Recovering from the mastectomy

cresla29

I was diagnosed in Feb 09, had surgery to remove right breast on April 30th. I have a tissue expander and I am waiting for the doc to remove the drain. I am supposed to start chemo on June 1st. My question is about work and chemo, can or should I work? Not sure.

Thanks for any support!

dyaneb123

I just asked the same question
Hi
I too will be starting chemo around June 1st and I just asked the same question earlier today.
I'm sure you'll get some good advice from these very knowlegeble ladies but if you want to read what they said to me it's under "I sorta jumped in before introducing myself". The concensus seems to be that it is possible to keep working... with the right anti nausea meds.
Good Luck , we'll have to compare experiences
Dee

Christmas Girl

Warm welcome, cresla29!
Though, of course, sorry for the reason you're here.

Honestly, your question is really tough to answer. There are many different chemo drugs, administered in various dosages & combinations, resulting in a myriad of side effects. So, without knowing more specifics...

There are members here who span the gamut. Some have continued to work, full time, throughout their chemo. Some, part-time. I had worked full-time my entire adult life. I first asked my own doctor: will I be able to work thru chemo, even if only part-time? His answer was: no. And, he was right. It all depends...

No matter what your chemo regime, we are all here to support & encourage each other.

Again, welcome. And best wishes for continued recovery from your surgery, without complications and too much discomfort.

Kind regards, Susan

mmontero38

Hi Cresla and welcome. I
Hi Cresla and welcome. I was able to work through my treatments, but not everyone can tolerate the same way, and medicines affect everyone differently. It would depend on how you feel and the kind of work you do. My girlfriend who is a teacher was advised not to work during chemo because your immune system is compromised and her doctor didn't want her exposed to all the germs and viruses the kids have. I work in an office and was able to work with out any problems other than feeling a little tired and nauseas. I guess you have to play it by ear. Good luck to you and keep us posted. Hugs, Lili

j916

To work or not to work....
Such a good ?....my dr told me up front, plan on taking off 4 months of work. My response....no...next option? I planned my chemo day to be on Friday, and during the AC did not work Monday, and sometimes 3/4 day tuesday, but after that, was able to work full time. Now with the taxol, I still go on friday, but am able to go to work on monday, usually 3/4 day, and then full time from then on. It's the bone pain from the nulasta shot that is getting me, but it is also keeping my white cell count high so i can be around people.
Long story short...listen to your body. The days i worked part day, i came straight home and slept until basically the next morning. Be good to your body and be tender to yourself. Pushing too hard will more than likely do more harm than good.

This too shall pass and we'll be back complaining that we don't get any time off work again! LOL

phoenixrising

Hi Cresla, Welcome to the
Hi Cresla, Welcome to the club and sorry you have to be here. I had a difficult time with the chemo and also work in a hospital so I didn't work through it. But lots of ladies have worked through it, it just depends on how it affects you and what you do for a living. You could ask your employer to be flexible until you know how you will react, if that's possible.
They will probably give you information concerning the se you may encounter and should give you meds for them.
jan

michellenevels

right breast removed too
hi, cresla29
sorry to hear you had to have a mastectomy also. I think you can work, but it's like one of us said, it's up to your body and it will tell you what to do. I am presently not working and i am very glad, I too had my right breast removed last week may 15th. Right now it does not bother me but every once in a while i find myself getting weepy, but then it passes, life does go on. If you can help it i would say not to work, especially if you have kids, if you don't like me, I am just enjoying the days with my sisters and brother and mother until I get the word this thursday about chemo or not. if work helps you get through things and keeps you busy, then by all means, stay working. Stay Strong,much love to you.

RE

Welcome
Welcome Cresla, we are here for you! In regards to working while on chemo, for me it was not possible. My job was extremely demanding and stressful which is not good for someone on chemo. For you it will depend on what type of chemo, how long and your reaction to the medication. I would consult your oncologist first to get his gist on the subject. Please come back and let us know how you are doing.



RE

sausageroll

RE said:

Welcome
Welcome Cresla, we are here for you! In regards to working while on chemo, for me it was not possible. My job was extremely demanding and stressful which is not good for someone on chemo. For you it will depend on what type of chemo, how long and your reaction to the medication. I would consult your oncologist first to get his gist on the subject. Please come back and let us know how you are doing.



RE

Welcome
Hello Cresla, as you can see everyone has a different experience. Bodies react differently and different drugs have different side effects. I had 2 different cocktails and the experience was so different. I am retired so did not have to worry about work. I never experienced any nausea, but if I had been at work, diarrhea would have been my biggest problem and infections that just seemed resistant to antibiotics and made me feel so tired. However,on the whole I think I would have able to work...if I had a boss who understood that on some days, I could not get off the couch!
Good luck...let us know how everything goes...keep in touch. Pat