2 questions
My other question is that my ears have been ringing since I started Carbo. Does anyone else have this side effect and does it ever go away?
Comments
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Working and Chemo
LuLu1010, I am new to the board and am dealing with the decision regarding work myself. I just had my first session of chemo last Friday which consisted of carbo/taxol and will be given once every three weeks. The first one has made me tired, nauseaous, aching and cramping in the groin/abdomen. I worry about missing work and yet I physicially feel I can not work. I'm torn about what to do. I do have STD available at work but don't know if I should take it due to various pressures at work. I would like to believe that after the first week the chemo symptoms will get better and I can go into work. Otherwise it looks like a lot of couch time for me. Oh please let it get better. Or am I being nieve.0 -
Ringinig ears!lmilam said:Working and Chemo
LuLu1010, I am new to the board and am dealing with the decision regarding work myself. I just had my first session of chemo last Friday which consisted of carbo/taxol and will be given once every three weeks. The first one has made me tired, nauseaous, aching and cramping in the groin/abdomen. I worry about missing work and yet I physicially feel I can not work. I'm torn about what to do. I do have STD available at work but don't know if I should take it due to various pressures at work. I would like to believe that after the first week the chemo symptoms will get better and I can go into work. Otherwise it looks like a lot of couch time for me. Oh please let it get better. Or am I being nieve.
Intersesting, my mum seems to be hard of hearing since having her chemo, she has never said that she has ringing but sometimes I wonder if she is going deaf!!!!!
By the way welcome to the board that no one ever wants to join!!!! Seriously this is a great board with loads of fab women who always give good advice x0 -
Worked Through Chemo
Lisa and Lulu, I was able to work through Taxol/carbo, but my Taxol was every 3 weeks, not weekly. The weekly Taxol dosages and how they impact your body might be completely different...
I was able to work for two days after Taxol/carbo, because I was "cranked up" from the steroids and also taking anti-nausea meds. Then, I stayed home for 3-4 days during the "hit by a truck" aches and tiredness.
Continuing to work through chemo did wonders for me mentally and emotionally. While at the office, I rarely thought about myself/cancer, and it gave me a boost to feel productive and needed. There were times that I went out to the car and took a little siesta, and my bosses understood. Your life does change, but you'll be able to find the balance that is right for you.0 -
Time offRookerbird said:Worked Through Chemo
Lisa and Lulu, I was able to work through Taxol/carbo, but my Taxol was every 3 weeks, not weekly. The weekly Taxol dosages and how they impact your body might be completely different...
I was able to work for two days after Taxol/carbo, because I was "cranked up" from the steroids and also taking anti-nausea meds. Then, I stayed home for 3-4 days during the "hit by a truck" aches and tiredness.
Continuing to work through chemo did wonders for me mentally and emotionally. While at the office, I rarely thought about myself/cancer, and it gave me a boost to feel productive and needed. There were times that I went out to the car and took a little siesta, and my bosses understood. Your life does change, but you'll be able to find the balance that is right for you.
Now I am reluctant to post on this discussion board now because this board is not private (I have already seen my posting show up on a Google search). I think I will just change my photo and stop signing my name.
Anyway, I thought that I could go back to work six weeks after surgery--boy was I clueless! I think I was close to dying from the C. diff infection that I got from the hospital. I have to hook up to an 8 hour nutritional IV three times/week because of the damage done to my intestines from the infection.
I realize now that there is no way that I would be able to return to work AND do what is necessary to take care of myself. I gotta take naps and keep my stress low. Not to mention the chemo brain! Sigh...
Even though I really loved my job--it took a LOT out of me and I see now that I should have been more balanced overall in my work/life.
The ringing in the ears can be a sign of "ototoxicity"--the cumulative effect of the platinum-based chemo drugs which can cause permanent hearing loss. But ringing in the ears can happen when you are anemic or have low thyroid. I wish the oncologists would look into preventing side effects of chemo with as much interest in inducing remission.
C0 -
toxicity vs remissioncarolenk said:Time off
Now I am reluctant to post on this discussion board now because this board is not private (I have already seen my posting show up on a Google search). I think I will just change my photo and stop signing my name.
