Going back to work

MJG1
MJG1 Member Posts: 137 Member
edited December 2016 in Head and Neck Cancer #1

My husband just finished 9 weeks of chemo. weekly followed by 7 weeks of radiation (35) and 3 more chemo treatments with that.  He's not even five days past his last radiation and we know he'll "cook" for about two weeks past treatments...He REALLY wants to get back to work out of loyalty and also normalcy.  When did any of you get back to work post treatment?  I know, we're all different, but it would be nice to have some ideas...When we started this the Nurse Coordiator said most people are off work 4 months ...sometimes in and out, but a total of about 4 mos....I should add, he feels like poo...Sleeping a lot...Fatigue...Thicker mucus causing more vomiting....and much pain in his tongue.

Again, I'm just looking for different experiences.

Thanks,

Margi Greene

St. Charles, MO

Comments

  • stevenpepe
    stevenpepe Member Posts: 234
    #2
    My first time around, I had

    My first time around, I had 33 rads, no chemo. When it was over, I needed 2 weeks off, then I returned half days, week 3. It took a solid 2 months before I started getting my energy back. Sounds a little early considering what he's gone through. 

  • MJG1
    MJG1 Member Posts: 137 Member
    edited December 2016 #3
    thanks Steven

    I agree.  His body has been through the mill for sure!  We will see how he feels at the end of his two weeks out.  Those radiation treatments are really wicked.  All you poor folks who have had to suffer.  I hate hearing the term, "My first time around."  Where do you stand now with cancer?

    thanks,

    Margi

  • stevenpepe
    stevenpepe Member Posts: 234
    edited December 2016 #4
    I had tongue cancer, surgery

    I had tongue cancer, surgery to remove it last April, as well as a left neck dissection, where some cancer was found. Had rads on both sides but there was cancer in the right side that didn't show in the PET until after the rads were done. Scary that the rads didn't take care if it. Had more surgery October 7. It hasn't spread at this point. We live and die by those damn PET scans.

  • MJG1
    MJG1 Member Posts: 137 Member
    edited December 2016 #5
    stevenpepe said:

    I had tongue cancer, surgery

    I had tongue cancer, surgery to remove it last April, as well as a left neck dissection, where some cancer was found. Had rads on both sides but there was cancer in the right side that didn't show in the PET until after the rads were done. Scary that the rads didn't take care if it. Had more surgery October 7. It hasn't spread at this point. We live and die by those damn PET scans.

    Ya, PET Scans

    That is So scary.  Out of curiousity why did the dr. opt not to do chemo on  you as well?   The only thing we did NOT do was the surgery.  It was not recommended, but it is an option if this doesn't work.  I shutter to think that we could have to face more.  I will day prayers and send positive thought to you regarding your treatment.  Where did you get your surgical procedure done.  Also, are you talking again yet?  Our first PET scan takes place in April.  BUT my husband's diagnosis was made through a SOFT TISSUE SCAN.  There had been a CT and Maybe an MRI??  I need to look it up to see cause whatever they used in the beginning did not show it. Right now, my heart couldn't bear to think of having to continue this stinking path.  I'm fried and I have had none of the awful treatments!

  • stevenpepe
    stevenpepe Member Posts: 234
    edited December 2016 #6
    Where was his cancer?

    Where was his cancer?

    I am being treated at Memorial Sloan-Kettering in NYC. My tumor was a Stage 1 with very little cancer in my lymph nodes. It came out in pathology so chemo was not considered, just rads. The recurrence had encapsulated the other lymph node, thus the chemo. I never lost speech but my tongue being tied down has caused a noticeable slur. I hate it, but I'm alive.

    From my own research, and the docs advice, surgery works best with tongue cancer, followed by rads ans chemo.

  • Fire34
    Fire34 Member Posts: 365
    #7
    MJG1 said:

    Ya, PET Scans

    That is So scary.  Out of curiousity why did the dr. opt not to do chemo on  you as well?   The only thing we did NOT do was the surgery.  It was not recommended, but it is an option if this doesn't work.  I shutter to think that we could have to face more.  I will day prayers and send positive thought to you regarding your treatment.  Where did you get your surgical procedure done.  Also, are you talking again yet?  Our first PET scan takes place in April.  BUT my husband's diagnosis was made through a SOFT TISSUE SCAN.  There had been a CT and Maybe an MRI??  I need to look it up to see cause whatever they used in the beginning did not show it. Right now, my heart couldn't bear to think of having to continue this stinking path.  I'm fried and I have had none of the awful treatments!

    Last treatment

    MJ, my last treatment was the Monday after Thanksgiving. I returned to work in March, for a total of 8 months away from work. My side effects were numerous and I was unable to eat for a while after. The medical Onc. told me that I would have to start gaining weight and eating more solid food befroe she would release me. My PEG tube was not removed unitl the end of December. I was also irching to get back to work but my employer did not have light duty

  • phrannie51
    phrannie51 Member Posts: 4,716
    #8
    I had 35 radiation treatments....

    along with 3 chemo....when the rads were done, I had another 3 chemo treatments of Cisplatin and 5FU....every 3 weeks from April til end of August.  I took an additional 6 weeks off before I went back to work in the middle of October.  5 days seems awful soon....the fatigue gradually lifts, but not for quite a while.  I started feeling somewhat normal in June.

    p

  • MJG1
    MJG1 Member Posts: 137 Member
    edited December 2016 #9
    phrannie51 said:

    I had 35 radiation treatments....

    along with 3 chemo....when the rads were done, I had another 3 chemo treatments of Cisplatin and 5FU....every 3 weeks from April til end of August.  I took an additional 6 weeks off before I went back to work in the middle of October.  5 days seems awful soon....the fatigue gradually lifts, but not for quite a while.  I started feeling somewhat normal in June.

    p

    not planning for return after 5 days

    i'm trying to get a guage of what others have done..What were energy levels.  Everyone answering is so helpful.  At this point he hopes to return by the beginning of the year.  That would give him almost 4 weeks post last treatment.  Thanks again for thr response!!

  • lornal
    lornal Member Posts: 428
    #10
    back to work

    The first time - I took 3 months after treatment to get back to work full time.  And working full time is all I did.  I did not do anything but eat & sleep when I was home. My husband took care of me and the kids.  I missed all the school activities for the rest of the school year.  I had surgery, chemo, and radiation.

    Round 2 - was actually easier - surgery only, but more invasive.  After surgey, I did have a couple of more visits to the hospital (infection 3 days, calcium issues - 9 days).  But, I was working part time from the hosptial on the last trip - had to work to pay for health insurance!.  I still only work part time - doubt I could go back to full time.

    I would recommend taking it slow and easy.  Start back part time, if possible. 

    Lorna - 2007 & 2014

     

     

  • MJG1
    MJG1 Member Posts: 137 Member
    #11
    Thanks Everyone!!

    We're just going to listen to his body and his body isn't happy right now.  One week and on day past treatment...;)

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