lots to consider...

Gabe N Abby Mom

First, the update...as you may remember, my onc recently changed my chemo since the xeloda wasn't working. The onc was recommending taxol. After a tip from our dear friend Phoenix Rising, I did some research and asked my onc about abraxane instead. Both taxol and abraxane are really paclitaxel, but the binding agent is different. All the research I read indicated that abraxane is easier to tolerate and can be more effective. Anyway, my onc agreed...so it's weekly abraxane instead of taxol.

I started that on Friday and it went pretty well...the nausea has been mild, not much of an appetite. The worst part was feeling very tired and some nasty headaches. But I was able to get through work on Saturday. Thankfully I work with some very understanding people and Saturday is a shorter day.

I'm as ready as one can ever be to lose my hair again. I donated all my original hats and scarfs and have been replacing them...found some cute stuff too!

The open wound has stopped making progress, so we're making some changes in the bandaging material. With the new chemo, as long as we don't go backwards the nurse will be happy.

So here is the big thing to consider...I have been offered a promotion at work. I'm currently an asst mgr at a local credit union, and have been offered a position as a manager. I've only been with the company 4 months, and still feel like I have LOTS to learn. If it weren't for the chemo, I would be pretty confident that the promotion would work out, and I would jump on it. I worry that if I accept the position, I won't be effective because of the chemo and my treatment schedule. I don't want to accept the position and then have to step down in a few months. On the other hand, if I stay where I am there may not be an opportunity for promotion later. My bosses are aware of the chemo schedule and willing to work with it (they even asked if I needed any other accommodations!).

The other thing to consider...my onc says I can do the abraxane once every three weeks and move to that cycle instead. So the harder hit every three weeks? or the more gentle hit weekly?

Decisions, decisions.

Hugs for all of you,

Linda

Nana C.

How Terrific!
Congratulations to you! Even if you decide not to take the job, What a complement to you! Must be a very good company to offer you the position knowing what lies ahead. Only you can decide to take the promotion, it does sound like they are so ready to work with you, but you have to wonder if you want to deal with the additional stress. And then again maybe it will help! Follow your heart and I am sure you will make the right decision.

hugs,

Nana c.

jessiesmom1

Job Promotion and Chemo Schedule
Hi Linda,

Whatever credit union you work for is a place I want to keep MY money. The way they are treating you as a new (only there 4 months!) employee is fabulous. It sounds like you have fully disclosed your medical condition and the ramifications of its treatment. The company is completely aware of what is going on with you and is STILL willing to take a risk with you. I can understand you being nervous to accept the promotion, but this sounds like an opportunity you just cannot pass up in my humble opinion.

As to the chemo schedule, that is a bit tougher. I think I would take the "harder hit every three weeks" rather than the "more gentle hit weekly." I would prefer having more time in between side effects periods. With weekly chemo you will possibly/likely have no really good days in between the Abraxane doses. If you are trying to work then this would be a real problem. Of course, this depends on just how hard the hit turns out to be.

Thanks for keeping us posted. We worry when we don't hear from you.

IRENE

SIROD

Decisions
Dear Linda,

You do know that only you can make those decisions.

I know the price I've paid for not giving in as though I was in A-1 Healthy condition. Continue on working and etc.

Only you know the toll this new chemotherapy will do to your body. Will you be able to cope with the additional stress of new responsibility? Fatigue is cumulative too.

One can take a vacation with stage IV but, one is in it for life or until that elusive cure is found.

My vote which I don't have is to go easy on yourself. I know in my own situation, only I make the decisions. I have always had wonderful understanding employers too. Gems!

I am wishing you the best in these difficult choices you need to make.

Doris

MAJW

SIROD said:

Decisions
Dear Linda,

You do know that only you can make those decisions.

I know the price I've paid for not giving in as though I was in A-1 Healthy condition. Continue on working and etc.

Only you know the toll this new chemotherapy will do to your body. Will you be able to cope with the additional stress of new responsibility? Fatigue is cumulative too.

One can take a vacation with stage IV but, one is in it for life or until that elusive cure is found.

My vote which I don't have is to go easy on yourself. I know in my own situation, only I make the decisions. I have always had wonderful understanding employers too. Gems!

I am wishing you the best in these difficult choices you need to make.

Doris

Follow...
Your heart...only you can decide what's best and how much you can handle...and congrats on the offered promotion! Sounds like a very accommodating place to work....

The chemo maybe better, every 3 weeks....

