Newly diagnosed, time off work?

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jm42
jm42 Member Posts: 3 Member
edited October 2022 in Breast Cancer #1

Hi all, I’m very newly diagnosed with breast cancer. It’s stage 1, age 42. I’m waiting for the specialist to call for my first appointment to talk about treatment plan.

I’ve been very emotional, tearing up very easily. I live alone so have been connecting with some close friends for support.

At this time I’m not sure if I should ask to take time off work, I do have sick leave benefits. I’m worried about my emotional well being at this time, and when treatment does get planned then likely I will need time off. Just not sure if I should try keep going, or just step away and focus on myself. I haven’t spoken to the oncologist yet to go over this as well as will take 1-2 weeks for my first appointment.

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  • Jlnelson
    Jlnelson Member Posts: 1 Member
    #2
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    Good morning,

    I also received a new diagnosis but am already scheduled to begin surgery for lump removal.

    I think it is up to you and how you are feeling about time off. Take your time to allow yourself room to absorb what is happening. Find a good support group and take it day by day. There are days you just might not feel up to social standards.

    Go slowly and take the time you need for yourself. This now comes first and everything else falls behind. Use your benefits as you need as these are your benefits.

    Supporting you from afar.

  • Elaine_wi
    Elaine_wi Member Posts: 124 Member
    #3
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    I am a survivor of more than five years. I remember the mix of emotions when I was first diagnosed. I found talking to a mentor from the organization ABCD (After Breast Cancer Diagnosis) very helpful.

    Here's a link to their website. You can call their 800 number at: 800-977-4121. It will all be OK. If you are feeling like you just need some you-time to absorb this, there's nothing wring with taking some time off. Take care, you're in my thoughts.

    https://abcdbreastcancersupport.org/


  • RPStumpf
    RPStumpf Member Posts: 16 Member
    #5
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    You need to do what is right for you. If you are feeling the urge to have some time to sit with this diagnosis and process it, I recommend you do it rather than pushing through.

    I'm a workaholic by nature and probably put in 50-60 hours a week before my diagnosis, in addition to caring for family and other obligations. I was able to delegate a lot of my work away (why didn't I do that sooner??), and got my hours down to about 37-40 a week when I started chemo. I have super flexible hours so I can work in the week hours or whenever I can't sleep, and rest during the day if needed. I can also work from home a great deal of the time. This worked well for the 12 weeks I was on carbo/taxol/keytruda. I like my job, and it was a great distraction; it felt good to be able to work.

    But things are changing! When I started AC treatments last month, I automatically scheduled a week off of work after each treatment (once every three weeks). I thought this would be enough. However, as I approach my 3rd treatment, I realize the fatigue is building, and I need to cut my work hours again and take more time off. What does this mean for upcoming surgery (December) and radiation (in the new year)? I have no idea, but I think I am concerned that I may need to take a sabbatical or quit my job altogether. Financially, I'm not sure how that will work out; it's kind of scary, and even emotionally it's hard. So much of my self worth and identity has been wrapped up in my job, to be honest.

    I'm just taking it one day at a time, trying to listen to my body, and pay attention to my mental health. You know yourself better than anyone, so really focus on what you will need to process and cope. I hope this helps!

  • firstflight
    firstflight Member Posts: 3 Member
    #6
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    I agree that you should go by how your feeling physically and emotionally. This is a time to focus on yourself, its a balancing act. I had scheduled my vacation months ago before my diagnosis. I have been in limbo since the diagnosis as LCIS doesn’t present with symptoms that easy to detect, nor is it necessarily cancer but potentially a “watch this breast more closely” warning. I can honestly say after 2 months in limbo my vacation was absolutely necessary for me to simply put this disease down and relax. I did, came back refreshed and ready for my next biopsy and back into limbo waiting for results. Does this make sense? Work definitely helps to distract. Being able to focus on others, getting out and about enjoying life. Take it a day, a week at a time. I wish you the best of luck and that everything goes excellent for you.

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