going back to work -yikes!

dolphingrl
dolphingrl Member Posts: 4 Member
in Breast Cancer #1
Hi all,
I'm about to return to work after being out since May of this year and I'm kinda nervous.
I've gone through my chemo and had a mastectomy but still need Herceptin every 3 weeks for the next 6 months. I'm worried about how I'm going to feel, both physically and emotionally, after being out so long. I just started taking Lexapro for some depression and anxiety that I've been experiencing, so hopefully that will help a bit. I still seem to have "chemo brain" and tend to forget things very quickly. I think going back to work will be good for me, but I'm still worried about being able to keep up and finding my "new normal" afer all this craziness. Has anyone else felt this way or have any suggestions for my transition back to work? Thanks in advance for your comments!

Comments

  • disneyfan2008
    disneyfan2008 Member Posts: 6,583 Member
    #2
    good luck....
    Denise

    good luck....

    Denise
  • SIROD
    SIROD Member Posts: 2,194 Member
    #3
    Hi Dolphin girl,

    I have always worked. I took time needed to recover from surgery but, only just enough time. I worked during all treatments and continue to do so even though I have active mets to my lungs and pleura along with multiple medical issues.

    I am a very strong believer that if you keep busy, you are not apt to dwell on your physical condition. I believe it has kept me going for so long. I am in my 17th year since diagnose. I have never been let go by the oncology department as there was always issues. Cancer has been a part of my life but, never my life. I did have some very good years.

    You are still on herceptin and I believe you will do just fine going back to work. You will be able to pick up the threads of your old life. It won't ever be the same again. You should not expect that it will.

    Try to prepare your week meals over the weekend. Leave the week nights as free from household chore as you possibly can. Don't expect to much of yourself as you adjust, give yourself some slack.

    Before you know it, life will take on a pattern once again. Cancer will be part of it but, shouldn't be a big part of it.

    Best wishes to you,

    Doris
  • New Flower
    New Flower Member Posts: 4,294
    #4
    SIROD said:

    Hi Dolphin girl,

    I have always worked. I took time needed to recover from surgery but, only just enough time. I worked during all treatments and continue to do so even though I have active mets to my lungs and pleura along with multiple medical issues.

    I am a very strong believer that if you keep busy, you are not apt to dwell on your physical condition. I believe it has kept me going for so long. I am in my 17th year since diagnose. I have never been let go by the oncology department as there was always issues. Cancer has been a part of my life but, never my life. I did have some very good years.

    You are still on herceptin and I believe you will do just fine going back to work. You will be able to pick up the threads of your old life. It won't ever be the same again. You should not expect that it will.

    Try to prepare your week meals over the weekend. Leave the week nights as free from household chore as you possibly can. Don't expect to much of yourself as you adjust, give yourself some slack.

    Before you know it, life will take on a pattern once again. Cancer will be part of it but, shouldn't be a big part of it.

    Best wishes to you,

    Doris

    I agree with Doris
    Preparation is a critical part for coming back. Try to do as much as possible on weekend. It sounds boring, however will help you to adapt and feel comfortable. I do cook on weekends for 3 to 5 days. If I need to cook on weekday I am fixing very simple meals, however I never buy junk food to substitute for lack of time. Make sure you eat fresh fruits every day. As for Chemo brain -take notes and make lists. I have a high demand job, which requires brain to work fast. I am 3 years out of Chemo and my brain is still not up to my old potential. I have develop my own "tricks" how to be up to my own old level and it has been working. Slow cooker is my saver, I cook most dishes in it
    Good luck
  • Tkitty
    Tkitty Member Posts: 56
    #5
    New Flower said:

    I agree with Doris
    Preparation is a critical part for coming back. Try to do as much as possible on weekend. It sounds boring, however will help you to adapt and feel comfortable. I do cook on weekends for 3 to 5 days. If I need to cook on weekday I am fixing very simple meals, however I never buy junk food to substitute for lack of time. Make sure you eat fresh fruits every day. As for Chemo brain -take notes and make lists. I have a high demand job, which requires brain to work fast. I am 3 years out of Chemo and my brain is still not up to my old potential. I have develop my own "tricks" how to be up to my own old level and it has been working. Slow cooker is my saver, I cook most dishes in it
    Good luck

    I agree also
    I worked during chemo, took just enough time off for my surgery and continued to work during radiation. I found that I was exhausted by the time I got home, so I went to bed. Rest is essential. Household chores can wait until the weekend. It does take a while for the energy and brain power to kick back up. I am trying to be patient, but I do see an increase in my energy.
  • Mitzi333
    Mitzi333 Member Posts: 511 Member
    #6
    Tkitty said:

    I agree also
    I worked during chemo, took just enough time off for my surgery and continued to work during radiation. I found that I was exhausted by the time I got home, so I went to bed. Rest is essential. Household chores can wait until the weekend. It does take a while for the energy and brain power to kick back up. I am trying to be patient, but I do see an increase in my energy.

