Working through Chemo Treaments

nspired36
nspired36 Member Posts: 80
in Breast Cancer #1

 

Hello All,

 

I was wondering how many of you opted to and were able to maintain your jobs while going through Chemo treatments. I have not started mine yet (I get my first chemo on June 1st). I know that each person handles Chemo differently, but I am single and rely solely on my job to survive financially I also want to try to maintain a sense of normalcy as much as possible. I feel like i have very little control right now, I also do not have any money in savings (single mom...lol).

I meet with my HR department to let them know what is going on and to see what my options are. The thing that suck is I have only been at my job since January 2017

 

I am really curious if this is doable or if I am not being very realistic. If you were able to work, any tips and suggestions to make it through Chemo and work are greatly appreciated!

 

 

 

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Comments

  • peony
    peony Member Posts: 306 Member
    #2
    If FMLA leave is allowed,

    If FMLA leave is allowed, apply asap.  It helps you keep your job while you are being treated.  I managed to work through chemo & radiation. I was on AC and Taxol.  I had my head shaved a week before chemo started and it was full steam ahead.  Through the AC or Red Devil, I was pretty much ok with working.  I went in like an hour late on chemo days (4) and 1/2 hour late the next morning when I had the Neulasta shot.  The taxol was rougher on me; my blood count kept dropping, but I still made it in.  I took the whole day for chemo (it pretty much took all day- like 5 hours!) and I was really tired all the time, but my job isn't very physical.  AS long as I could stay awake I was ok. During radiation, I would leave an hour early, every day for 6 weeks.  Of course, there are other doctor's appointments thrown in there, so it's a lot of leave.  FMLA is definately a help.

     

  • joannstar
    joannstar Member Posts: 403 Member
    #3
    I worked throughout treatment

    I had 6 rounds of chemo (T/C) 3 weeks apart. I would take Friday off and then either Monday or Tuesday of the next week when the Neulasta shot that I got on Sunday would make me ache too much to sit at a desk (I did bookkeeping). My onc said that I may experience chemo brain (which I did) and that my career was not ideal, but I had no choice but to work. I experienced neuropathy and would sit at my desk with my feet on ice packs. I also found that I shuffled rather than lifting my feet, but there was an elevator so that was not much of a problem. I wore my wig or a scarf when at work. My finger/toe nails stopped growing and turned dark, but never fell out. I used plastic utensils and was religious about swishing my mouth with salt water so that I didn't get mouth sores.

    All-in-all, it is doable but not a lot of fun. Be gentle with yourself, don't expect too much. I managed to take 2 classes a week and attend temple services most weeks, but I did give up singing with the band--too much energy at the time. (I was 57 at time of diagnosis and married for the first time 4 months earlier.)

    Don't expect people to know what you need. If you need help, ask for it, but be specific--you need to tell people how they can help. 

    Good luck--you can do this!

    JoAnn

  • nspired36
    nspired36 Member Posts: 80
    edited May 2017 #4
    peony said:

    If FMLA leave is allowed,

    If FMLA leave is allowed, apply asap.  It helps you keep your job while you are being treated.  I managed to work through chemo & radiation. I was on AC and Taxol.  I had my head shaved a week before chemo started and it was full steam ahead.  Through the AC or Red Devil, I was pretty much ok with working.  I went in like an hour late on chemo days (4) and 1/2 hour late the next morning when I had the Neulasta shot.  The taxol was rougher on me; my blood count kept dropping, but I still made it in.  I took the whole day for chemo (it pretty much took all day- like 5 hours!) and I was really tired all the time, but my job isn't very physical.  AS long as I could stay awake I was ok. During radiation, I would leave an hour early, every day for 6 weeks.  Of course, there are other doctor's appointments thrown in there, so it's a lot of leave.  FMLA is definately a help.

     

    I am going to give it a try

    I know for sure that I am on AC for my first round of chemo, why do they call it Red Devil? (oh my!) and then I forgot what my next set of Chemo meds are. I work a desk job, but it is fast paced at times, with home visits thrown in here and there and I do have the option to work from home a well. I will for sure look into FMLA

  • Beepositive
    Beepositive Member Posts: 259 Member
    edited May 2017 #5

    Ask for help from trusted friends and family if possible!!  I was always the go to person who was there for others..but now i have learned to ask and accept help from others also...as they told you to check into the FMLA (family medical leave) thats whats Im on along with short term disability but i have been on my job for about 6 years. Im glad i took the time off .   GOOD LUCK AND pRAYERS on everything!

    BeepositiveSmile

  • HapB
    HapB Member Posts: 527
    #6
    Nspired

    Whatever you do, don't resign. They have to make reasonable accomodations for you. I don't know what line of work you are in, but if it is a desk job, working from home could be a reasonable accommodation.  I think once you let them know, you can just make it work. If I agree to chemo, I start first week of June also. Let us know how you make out at HR. I am curious. 

