Worried about returning to work

Kimosabe

I have one more chemo to go on Aug. 24. I am 61 and a resource teacher three days a week. Staff development begins Aug. 26 (won't make that) and classes on Aug.30! I seem to be more tired with each chemo treatment and my dilemma is I have radiation to face in mid Sept. I understand from some people that chemo exacerbates the fatigue from radiation and I'm wondering whether to try to return to work or just go on a TDI for a couple of months which would allow for a steady sub to take my place and not be disruptive to my students.Of course my doctors say that everyone is different and it is hard to predict. Any advice?

Betsy13

fatigue
Hi Kim,

I didn't have chemo, but I did have 33 radiation treatments. I, too, am a teacher but work full time. During my radiation, I worked. I did not have support with work. My rad. onc. wanted me to not work, but my students really wanted me to. I ended up working every other day and had the same sub. She was great with the kids. On the days where I was just exhausted, I would tell my students and they rose to the occasion. I teach 8th grade math/science.

Unfortunately, it is Aug. 4 and I am still suffering from major fatigue. I am beginning to think I slowed my recovery because I did not take time off during treatment. I would recommend getting a steady sub and go TDI for a couple of months. This allows you time to recover AND keep your students on track.

We had a special ed. instructor take 3/4s of the year off due to health issues. That was too long because the kids go so used to the sub, who was great!, that they refused to give her a chance. The first 2 months of the school year, the kids never had the same sub, so when the long term sub came and he not only knew math but could teach it, it created stability for the kids and they flourished. When the "real" teacher came back, she didn't know the kids and she didn't know the math. Not a good situation. No one expected her to come back at all.

However, if you can create a situation whereas the students start with one person and then switch to you, they could do that. Very easily, they could do that. Kids are resilient.

I hope this helps. Good luck to you,
Betsy

faith_trust_and_a_little_bit_of_chemotherapy

Hey Kimosabe...
As you will find whilst reading these boards the chemo-savvy ladies all react differently.

I am a 54 year old regular education classroom teacher with 30 gifted and demanding students. After my 7 weeks off for tests and surgery, I only took every third Friday off for my chemotherapy and was back to my 1 hour commute each way the following Monday. The week immediately following chemo was tough. I kept ginger ale at my desk and sipped it if necessary to suppress any uneasiness I might get. I was beat, but I could function. I did not wear a mask or worry about being around little kids with my compromised immune system. I needed my routine and to maintain some level of normalcy. For me, the side effects lessened as I came closer to completing chemotherapy and I was tuned into my body. I simply wasn't going to allow myself to be taken out of the game! Of course, when I got I home I hit the sheets.

I am in radiation now, and will not complete this phase of treatment until after the academic school year begins...sometime around Back-to-School Night if my calculations are correct. Historically I have used sick days to avoid those pre-school staff development days *wink*, but this year I think I will save the days for doctor's appointments and in the event I am actually ill.

My advice is listen to your body. I would not say that radiation has exacerbated my fatigue, and I am fatigued. I think I am simply tired of this whole process and for me time off would have meant too much time to dwell introspectively which would likely result with "Woe is me" or a pity party as some prefer to call it.

It's an individual decision and I pray that no matter what you decide, that you find comfort.

carkris

faith_trust_and_a_little_bit_of_chemotherapy said:

Hey Kimosabe...
As you will find whilst reading these boards the chemo-savvy ladies all react differently.

I am a 54 year old regular education classroom teacher with 30 gifted and demanding students. After my 7 weeks off for tests and surgery, I only took every third Friday off for my chemotherapy and was back to my 1 hour commute each way the following Monday. The week immediately following chemo was tough. I kept ginger ale at my desk and sipped it if necessary to suppress any uneasiness I might get. I was beat, but I could function. I did not wear a mask or worry about being around little kids with my compromised immune system. I needed my routine and to maintain some level of normalcy. For me, the side effects lessened as I came closer to completing chemotherapy and I was tuned into my body. I simply wasn't going to allow myself to be taken out of the game! Of course, when I got I home I hit the sheets.

I am in radiation now, and will not complete this phase of treatment until after the academic school year begins...sometime around Back-to-School Night if my calculations are correct. Historically I have used sick days to avoid those pre-school staff development days *wink*, but this year I think I will save the days for doctor's appointments and in the event I am actually ill.

My advice is listen to your body. I would not say that radiation has exacerbated my fatigue, and I am fatigued. I think I am simply tired of this whole process and for me time off would have meant too much time to dwell introspectively which would likely result with "Woe is me" or a pity party as some prefer to call it.

It's an individual decision and I pray that no matter what you decide, that you find comfort.

I found chemo debilitating
I found chemo debilitating and rads pretty easy except for the every day thing, however I am glad I am did not work, I actually couldnt. If you can be good to yourself, try it. it really depends on how you feel, and what would help your mind.

sea60

carkris said:

I found chemo debilitating
I found chemo debilitating and rads pretty easy except for the every day thing, however I am glad I am did not work, I actually couldnt. If you can be good to yourself, try it. it really depends on how you feel, and what would help your mind.

