End of 3rd Week

I had just retired when I started treatment. Radiation and chemo after a left side neck dissection. I could not have worked nor could I have even after two months out of treatment. However I am 67 which makes it somewhat harder to come back than a younger person. Just one week over two months out of treatment could I even think about going back to work in the future. I do have plans on traveling starting in mid April.

I think you can lose weight even if taking in enough by the tube. At least I did, but not more than 15 lbs. It was hard to get enough calories.

If one can manage I think fighting the cancer if he is having the usual treatment is about all one can do. Maybe if in great shape, young and with luck one could work and do the full treatment. Not sure what others think.

fishmanpa said:

FMLA

Hi Hetal,

Glad to hear your husband is progressing through treatment. Sorry to hear it's beginning to take it's toll on him. 

I was very concerned about work as well when this whole thing started. Not only for the job aspect but financially too. Fortunately, I work for a small company and my boss is more like family. I've been with them 4 years and my job will be there when I'm ready. While I won't be getting paid for not working, I will continue to work remotely doing things I can do such as answer emails, the marketing content etc. and be compensated for that. In lieu of a raise, he will continue my medical benefits while I undergo treatment. I'm blessed to be working for such good people (He drove to Baltimore and picked me up after my surgery earlier this week). 

My treatment means I'm getting rads 5 days a week, Monday through Friday as well as weekly chemo and will require that I be close to the hospital. I originally sought treatment locally but due to several factors, I chose to get treatment elsewhere. From what I've read of other's experiences and from my own experience the last two weeks, I know I could not do my job. The sore throat from surgery and the pain and discomfort I'm in would make it nearly impossible for me to speak on the phone with my customers. From what I've gathered, the weeks after treatment is done are equally as difficult for many. I know each person is different but I'm realistically looking at a minimum of 3 months out of commission, maybe more.

Look into the Family Medical Leave Act http://www.dol.gov/whd/fmla/ . It protects workers who are in situations like ours. There are restrictions (company size etc.) and it varies by state but if your husband qualifies, he will have a job waiting by law.

Based on my experience the last couple of weeks with the surgery, I know that my throat will be as bad or worse once I get into the meat of the rad treatment. I've been barely able to swallow the last two weeks so I can't imagine I'll be any better a month from now. I spoke with my team about a PEG and I'm going to push to have one put in before I start treatment as a fail safe. Same goes for a port for chemo. Better safe than sorry. I will continue to swallow liquids and eat what I can when I can by mouth but I want to be sure I have an option should that become too difficult. The folks here have done their job in getting me the info I need to make it through. I literally dream of swallowing and hydration ~lol~

Check out that link and best wishes for your husband and you during the remainder of your journey. 

 

 

I did not have the energy to work. I was fortunate to have an employer that did not make me feel guilty for being off. I can't imagine the added pressure of feeling like I needed to be at work when I was sleeping 20 hours a day. Do look into FMLA

Hello hetal,

                Sorry to hear about your husband job. My husband done his chemo yesterday and rad today, he filed his TDI on the first week of chemo and rad because he started to feel the side effects he was getting tired already and more tired on the 3rd week..my husband does lose weight 7 Lbs that was when he dont have his PEG yet that time 2 weeks after chemo and rad doctor told us my husband need gtube already because he is losing weight few lbs and having pain in his throat already and were so glad PEG save my husband life without tube he cannot even able to eat at all till now...

 tube feeding formula have lots of vitamins and minerals especially protein and calories..my hubby taking isosource, 7 cans a day but i also add 2 cans a day of the carnation instant breakfast VHC 530 calories.. and he did gain weight while during chemo and rad 2 lbs a week so i decided to give 1 can of  carnation VHC today... if you like you can try give that carnation instant breakfast VHC 530 is really good.