just can't do it. I am exhausted most of the times. The tamoxifen is giving me wicked side effects and I so wish I could just sleep for a week. Just sleep. 

    I truly believe we are rushing back to work too quickly.

    Yes, work is good for a lot of reasons. It is giving us a reason to get up every day, gives us financial support etc. But I don't know whether the extra stress is actually good for us.

    I have been out of treatment now for almos three years (wow hard to believe) and I have now a harder time dealing with the emotianal crap that comes with cancer.

    I guess what I am trying to say is this.

    I don't think we will ever be the same again.

    I believe we all are individuals and there is no master plan on recovery.

    If you can afford to stay home longer and truly rest, then be kind to yourself and do so. You certainly deserve the rest after what you have gone through.

    Christine 

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  • kimvidito
    kimvidito Member Posts: 105
    edited November 2007

    Hi everyone

    So I had my doctors apt.  He stated to take off more work until January 2.  I told him about my dizziness and weakness and he did not even check my blood pressure.  He stated that in my state that I must have lots of stress and this is what is causing these symptoms.  He prescribed celexa.  Hopefully I will feel better soon.   

    The only thing that ticked me off was he was trying to convince me to go back to work.  He thought I wanted to be off until March.  He started giving me a speach about getting your mind off thing.....   I wish some of these doctors went through some of the things we went through and then see how it feels.  

    I guess I'm just fed up and tired of beeing tired and feeling crappy and then being belittled. 

    sorry about the crankyness

    prayers out to you all

    Kim 

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  • Curlylocks
    Curlylocks Member Posts: 1,060
    edited November 2007

    Hi Kim,

    I am 2 year survivor of invasive bc, diagnosed at age 41.  I had a lumpectomy, chemo and rads.  I took a full 11 months off work from start to finish.  I work in an hr department which is busy and stressful.  I would take the extra time to allow your body to heal, you may want to ask about graduated return to work.  I started on 3 days a week for the first two months, went to 4 days and then fulltime hours on the 4th month.

    My oncologist recommended me taking at least 3 months post treatment before even considering allowing me to returning back to work. 

    Going back to work was physically tiring.  I was exhausted for months after returning even on the part time hours.  Now 1 year after returning I can do alot more although my "old energizer" self has yet to return.

    Take care and think hard about jumping back into work so quickly.

    Your bc sister

    Michele 

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  • Karyll
    Karyll Member Posts: 235
    edited November 2007

    I am envious of you that can take time off work. I am in a position where I work or starve and have to look after my kids. Medical EI won't cover shelter and food, let alone anything else. I don't have a LTD or STD at work. I used up my 9 days sick time and my vacation for mastectomy and first chemo treatment. I am now halfway through chemo and only halfway through this treatment journey and still having to work FT. I am quite worried about last three chemo's as this one really kicked my butt - and radiation following? I dunno how a person can manage. I guess I am thankful that so far I have been able to work - but it gets more and more tiring.

    Karyll

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  • kimvidito
    kimvidito Member Posts: 105
    edited November 2007

    hi everyone

    Michelle - I am going back part time for a while when I return.  I just have so much dizziness, that is why I have to wait to return.  I drive to many home with my job and I wouldn't want to be comprimised.  Thanks for the good advice.

    Karyll - I am so grateful that I have the job that I have.  I would have been in the same boat as you if it had been 3 years earlier.  Are you sure that you can't get some canadian pension for disability if you do get worse.  I know that I was looking into it for my son who is going through disability issues right now.  Because of the tx, I know for a fact that you will be illegible.  Also you are entitled to sick benefits through EI for more than 20 weeks.  Go on the website for canadian disibility.  I know that you could get some money for short term for sure as I already considered it for my son but he was not going to qualify but you will.  On the other hand, my cousin just went through this whole ordeal herself 3 years ago and worked right through.  She slept as soon as she got home and was like that for a year.  It's not fair.  People shouldn't have to worry about that when this is happening.  I feel really bad for you

    prayers out to you

    Kim 

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  • Tine
    Tine Member Posts: 58
    edited November 2007

    Karyll,

    hmm I got 15 weeks of sick benefits and that was all.

    Mind you that was three years ago.

    But...I did apply for CPP right away. It took a few months so before I was approved. And I think I only received it because I still needed a hysterectomy.

    I believe you have to be sick for more then a year before CPP disability kicks in.

    Even though I received CPP it was only $400 a month. Just enough to not starve but not enough to cover all the bills.

    however i was able to stay home for as long as I needed

    What about any other organization you can apply for??

    Assitant Living?

    Anything??

    Check with your social workers at the cancer centre you go to.

    Do you go to Edmonton or Calgary??

    They were really good at the Cross.

    Hang in there,

    yes it totally sucks to have to work through your treatment.