I was able to work during rads
For me, MUCH easier than Chemo. The fatigue was not as bad. As mentioned, it was just inconvenient to have to run over there every day to get treatment. All in all and aside from the tender, radiated area, I did fine at work.

We're all different though.

Warm wishes,

Sylvia

jnl

sea60 said:

I was able to work during rads
For me, MUCH easier than Chemo. The fatigue was not as bad. As mentioned, it was just inconvenient to have to run over there every day to get treatment. All in all and aside from the tender, radiated area, I did fine at work.

We're all different though.

Warm wishes,

Sylvia

You might just try going to
You might just try going to work to see if you can do it. Or, just take the time off and not worry about it. Good luck to you when you do go back to work.

Hugs, Leeza

cindycflynn

Your doctors are right
It is hard to predict. I also got progressively more tired with each chemo and was worried about the fatigue I was expecting during rads. I worked through both, just taking 2 days off after each chemo. I actually felt my energy getting better during rads, but getting more sleepy-tired. I'm actually still feeling like I need a lot of sleep although I finished rads at the end of April.

If I could have taken more time off work I would have, although being at work did take my mind off the cancer.

I don't know if my experience helps you, but I wish you the best with whatever you decide.

Take care,
Cindy

Ritzy

faith_trust_and_a_little_bit_of_chemotherapy said:

Hey Kimosabe...
As you will find whilst reading these boards the chemo-savvy ladies all react differently.

I am a 54 year old regular education classroom teacher with 30 gifted and demanding students. After my 7 weeks off for tests and surgery, I only took every third Friday off for my chemotherapy and was back to my 1 hour commute each way the following Monday. The week immediately following chemo was tough. I kept ginger ale at my desk and sipped it if necessary to suppress any uneasiness I might get. I was beat, but I could function. I did not wear a mask or worry about being around little kids with my compromised immune system. I needed my routine and to maintain some level of normalcy. For me, the side effects lessened as I came closer to completing chemotherapy and I was tuned into my body. I simply wasn't going to allow myself to be taken out of the game! Of course, when I got I home I hit the sheets.

I am in radiation now, and will not complete this phase of treatment until after the academic school year begins...sometime around Back-to-School Night if my calculations are correct. Historically I have used sick days to avoid those pre-school staff development days *wink*, but this year I think I will save the days for doctor's appointments and in the event I am actually ill.

My advice is listen to your body. I would not say that radiation has exacerbated my fatigue, and I am fatigued. I think I am simply tired of this whole process and for me time off would have meant too much time to dwell introspectively which would likely result with "Woe is me" or a pity party as some prefer to call it.

It's an individual decision and I pray that no matter what you decide, that you find comfort.

I am wishing you the best in
I am wishing you the best in whatever you choose to do! Sending you good luck and a hug!


Sue

jk1952

cindycflynn said:

Your doctors are right
It is hard to predict. I also got progressively more tired with each chemo and was worried about the fatigue I was expecting during rads. I worked through both, just taking 2 days off after each chemo. I actually felt my energy getting better during rads, but getting more sleepy-tired. I'm actually still feeling like I need a lot of sleep although I finished rads at the end of April.

If I could have taken more time off work I would have, although being at work did take my mind off the cancer.

I don't know if my experience helps you, but I wish you the best with whatever you decide.

Take care,
Cindy

I worked during radiation

I worked during radiation and it was good for me to have something else to think about other than cancer. Nine years later, I took eight weeks off recovering from a bilateral mastectomy and DIEP reconstruction. Both were the right decisions, at the time.

I think that it depends a lot on where you are psychologically. Do you need to keep active in order to heal more quickly or would taking time off help the healing process more?

I'm sure that you'll find the strength to work, if you decide that's the best thing for you.

Joyce

jackiejhm

Well Sister....
That is your call. I'm sure you have already heard that!!! Sorry. It's true. Each one of us is so different! For me, I am a college level instructor, and my Onc had me sit out one semester of hands on teaching last Spring. That meant, no classroom work. With community "germs and illness" so prevalent in school, he felt my depressed immune system would do better sticking with office/home hours better. I am here and getting stronger everyday now and looking forward to classroom work next month. I hope your employer will allow you the flexibility to find what works for you. You are in my heart and prayers!

DebbyM

jk1952 said:

I worked during radiation

I worked during radiation and it was good for me to have something else to think about other than cancer. Nine years later, I took eight weeks off recovering from a bilateral mastectomy and DIEP reconstruction. Both were the right decisions, at the time.

I think that it depends a lot on where you are psychologically. Do you need to keep active in order to heal more quickly or would taking time off help the healing process more?

I'm sure that you'll find the strength to work, if you decide that's the best thing for you.

Joyce

We all are so different in
We all are so different in how we react to chemo or rads or any of our treatments. Just wait and see how you feel, I guess, and go from there. Good luck to you!