Anyway, I thought that I could go back to work six weeks after surgery--boy was I clueless! I think I was close to dying from the C. diff infection that I got from the hospital. I have to hook up to an 8 hour nutritional IV three times/week because of the damage done to my intestines from the infection.
I realize now that there is no way that I would be able to return to work AND do what is necessary to take care of myself. I gotta take naps and keep my stress low. Not to mention the chemo brain! Sigh...
Even though I really loved my job--it took a LOT out of me and I see now that I should have been more balanced overall in my work/life.
The ringing in the ears can be a sign of "ototoxicity"--the cumulative effect of the platinum-based chemo drugs which can cause permanent hearing loss. But ringing in the ears can happen when you are anemic or have low thyroid. I wish the oncologists would look into preventing side effects of chemo with as much interest in inducing remission.
C
I can only speak for myself but I know that I get PISSED if my doc is looking to reduce my meds. Although I do disclose all my symptoms I worry she might lower my dose. I've even debated not telling about something for fear of a lower dose. I'd endure ALOT to have another remission.0 -
Talk with your employer first
ask them if they can schedule your days around chemo. I am very lucky that I have a wonderful copany. I work part time on a busy long term/rehab/vent floor as a nurse. I tell the schedular my day of chemo each month and she gives me atleast 5 days off in a row,then I go back . Sometimes my first day back is very hard to get through the night. My hubby takes me to work and picks me up I work 3-11 shift,and I usually fall asleep on the wat home as we travel 20 miles to work. As far as ringing in your ears this is very common but usually goes away after tx. is finished. Good luck and welcome to the board. Did you have surgery also?0 -
I'm with you, Nancynancy591 said:toxicity vs remission
I can only speak for myself but I know that I get PISSED if my doc is looking to reduce my meds. Although I do disclose all my symptoms I worry she might lower my dose. I've even debated not telling about something for fear of a lower dose. I'd endure ALOT to have another remission.
I never owned up to anything that I thought might cause a reduction in my meds. The one time I complaiend of feeling tired on the Taxol maintenance, my doctor said, "You don't have to do this. We can stop the maintenance." I told him, "Never mind. I'm not THAT tired."
Carlene0 -
Working while under treatmentpoopergirl14052 said:Talk with your employer first
ask them if they can schedule your days around chemo. I am very lucky that I have a wonderful copany. I work part time on a busy long term/rehab/vent floor as a nurse. I tell the schedular my day of chemo each month and she gives me atleast 5 days off in a row,then I go back . Sometimes my first day back is very hard to get through the night. My hubby takes me to work and picks me up I work 3-11 shift,and I usually fall asleep on the wat home as we travel 20 miles to work. As far as ringing in your ears this is very common but usually goes away after tx. is finished. Good luck and welcome to the board. Did you have surgery also?
I guess I was lucky (if anything about having ov/ca is lucky) I did not have to work during my treatment. I actually had not worked since 2/26/2010 and got my diagnosis on 3/16/2010. I had already been too sick to work. My doctors determined I could not do my job. I had a lot of sick time because I hardly ever missed work or even took vacation. I decided to retire after my treatment was completed. I am 63 so it was time and I feel I could not do my job anymore. Even though I worked in an office, the stress of the job would not have been good for me. I actually have been deemed disable by social security. So I really admire anyone who is able to work during treatment. I know I couldn't have and my employers could not have someone there who was not able to do the job 100%.
Karen0 -
work & chemo
Hello and unfortunately welcome.
Firstly I'd like to point out that we are all different and react to treatment in different ways but for ME I found working thru my treatment a life saver. I was dx stage 11c in June last year I was back at work just under 3 weeks post surgery, however I do work only 3 days a week and we have a couch in the office so I could and sometimes did take a nap or just a lie down! I had Taxol every week for 18 weeks with Carbo thrown in every 3 weeks and I worked throughout. I think for ME this has been extremely important in keeping a sense of 'normality'and I did tolerate chemo pretty well.
I do think tho that if u are going to work you need to have an understanding boss and colleagues who will allow you to work at your own pace and you must be sensible and not over work yourself. What you musnt do is add any unecessary stresses to your life.
Good luck and keep in touch
M x0 -
I WORKED
Hi, Lulu.