  • booksandnumbers
    booksandnumbers Member Posts: 30
    edited May 2017 #7
    Nspired, Working during treatment

    I had stage 2 IDC and like you I was treated with chemo (ACT), and radiation. I also have a desk job and worked the entire time though admittedly less during the AC portion of the chemo, which was a little rough. Once I started on the Taxol I only missed work on chemo days. I was out of work for a week after surgery (lumpectomy) but I could have worked if the surgeon had released me sooner. Radiation was a much easier after that except that I was very tired. It was still manageable though. I applied for FMLA and it took the worry of losing my job away.

    I wish you all the best and I hope you're as I lucky as I was. You can do this.

  • nspired36
    nspired36 Member Posts: 80
    edited May 2017 #8
    booksandnumbers said:

    Nspired, Working during treatment

    I had stage 2 IDC and like you I was treated with chemo (ACT), and radiation. I also have a desk job and worked the entire time though admittedly less during the AC portion of the chemo, which was a little rough. Once I started on the Taxol I only missed work on chemo days. I was out of work for a week after surgery (lumpectomy) but I could have worked if the surgeon had released me sooner. Radiation was a much easier after that except that I was very tired. It was still manageable though. I applied for FMLA and it took the worry of losing my job away.

    I wish you all the best and I hope you're as I lucky as I was. You can do this.

    Thanks

    Thanks for the response. Although, I am realistic and know that this will be no walk in the park, I am hoping that my side effects are managable! I did meet with my employer and they are super supportive and will be flexible so that I can work when I can and be gone when I need to be. That gives me some piece of mind

  • nspired36
    nspired36 Member Posts: 80
    #9
    HapB said:

    Nspired

    Whatever you do, don't resign. They have to make reasonable accomodations for you. I don't know what line of work you are in, but if it is a desk job, working from home could be a reasonable accommodation.  I think once you let them know, you can just make it work. If I agree to chemo, I start first week of June also. Let us know how you make out at HR. I am curious. 

    Sounds like we will be able

    Sounds like we will be able to come up with a workable plan for me to continue to work. I am so glad that my job is supportive! I do not qulaify for FMLA, but I do qualify for short term disability if needed. I will be able to work from home on "bad days" and flex my time if needed

  • nspired36
    nspired36 Member Posts: 80
    #10
    peony said:

    If FMLA leave is allowed,

    If FMLA leave is allowed, apply asap.  It helps you keep your job while you are being treated.  I managed to work through chemo & radiation. I was on AC and Taxol.  I had my head shaved a week before chemo started and it was full steam ahead.  Through the AC or Red Devil, I was pretty much ok with working.  I went in like an hour late on chemo days (4) and 1/2 hour late the next morning when I had the Neulasta shot.  The taxol was rougher on me; my blood count kept dropping, but I still made it in.  I took the whole day for chemo (it pretty much took all day- like 5 hours!) and I was really tired all the time, but my job isn't very physical.  AS long as I could stay awake I was ok. During radiation, I would leave an hour early, every day for 6 weeks.  Of course, there are other doctor's appointments thrown in there, so it's a lot of leave.  FMLA is definately a help.

     

    Its inspiring to hear stories

    Its inspiring to hear stories of how strong we can be when we need to be. Its amazing that you went through all of that and still worked. I am hoping that I can be that strong! I too will be taking Ac & Taxol and am hoping for minimal side effects.

  • HapB
    HapB Member Posts: 527
    #11
    Nspired

    That is good that your employer will be on board and accomodate your getting well. One day at a time and we will be totally, 100% CANCER FREE!  Yes! I have faith today!  I still have't heard from the doctor yet about the path report from the lumpectomy and node excisison, so I don't know my plan for treatment. I think we will be going through chemo at the same time. I am sorry you have to be here at all, but if either one of us has to go through this, but together we can all give each other strength! I am praying for peace, strength. and cure!   

  • Deanie0916
    Deanie0916 Member Posts: 626 Member
    #12
    Nspired

    Sorry you have to go through this. I worked through AC/Taxol treatments. Sounds like your work is supportive. I had my treatments in the earlier part of the day and took the rest of the day off. I scheduled my treatments on a Thursday,went back in on Friday and then had the weekend to recover, seemed the second and third day after chemo was worse for me. I also had the ability to work from home if I needed to. Stick to the medications they give you and the timing they tell you, I was hardley ever really horribly nauseous. I also took ginger root capsules, I think that helped alot in battling Nausea. You can do this! Love and prayers to you...

  • kakennedy
    kakennedy Member Posts: 37
    edited May 2017 #13
    Working

    Hi there!  I was diagnosed as Stage IA HER2 positive last June and went through 12 weekly treatments of Taxol and Herceptin then Radiation and now only Herceptin every 3 weeks until August.  I have not missed a day of work as a result of the treatments.....granted I was tired, but I pushed myself in order to keep my mind occupied.  I am self-employed and do national consulting work thus it means I get on an airplane and fly to my events.  I typically would fly on Sunday (after a treatment on Friday) and return on Thursday evening.  I even managed to make it to the gym at least 3 days per week for an hour during the traveling.....still gained weight but felt better if I worked out a bit.  