I wish you the very best...keep us posted..
Hugs, Nancy

Double Whammy

MAJW said:

Follow...
Your heart...only you can decide what's best and how much you can handle...and congrats on the offered promotion! Sounds like a very accommodating place to work....

The chemo maybe better, every 3 weeks....

I wish you the very best...keep us posted..
Hugs, Nancy

You sure seem to come up with some doozies!
Such a hard call. Do you know how much more work/stress this promotion will bring with it? Is it possible that it might actually be less? How is the rest of the staff to work with? How much can you delegate (to your assistant manager)? Will this position allow you to work from home when you're not up to putting on your hair and going out? Who gets to make that call?

No matter what you decide, it is indeed flattering that you have this offer. Be proud of yourself that in spite of your health and all the stupid bad news you've been getting, that you have performed at a level that has been recognized as exemplary and above that of the other employees. Under any circumstances, this is a big deal, but while having surgery and chemo? You're absolutely amazing!

Don't have a clue what to tell you about the chemo schedule. I guess it depends on how well you tolerate it and who knows that until you actually get that dose?

And, what does your family have to say about all of this.

I'm simply amazed and proud to know you, Linda.

Love,Suzanne

CypressCynthia

OMG Linda, you are my hero!
OMG Linda, you are my hero! Let's recap: beginning a new chemo regimen, have a wound that won't heal, back at work and considering a promotion. You are making us feel like slackers...lol! I'm not sure what advice I can possibly give you, but do what feels right. We love you and support you in whichever way you decide. And I am praying that the abraxane kicks the cancer to the curb!

phoenixrising

Always such hard decisions
Always such hard decisions to make! I would take the weekly hit as from what I've read it is most effective and I'd go for the promotion as well. Why not go for the best of both? It would be hard if you had to step down in a few months but that might happen with the harder hit as well. It sounds like these wonderful people you work with are very understanding so perhaps they would give you the leeway you need when you need it. And as always, what does your heart/gut say....hugs to you, this isn't easy no matter what decision you make.
jan

Double Whammy

phoenixrising said:

Always such hard decisions
Always such hard decisions to make! I would take the weekly hit as from what I've read it is most effective and I'd go for the promotion as well. Why not go for the best of both? It would be hard if you had to step down in a few months but that might happen with the harder hit as well. It sounds like these wonderful people you work with are very understanding so perhaps they would give you the leeway you need when you need it. And as always, what does your heart/gut say....hugs to you, this isn't easy no matter what decision you make.
jan

BOB
Best of Both!

Hi Jan!
Suzanne

carkris

Double Whammy said:

BOB
Best of Both!

Hi Jan!
Suzanne

Dont have an answer but if I
Dont have an answer but if I heard once a week is most effective than thats what I would go for. so I would ask that question and PR seems to have the answer. How nice that your employer is so understanding and also appreciates your talents. I would want to go for it, but I know I tend to push myself too hard and get mad when my body wont budge. However starting a new job can be a distraction! Hopefully someone who is on abraxane can answer and somone who worked during chemo????

New Flower

carkris said:

Dont have an answer but if I
Dont have an answer but if I heard once a week is most effective than thats what I would go for. so I would ask that question and PR seems to have the answer. How nice that your employer is so understanding and also appreciates your talents. I would want to go for it, but I know I tend to push myself too hard and get mad when my body wont budge. However starting a new job can be a distraction! Hopefully someone who is on abraxane can answer and somone who worked during chemo????

Congratulations!!!
Linda,
Congratulations!!! You have chosen good people and boss who is appreciating your talents and believing in you!!!
Your body will tell you if it is right for you and manageable to work at the new level. If it say no you will step back and know that you have tried your best.
If weekly treatments more effective - it is an easy choice. Please do not be hard on your body, it has been undergoing Chemo on and off since 2010. Xeloda was not a vitamin, it is a Chemo pill. Ask your doctor about his/her experience weekly versus every three weeks. Weekly will provide constant level of chemical, while every three weeks one is getting a triple dose at once, which gradually subsided by the third week.
Hugs

RE

Supportive Hugs
Gosh Linda lots to consider for sure! I am happy to hear you took the bull by the horns so to speak with the tip from Phoenix Rising and that your onco listened to your concerns. Congrats on the offering of the promotion, I wish I could offer you some advice but I am not the one for that since I left my supervisor position on hold and took 6 months off for chemo the first time and then 9 months the second time. I am not at all surprised that they would offer you the position I am sure you will make the choice that is best for your health and your family. For me I think if given the choice of weekly more gentle chemo vs. being slammed every 3rd week if working I would probably pick the weekly more gentle chemo regime. I'm bummed to hear the wound had stopped healing I hope the new bandaging will help, you know you are in my prayers! Keep us posted on how things go with that please. Again congrats on the promotion offer, say's a lot about who you are!