    It is just not fair or right :(

    Gentle hugs,

    christine 

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  • wallan
    wallan Member Posts: 1,275
    edited November 2007

    I took off a year too. When I went back, it was part-time and even that was exhausting.

    I still tire easily even now, 3 years later. We really have to take care of ourselves after this.

    Wendy A

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  • t9jorda
    t9jorda Member Posts: 39
    edited November 2007

    Cancer fatigue is not all in our heads... read these two articles below, share them with your doctor... if you are shaking, powering out etc... you are not just tired... you are beyond tired and need intervention to cut back your hours. Doctors who don't understand this are not helping the situation, and actually are adding to our stress levels... this is a very real after effect, and the medical community is not paying enough attention to it... They seem to think as long as we are 5 feet above ground, they have done their job... but what about the quality of our life.





    http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/01/070131112341.htm

    http://www.yalemedicalgroup.org/news/breast_0706.html



    When you go back to work everyone thinks you are a) better b) can perform the same way you did before c) they try to put you back in your old "box" or "packing" of the women you were before... well we are different aren't we. We as a product in the workplace think differently, feel differently, have new approaches to life matters etc... and others get very confused with our new reality.



    So "Take care of yourself first" so you can take care of others.



    TLJ Calgary AB (I went back to work in May working 4 days a week, and CRASHED in October... hit the wall... yes, another wake up call... another lesson... and another rejig to my life... but I am so happy to be alive, and this is only a bump in the road....)



    Life is good!



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  • Sierra
    Sierra Member Posts: 1,638
    edited November 2007



    Hi Gals:



    Just reading a few posts here



    I am coming up to 8 years

    January & took v. good care of self

    thru taxol and AC.. and did not

    get infection.. no way could I work


    To date, I still have neuropathy

    have rotator cuff issue and arty in both shoulders

    Also, am likely older than some of you

    also.. if you overuse your surgery arm.. not too good

    I did this last week and paid for it.. really need my

    arms to do work here, no elevator



    Believe me, it takes time to feel

    good after TX. for most.. does not come quick
    FOR ALL

    Best to take time..an easy pace

    Be good to yourselves

    You have been thru a great deal



    Disability.. is not much

    from what I hear..




    Feel free to PM>> Me



    off and on forum



    RE THE DIZZINESS: This is important

    and hope you can find out what it is

    I know my BP meds. have caused me some

    since having been increased & makes me more
    tired... I have my own

    BP machine. They really watch women now

    for heart issues



    Last, but not least, I will be seeing
    a professional at my Centre re Memory
    issues: I look forward to doing this
    as am having cognitive difficulties
    at various times.

    At the end of the day,
    very grateful to be here.



    Best to all





    Hugs

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  • kimvidito
    kimvidito Member Posts: 105
    edited November 2007

    Hi everyone

    Thank you all for the advice.  My doctor prescribed me celexa as he thinks this is what is causing my dizziness.  I (of course) have anxiety and I have had trouble sleeping in the last week.  The pill is awful.  I am so lightheaded that it's hard to walk and my legs feel like led.  My skin is burning so I stopped it today.  I feel awful.  My question is this.  Do I consult with my oncologist about this issue.  My MD obviously dosn't know what to do.  He is a pill pusher and when I found the tumor and he called me into his office, he actually laughed and said "you look terrified it's probably not bc so relax".  I am not scheduled to see my onc. for 10 months so what should I do?

    thanks KIM 

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  • Tine
    Tine Member Posts: 58
    edited November 2007

    Kim,

    phone your Oncologist and ask to talk to him.

    maybe he can suggest something.

    I have similar problems with my reg. physician.

    I mention my side effects etc. and I get: there there you are just depressed. Ya think??

    So phone and see what he has to say.

    Christine 

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  • Karyll
    Karyll Member Posts: 235
    edited November 2007

    i dunno about there, but I have found the cancer clinic I attend to be amazing. The nurses there have a wealth of knowledge and have seen everything I am sure. They make recommendations for me to take to my doc... if it is related to something familiar... they seem to know what it all comes down to and although they can't prescribe or really make a diagnosis, they often say.. have you tried this?? or that?? Or did you ask your doc for a scan, or a pill, or a cream or whatever. So there may be a resource base for you there too.

    Karyll

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  • kimvidito
    kimvidito Member Posts: 105
    edited November 2007

    Hi everyone

    I did call my primary nurse.  She suggested that I go to emergency just to rule out some problems.  All the tests came out negative but my blood pressure was very high.  I told him about the celexa and the MD stated that not everyone can take such meds.  Sometimes just using an anti-anxiety like ativan will help.  He was very caring and understanding explaining that our journey is a very difficult one and after we feel frazzled.  He said the chemo was hard on your body and you have to be kind to yourself.  He didn't want to treat my BP as this should go away on it's own.  It's related to deconditioning fatigue and yes anxiety.  Once I get more sleep I should feel better.  

    take care everyone and thanks for the advice

    KIM 

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