    Hi Denise... I'm going back to work also on Mon...
    Yikes is Right!!! I've been off work since Feb of this year... Chemo, Rad, Double Mas, and lots of doc appts... Yes, it's going to be a huge tranisition. I've been aprehensive the past few weeeks... for the same reasons you mentioned... mainly being able to Focus. We'll see. I'm feeling better and kinda looking forward to getting back into the swing of the work routine. I'm working 2 weeks, then taking 2 weeks vacation. Good way to ease back.

    I'm wishing YOU luck and that all goes smooth. I'll check in with you next week to see how it went.

    One good thing I hoped for was hair long enough so I wouldn't have to wear a wig and my wish was granted I don't have to wear a wig. My "new" short cut. YEAHHHH!!!!

    Have a GREAT Weekend!!!
    Big (((Hugs)))
    Mitiz ;0)
  • ladyg
    ladyg Member Posts: 1,577
    #7
    I did not have as much time
    off from work. I did find that all of my co workers were very understanding and did not push me too hard. We now have another co worker who has recently returned from her battle with uterine cancer. Again everyone is understanding of her need for a little extra help. I hope that you will have the same type of understanding and assistance from those you work with.

    Hugs,
    Georgia
  • Imadandy
    Imadandy Member Posts: 12
    #8
    SIROD said:

    Hi Dolphin girl,

    I have always worked. I took time needed to recover from surgery but, only just enough time. I worked during all treatments and continue to do so even though I have active mets to my lungs and pleura along with multiple medical issues.

    I am a very strong believer that if you keep busy, you are not apt to dwell on your physical condition. I believe it has kept me going for so long. I am in my 17th year since diagnose. I have never been let go by the oncology department as there was always issues. Cancer has been a part of my life but, never my life. I did have some very good years.

    You are still on herceptin and I believe you will do just fine going back to work. You will be able to pick up the threads of your old life. It won't ever be the same again. You should not expect that it will.

    Try to prepare your week meals over the weekend. Leave the week nights as free from household chore as you possibly can. Don't expect to much of yourself as you adjust, give yourself some slack.

    Before you know it, life will take on a pattern once again. Cancer will be part of it but, shouldn't be a big part of it.

    Best wishes to you,

    Doris

    Life won't ever be the same...
    Hi Doris,

    Your comment about life not ever being the same again caught my eye. My Oncology Nurse Practitioner said that to me when I first saw her...that my life will never be the same.

    Ever since then, I have been wondering what she meant by that. Is it never the same in a good way, as in cherish each day and stop to smell the roses, or is it in a bad way because of the fear of it coming back?

    I'm early in my treatment. Double mastectomy, 4 A/C treatments, and have had 2 of 12 Taxol treatments, to be followed by 6 weeks of radiation and 5 years of hormonal therapy.

    I'm looking to possibly go back to work after the holidays, but after reading these posts I am wondering if I will be able to do it. I have a high stress job and stress is the last thing I need right now, not to mention the fatigue and chemo brain I have going on!

    Just curious what "life will never be the same" means to you...

    Tracie
  • mamolady
    mamolady Member Posts: 796 Member
    #9
    9 months
    I had 9 months off work. I work directly with patients and started chemo during cold and flu season. I did not want to add being sick to chemo. I felt I needed to focus on fighting cancer, work would be there when I was done.
    It was tough getting back in the swing but I have been back to work for almost 4 months and it seems I was never off work. I did start back part time which helped with the fatigue. I wish I had done 2 months part time but it worked out. I just didn't do much besides work the second month.
    Write things down like everyone else said. I will all work out. You will be amazed how people can step up to help if you need it.

    Cindy
  • tjohnson2310
    tjohnson2310 Member Posts: 168 Member
    #10
    I worked
    I worked during chemo. My boss was like you know you don't need to be here. But I did I needed to keep my routine and a since of purpose. I was out 6 weeks post-op. I decided after working through chemo I would not work through radiation.But I was eager to go back to work because staying at home I only focused on BC. I went back to work with 6 remaining rad treatments. I am sure getting back to work will be like riding a bike.
  • Melaniedoingwell
    Melaniedoingwell Member Posts: 80
    #11
    Imadandy said:

    Life won't ever be the same...
    Hi Doris,

    Your comment about life not ever being the same again caught my eye. My Oncology Nurse Practitioner said that to me when I first saw her...that my life will never be the same.

    Ever since then, I have been wondering what she meant by that. Is it never the same in a good way, as in cherish each day and stop to smell the roses, or is it in a bad way because of the fear of it coming back?

    I'm early in my treatment. Double mastectomy, 4 A/C treatments, and have had 2 of 12 Taxol treatments, to be followed by 6 weeks of radiation and 5 years of hormonal therapy.

    I'm looking to possibly go back to work after the holidays, but after reading these posts I am wondering if I will be able to do it. I have a high stress job and stress is the last thing I need right now, not to mention the fatigue and chemo brain I have going on!