My first dx (2000) I continued to work, but only took every third Friday off for chemo and used the weekend to recover. I managed pretty well, except for the usual side affects. My recurrance in 2006 I continued to work, but had to take the whole week off after chemo. It hit me extra hard that time around.
I had the ringing in the ars also. It does subside, eventually after you stop chemo. Sure hope you start to feel better soon.
(((HUGS)))
Monika0 -
Try thiszinaida said:My post disapear again, but
My post disapear again, but it was to long and probably mean to be.
Zina
Zina
I had the same problem with disappearing posts.
Now I copy the ENTIRE post before I send it. If it disappears, then I just paste it into the comment box and don't have to write the entire post again.
Carolen0 -
working with chemolmilam said:Working and Chemo
LuLu1010, I am new to the board and am dealing with the decision regarding work myself. I just had my first session of chemo last Friday which consisted of carbo/taxol and will be given once every three weeks. The first one has made me tired, nauseaous, aching and cramping in the groin/abdomen. I worry about missing work and yet I physicially feel I can not work. I'm torn about what to do. I do have STD available at work but don't know if I should take it due to various pressures at work. I would like to believe that after the first week the chemo symptoms will get better and I can go into work. Otherwise it looks like a lot of couch time for me. Oh please let it get better. Or am I being nieve.
I too really struggled with this work issue. I really didnt feel like working at the beginning. I was diagnosed in Aug 2010 and I trully didnt think I could go back till Feb of 2011. I am still on chemo and actually the side effects dont seem as bad to me now and of course my body is getting stronger because I was so run down when I was first diagnosed. Even with that, the doctor cautioned me that the fatigue from chemo is cumlutive and I still had a ways to go so he suggested I work 4 hour days. I am only going to work 4 hours a week just to keep my fingers in it.
I was told that many people work full time with chemo but when I hear peoples actual stories many of them have to take time off or come to work and have to lie down for a while etc.
I really think if you can get the time off it is the best. It felt so good to not have the stress of work and be able to lie down and rest whenever I wanted. I am not much of a sleeper but I napped everyday at first and it felt so healing!
I know that not everyone has the luxury to take time off and with an understanding employer it can be done but my heart really goes out to those people. They are truly amazing!0 -
RockerbirdRookerbird said:Worked Through Chemo
Lisa and Lulu, I was able to work through Taxol/carbo, but my Taxol was every 3 weeks, not weekly. The weekly Taxol dosages and how they impact your body might be completely different...
I was able to work for two days after Taxol/carbo, because I was "cranked up" from the steroids and also taking anti-nausea meds. Then, I stayed home for 3-4 days during the "hit by a truck" aches and tiredness.
Continuing to work through chemo did wonders for me mentally and emotionally. While at the office, I rarely thought about myself/cancer, and it gave me a boost to feel productive and needed. There were times that I went out to the car and took a little siesta, and my bosses understood. Your life does change, but you'll be able to find the balance that is right for you.
Even though I stayed home for a while because I physically didnt think I could do it, I do see the benefits of getting out and having a sense of normalcy. People ask me why I want to go back to work now while still on chemo. Cancer changes so much of your life I think I just want to hold on to a little of my old life even if it is just a few hours a week.
I have to give you a pat on the back for working thru all that. I am sure it was not easy but I am sure you gained blessings from it as well.0 -
poopergirl14052poopergirl14052 said:Talk with your employer first
ask them if they can schedule your days around chemo. I am very lucky that I have a wonderful copany. I work part time on a busy long term/rehab/vent floor as a nurse. I tell the schedular my day of chemo each month and she gives me atleast 5 days off in a row,then I go back . Sometimes my first day back is very hard to get through the night. My hubby takes me to work and picks me up I work 3-11 shift,and I usually fall asleep on the wat home as we travel 20 miles to work. As far as ringing in your ears this is very common but usually goes away after tx. is finished. Good luck and welcome to the board. Did you have surgery also?
I am a nurse in an ambulatory surgery center. They have been very kind and very willing to let me work whatever I can do. Actually the census is down right now so I have the opportunity to ease back in slowly. I am going to start working a few hours a week and then hopefully by summer I can do more as there will be vacations, etc. to cover. Bless you for working an 8 hour shift in a hospital! I know all too well how hard that is.