    I found the biggest challenge was not to think about the diagnosis.  Try your best to let God take the lead.....  Stay positive and pray a lot.....YOU can do this!

  • nspired36
    nspired36 Member Posts: 80
    #14
    Deanie0916 said:

    Nspired

    Sorry you have to go through this. I worked through AC/Taxol treatments. Sounds like your work is supportive. I had my treatments in the earlier part of the day and took the rest of the day off. I scheduled my treatments on a Thursday,went back in on Friday and then had the weekend to recover, seemed the second and third day after chemo was worse for me. I also had the ability to work from home if I needed to. Stick to the medications they give you and the timing they tell you, I was hardley ever really horribly nauseous. I also took ginger root capsules, I think that helped alot in battling Nausea. You can do this! Love and prayers to you...

    I have my treatments

    I have my treatments scheduled for Thursdays. I'm hoping that if I feel crappy,  that it'll be over the weekend. My 1st chemo is set for June 1st and I am super anxious, eventhough I try not to be (the unknown is hard)..

  • HapB
    HapB Member Posts: 527
    #15
    nspired36 said:

    I have my treatments

    I have my treatments scheduled for Thursdays. I'm hoping that if I feel crappy,  that it'll be over the weekend. My 1st chemo is set for June 1st and I am super anxious, eventhough I try not to be (the unknown is hard)..

    Starting chemo

    Hi Nspired36, I think if I decide yes on the chemo, it will also be that week. I really fear the port placement and I don't want it. I have had chemo before and did very well, but did not have a port, I had a picc line. Do you have your port yet?  

     

  • nspired36
    nspired36 Member Posts: 80
    #16
    I get my Port next week. From

    I get my Port next week. From everybody I talk to they said that getting a port is the best thing to do since I'll be getting chemo on a regular basis. It does scare me a little bit but I rather do that. They said the procedure is pretty simple and after that barely even feel it

  • nspired36
    nspired36 Member Posts: 80
    #17
    I am really hoping I can work

    I am really hoping I can work through treatments or at work off  of a flexible schedule so I can keep my job. Not just for financial reasons, but also to try to keep as normal as a life as possible

  • booksandnumbers
    booksandnumbers Member Posts: 30
    edited May 2017 #18
    Port & work

    The unknown is much scarier than the actual thing. Putting the port in takes no time at all and is relatively painless afterwards. Uncomfortable for a while, yes. I actually missed it once they took it out after a year or so. Strangely enough it made me feel a little safer having it. Just in case.

    As for working, it will keep your mind busy and like you said, it will keep life as "normal" as possible. Don't get carried away though. There are times when you just can't. Make sure you get enough rest too which is very important for mind and body. This scary uncertain time is about you. Be kind to yourself. Also it's not all bad. You will find people on this path you're on that you never would have met otherwise and are treasures. You also get to know yourself a lot better. You will surprise yourself. Wishing you every good thing during this journey.

  • peony
    peony Member Posts: 306 Member
    #19
    I went to a Chair Yoga demo

    I went to a Chair Yoga demo for survivors and we were comparing our port scars.  It's like a BC survivor tat that only we recognize.  It's uncomfortable at first, but my only problem was remembering to use the numbing cream before chemo.  It's good to have one; it will save your veins.

  • HapB
    HapB Member Posts: 527
    edited May 2017 #20
    Kakennedy

    Good for you! Do you mind if I ask your age?  I am guessing you are pretty young? I just cancelled my gym measurement because last time I did chemo, the doctors told me not to go to gyms because my immune system was so weakened and gyms tend to be germy places. I had to have 2 Neupogen shots during the treatments becuse my white blood count got dangerously low. Did your blood counts get low?  Maybe I shouldn't have cancelled the gym.

  • nspired36
    nspired36 Member Posts: 80
    edited May 2017 #21
    booksandnumbers said:

    Port & work

    The unknown is much scarier than the actual thing. Putting the port in takes no time at all and is relatively painless afterwards. Uncomfortable for a while, yes. I actually missed it once they took it out after a year or so. Strangely enough it made me feel a little safer having it. Just in case.

    As for working, it will keep your mind busy and like you said, it will keep life as "normal" as possible. Don't get carried away though. There are times when you just can't. Make sure you get enough rest too which is very important for mind and body. This scary uncertain time is about you. Be kind to yourself. Also it's not all bad. You will find people on this path you're on that you never would have met otherwise and are treasures. You also get to know yourself a lot better. You will surprise yourself. Wishing you every good thing during this journey.

    Thank you! Your encouragement

    Thank you! Your encouragement helps.  I still have anxiety that I can't seem to shake.  I even try to pump myself up,  but the anxiety keeps creeping in.  At times I feel like everything is caving in on me and I can't breathe 

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