Hugs,

RE

MyTurnNow

Linda, as my sisters have
Linda, as my sisters have said, only YOU can make the decision on accepting the promotion. I will tell you that I am currently on Abraxane and am on the 3-week cycle. I have had NO problems working (I am also in the financial services industry) and have scheduled my chemo for Thursday's. I basically take off Thursday (every 3 weeks) and Friday. I also do not have many of the side effects from the Abraxane. The worst one is the hair loss. That happened exactly 14 days from my first treatment. Now, the Nuelasta, is another issue. I definately get the bone pain from the Nuelasta and is usually lasts for a couple of days. I am currently taking Claritin (thanks to your suggestion) and find it tolerable. The good news on the Abraxane is that is is working and the tumor in my breast is no longer detectable. Also, the 2 in my liver are about half the size as they were. I have another scan on the 21st and I told my oncologist that I am hoping to hear that the liver tumors are also no longer detectable. In addition to the chemo treatment, I have also totally changed my diet. I am no longer consuming any dairy and no meat as well. I have ER+ cancer and I'm hoping that by eliminating these products that I am also eliminating the hormones that can be found in meat and dairy. Time will tell.

I'm wishing you success with the Abraxane and will be looking for your most positive posts to confirm this. Take care of yourself! Love and (((Hugs))).

Ballerina

I'm Glad
Linda, I'm glad the chemo was'nt so bad for you. Congrats on being offered a promotion in the time frame you have been there. You are a trooper considering all that you've been through. As far as taking the promotion. Pray,Pray and Pray about it. And if you decide not to take the promotion right now, God blessed you with the opportunity now He will do it again.


Ballerina

trixytwo

congrats on the offer! ive been unemployed since June, but
I think your health is most important. There will be other offers

Hugs to you

Deb

sea60

trixytwo said:

congrats on the offer! ive been unemployed since June, but
I think your health is most important. There will be other offers

Hugs to you

Deb

Wow Linda!
I can see where you're torn. I would feel the same. I, personally would pray about it but by them offering it to you, they certainly believe in you! If you feel up to it, go for it. Let us know what you decide.

Sending prayers and hugs,

Sylvia

carkris

sea60 said:

Wow Linda!
I can see where you're torn. I would feel the same. I, personally would pray about it but by them offering it to you, they certainly believe in you! If you feel up to it, go for it. Let us know what you decide.

Sending prayers and hugs,

Sylvia

MTN that is so exciting and
MTN that is so exciting and gives everyone lots of hope. I am so happy it is effective and will say a prayer for a good result
Linda You seem like a very well put together lady, I know you will look in your heart and make a thoughtful decision. Let us know!

ladyg

Linda
Congrats on the promotion offer. You surely do work with and for some wonderful sounding people. If they have the confidence in you that you can handle the job even knowing your medical issues you should be very proud of yourself. Only you can decide what is best for you and your health. Good luck either way you go.

Hugs,
Georgia

laughs_a_lot

wow congrats on the offer.
I guess the next question is this. How does your body usually react to a challenge to it's health? Let the answer to that be your guide.

aysemari

wow Linda!!
HOW do you do it? I can't believe despite everything here
you are getting a promotion. BRAVO! It's a tough decision
to make. But what a tribute to your unwavering spirit.
I am sorry to hear about the wound not healing well and
that you have to do the hair thing again. As always we are here.
I say put your health first, if a promotion inspires you and
keeps you going, go for it. But if you think that it would
cause you even just an ounce of stress and get in the way
of your healing process, I'd say think twice. You come first.
And as amazing as you are, there'll be more opportunities
coming your way.

Whatever you choose to do, it will be the right decision, you
know yourself best. Best of luck Linda!


Hugs,
Ayse

Angie2U

sea60 said:

Wow Linda!
I can see where you're torn. I would feel the same. I, personally would pray about it but by them offering it to you, they certainly believe in you! If you feel up to it, go for it. Let us know what you decide.

Sending prayers and hugs,

Sylvia

Like Sylvia, if they didn't
Like Sylvia, if they didn't want you or even had reservations about your health, they wouldn't have made you the offer, so, it says that they want you and believe in you.

Congrats and I'll be waiting to see what you decide.

Hugs, Angie