    Just curious what "life will never be the same" means to you...

    Tracie

    life won't ever be the same
    I also had a double mastectomy, etc.

    To me - this gordian knot of emotional, psychological, physical and mental (what a mess!) with which we all have to deal to the best of our abilities is worth the struggle, and while I have always felt that a day above ground is a great day, I have a whole new appreciation for that. I have a new and super positive attitude and perspective about feeling bad/good. After experiencing some feeling really bad - a day where I don't feel good at all is still an absolutely fabulous day!

    The chemo brain - well you'd best have a sense of humor and a note pad!!

    You will have to determine for yourself what YOUR new normal is - and make your health your priority.

    Before you start radiation, see if you can get in with a lymphedema specialist. She will give you excellent advice about skin care for your "area of treatment" and some exercises and advice.

    I do my best to surround myself with positive - and have found so many kindnesses and blessings from many sources.

    Melanie
  • Alexis F
    Alexis F Member Posts: 3,598
    #12
    New Flower said:

    I agree with Doris
    Preparation is a critical part for coming back. Try to do as much as possible on weekend. It sounds boring, however will help you to adapt and feel comfortable. I do cook on weekends for 3 to 5 days. If I need to cook on weekday I am fixing very simple meals, however I never buy junk food to substitute for lack of time. Make sure you eat fresh fruits every day. As for Chemo brain -take notes and make lists. I have a high demand job, which requires brain to work fast. I am 3 years out of Chemo and my brain is still not up to my old potential. I have develop my own "tricks" how to be up to my own old level and it has been working. Slow cooker is my saver, I cook most dishes in it
    Good luck

    Try to have as much done at
    Try to have as much done at home as you can and try to get lots of rest. Good luck in going back and let us know how it goes.


    Lex
  • susie09
    susie09 Member Posts: 2,930
    #13
    SIROD said:

    Hi Dolphin girl,

    I have always worked. I took time needed to recover from surgery but, only just enough time. I worked during all treatments and continue to do so even though I have active mets to my lungs and pleura along with multiple medical issues.

    I am a very strong believer that if you keep busy, you are not apt to dwell on your physical condition. I believe it has kept me going for so long. I am in my 17th year since diagnose. I have never been let go by the oncology department as there was always issues. Cancer has been a part of my life but, never my life. I did have some very good years.

    You are still on herceptin and I believe you will do just fine going back to work. You will be able to pick up the threads of your old life. It won't ever be the same again. You should not expect that it will.

    Try to prepare your week meals over the weekend. Leave the week nights as free from household chore as you possibly can. Don't expect to much of yourself as you adjust, give yourself some slack.

    Before you know it, life will take on a pattern once again. Cancer will be part of it but, shouldn't be a big part of it.

    Best wishes to you,

    Doris

    When do you go back to work?
    When do you go back to work? I bet you will be just fine! I can understand how you would be anxious since you have been gone for awhile. Just take it as easy as you can and don't try to do too much. I bet everyone there will help you and will be happy to see you back.

    Good luck!
  • missrenee
    missrenee Member Posts: 2,136 Member
    #14
    tjohnson2310 said:

    I worked
    I worked during chemo. My boss was like you know you don't need to be here. But I did I needed to keep my routine and a since of purpose. I was out 6 weeks post-op. I decided after working through chemo I would not work through radiation.But I was eager to go back to work because staying at home I only focused on BC. I went back to work with 6 remaining rad treatments. I am sure getting back to work will be like riding a bike.

    Just wanted to cheer you on
    and wish you the best of luck. Like the others have all said, our lives have changed forever. All we can do now is be the best we can be at whatever we want to do. Try not to base things on the "old you" because that's not you anymore.

    After a little re-adjustment, you're going to do great. Just make sure you don't overdo and get over tired--you're still in treatment and fatigue is still in your life I'm sure.

    Best of luck.

    Hugs, Renee
  • Megan M
    Megan M Member Posts: 3,000
    #15
    missrenee said:

    Just wanted to cheer you on
    and wish you the best of luck. Like the others have all said, our lives have changed forever. All we can do now is be the best we can be at whatever we want to do. Try not to base things on the "old you" because that's not you anymore.

    After a little re-adjustment, you're going to do great. Just make sure you don't overdo and get over tired--you're still in treatment and fatigue is still in your life I'm sure.

    Best of luck.

    Hugs, Renee

    I'm cheering you on too!
    I'm cheering you on too!


    How is work going?


    Good luck,

    Megan
  • debi.18
    debi.18 Member Posts: 850 Member
    #16
    Megan M said:

    I'm cheering you on too!
    I'm cheering you on too!


    How is work going?


    Good luck,

    Megan

    Wishing you luck~!
    Wishing you luck on your return to work. I also have worked through my treatments, missing as little work as possible. Chemo brain - when I screw up on something at work...it's always due to chemo brain. I'm going to use that excuse as long as I can!!

    Hugs,Debi

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