I had chemo before surgery and then had robotic surgery. The idea was to get me back on chemo as fast as possible. What was supposed to be an extesive surgery before chemo ended up to be a pretty simple deal with not near as much post op issues.0 -
Moparmopar said:I WORKED
Hi, Lulu.
My first dx (2000) I continued to work, but only took every third Friday off for chemo and used the weekend to recover. I managed pretty well, except for the usual side affects. My recurrance in 2006 I continued to work, but had to take the whole week off after chemo. It hit me extra hard that time around.
I had the ringing in the ars also. It does subside, eventually after you stop chemo. Sure hope you start to feel better soon.
(((HUGS)))
Monika
I am so glad to hear the ringing will stop when the chemo stops. They have been ringing since I started chemo.0 -
Consideration of returning to worklulu1010 said:Mopar
I am so glad to hear the ringing will stop when the chemo stops. They have been ringing since I started chemo.
I think you know whether returning to work is good for you or not. At least you are not working with people who are sick or infectious--that's a good thing.
I had three doctors tell me NOT to work for at least a year. These were my homeopath, osteopath and chiropractor who are obviously not traditional Western medicine doctors. Like yourself, I did not have an easy time post-operatively and still need to take naps so I am not arguing with them about going back to work.
I feel that my basic nature is to push myself so I would not be able to pace myself if I returned to work. Before the diagnosis, I had two gears: Go and Stop. I am working on learning how to "cruise" (easier said than done).
I get lonely being a housewife when so many of my friends have their jobs--I guess I need some new friends who are retired. I am also working on getting a new identity for myself as a retired person/fiber artist rather than just "chemo patient." I stopped calling myself a "cxxxxr patient" a while back because I don't want that identity to stick with me.
Thanks for reading this and just letting me vent.0 -
Working during chemo
I am on my second lot of chemo. During my first lot I didn't work at all as 1. I didn't feel well enough and 2. I was still receiving my salary. However when I started in remission I returned to work on a phased return (2 hours for weeks 1 - 3 and then 4 hours and so on)
However my cancer returned as I was just getting back into my job and I DIDN'T want to stop working as I was loving the "normalacy" of being back at work. It did wonders for my mental state of mind. I continued to work and I eventually agreed to reduce my hours to 3 days instead of 5 days.
This compromise works really well for me. The week after my chemo I am a little "yukky" and my employers and colleagues are so supportive and I have been told I can go home early etc if I am feeling un-well.
I am a teacher and the contact I have with my students gives me so much that I CANNOT give up my work. And as someone else has already said ..... as soon as I get to work I completely forget my own problems which is like a breath of fresh air.
Tina xx0 -
My dx (OC IIIc) was in early Nov 2010 and within 4 days, I had extensive surgery. I knew I'd be off work until the holidays just recouperating from the surgery. When I developed double blood clots in both lungs, I then realized that I wouldn't be back to work (I work with 3 & 4 year olds as a preschool teacher) until my treatments were over. My last scheduled chemo is <3wks away, so I mentioned to my boss about starting back slowly first week of april and to increase my time as we go through April. Well, for better or worse, she made the decision for me to stay on un-paid leave for the rest of the school year - citing that it would be less disruptive to the students. I have to admit that I'm a wee bit peeved that she didn't discuss this with me or my co-teacher. However, I've come to realize that maybe this is the best - I'll have extra time to focus on myself. The only drawback is the lack of income.LaundryQueen said:Consideration of returning to work
I think you know whether returning to work is good for you or not. At least you are not working with people who are sick or infectious--that's a good thing.
I had three doctors tell me NOT to work for at least a year. These were my homeopath, osteopath and chiropractor who are obviously not traditional Western medicine doctors. Like yourself, I did not have an easy time post-operatively and still need to take naps so I am not arguing with them about going back to work.
I feel that my basic nature is to push myself so I would not be able to pace myself if I returned to work. Before the diagnosis, I had two gears: Go and Stop. I am working on learning how to "cruise" (easier said than done).
I get lonely being a housewife when so many of my friends have their jobs--I guess I need some new friends who are retired. I am also working on getting a new identity for myself as a retired person/fiber artist rather than just "chemo patient." I stopped calling myself a "cxxxxr patient" a while back because I don't want that identity to stick with me.
Thanks for reading this and just letting me vent.0
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