Question about returning to work

lmliess · May 2009

I was wondering if and when everyone returned to work after either their colostomy surgery (APR surgery) and/or after liver resection surgery? I do accounting and I am planning on returning 3 months after the colostomy rectal resection surgery and it will be 9 weeks after my liver resection surgery. I am just wondering if that is enough time. I am starting to actually feel better and it is going on the 5th week after the liver resection.

Also, did or does anyone work while doing chemo with Folfox and Avastin? I am planning on working around that too. I find that the more I do to keep myself busy the better I feel so that may be a sign I will be ready to return to work at that time.

Thanks!

PamPam2 · May 2009

Working
You could probably work if you feel up to it. If your workplace is ok with working with you, on days you might not feel up to it or days you do. I have know other people who worked part time when on chemo. I worked part time on my off weeks, got chemo every other week. Just be careful about not lifting heavy stuff, take it as it comes, some days may be better than others. I guess it will all depend on how the chemo hits you, everyone is different. Best Wishes. Pam

dmdwins · May 2009

PamPam2 said:
Working
You could probably work if you feel up to it. If your workplace is ok with working with you, on days you might not feel up to it or days you do. I have know other people who worked part time when on chemo. I worked part time on my off weeks, got chemo every other week. Just be careful about not lifting heavy stuff, take it as it comes, some days may be better than others. I guess it will all depend on how the chemo hits you, everyone is different. Best Wishes. Pam

Limited work
After my colon resection and while on Folfox and Avastin I was able to work. I worked casual even before my diagnosis and was able to continue working some. Usually a few 1/2 days a week. Many people asked me why I was still working. For me- I needed to have something in my life that felt "normal". It was a distraction from cancer. There were only a couple of times when I felt too sick to go in and someone was very willing to cover for me.It was the right decision for me.

Dawn

PhillieG · May 2009

Depends how you feel
but I went back to work after liver/colon resection and hepatic pump installation and gallbladder removal (a very busy night). I was in hospital for 14-16 days (blocked it out fut it was around that many days) and I rested at home for about 6-8 weeks. Went back to work after that. Have been doing chemo and work for 5 years. I will take off the day I got for it (1 day, every 2 weeks) then sometimes the day after that if I feel crappy. When I had the pump I would usually take Friday off then have that pump removed on Sunday. A few times though I went into work. I used to kayak with it on too, I just put it in a ziploc bag (no cheap store brand for that baby).

My advice, follow you instinct, I partly had to go back this 5th time because insurance ran out after about 6 weeks. Could have used a few more weeks off but gotta pay the bills.

Don't push yourself if you can help it, take it easy. Do walk as much as you can, it helps
Good luck
-phil

CherylHutch · May 2009

Working
Well, I didn't have any surgery regarding the liver... but for what it's worth, I never did go back to work

Well, not to the job I had been at for 33 years. I really didn't know how much time I'd be able to give them and felt it wouldn't be fair for me to be taking time off to go to appts., and then if I wasn't feeling well, or had a "tired" day. Since I do get LTD through work, going back was not an issue for financial reasons.

Now... as far as keeping busy, that's a whole different story

I have kept so busy with my various hobbies, but in particular my involvement with the theatre, that I never really had a chance to get bored or feel sorry for myself. And my theatre and hobby involvement IS what makes my life "normal"... so in a sense, I did exactly what people talk about when they say they want to get the normal back into their life.

But, Jiminy-cricket, I'm thinking I should go back to work just to find some time to rest and relax

C.

taraHK · May 2009

work
I went back to work about 4-6 weeks after surgery, and have worked throughout all my chemos (4!). That being said, I work as a teacher at a university and I have quite a lot of flexibility in my schedule. I work at home some days, can make up for 'missed' time in evenings or weekends. It does help if you have some flexibility in your schedule (and a comfortable chair/some privacy for an occasional cat nap!). Some of my friends, family and colleagues think I'm crazy. But, it makes me feel better to work than not to work. I crave the normalcy of it. And I don't want to just sit around doing nothing. (I don't really have hobbies!).

Good luck to you with your ongoing treatment and with this decision.

Tara

nudgie · May 2009

Work or Not Work that is the question
I had emergency surgery colon surgery w/ostomy, in July 06. Had port put in August 06 and returned to work in Sept 06 while still in treatments. Had my colon resection surgery in Feb 07 and returned to work and my weight lifting in late April or early May 07.

My returning to work was only on the authorization of my surgeon whom I trusted 100%. I would push to get back to work sooner then he wanted and he would not move until he felt my recovery would allow it.

You don't want to return to work too soon and then have complications. Recovery can be slow or fast, it depends on the person and their ability to heal.

VickiCO · May 2009

Working
I am blessed that I own the company, and I work from, home as do all my contractors. I can work one hour or ten, depending on how I feel. I honestly do not think I could drive to an office with regular hours, even though it's been 3 months since surgery. Chemo is very hard on me, my bowels are just now getting minimal regulation (some days I am in the bathroom 20-25 times - I counted!) How do you explain to your boss that you can't sit through a meeting longer than 15 or 20 minutes? Plus, I still take narcotics for pain issues (some related to the colon/rectum, some to another injury I have in the rotor cuff that was pushed aside until I finish this cancer journey.) I cannot drive under those conditions.

Everyone is different, and heals at a different rate. If you feel like you are up to it, try it slowly. Go in for 1/2 day and see how you do.

Good Luck! Vicki

menright · May 2009

Work return
I plan to return to work next week after 4 weeks from my AP resection. My biggest concern is the colostomy. I hope I can come and go without incident. I plan to keep my colostomy private.

I will have liver resection surgery sometime in the near future so there will be another period of time I will have to be away from work. I agree it is good to work if you can to get on with a new normal life. I did work through folfox before and other than some minor issues, it was okay. Fortunately for me the worst side effects kicked in during the Christmas holiday which I had off for two weeks.

Best of luck in your return.

Mike

daydreamer110761 · May 2009

menright said:
Work return
I plan to return to work next week after 4 weeks from my AP resection. My biggest concern is the colostomy. I hope I can come and go without incident. I plan to keep my colostomy private.

I will have liver resection surgery sometime in the near future so there will be another period of time I will have to be away from work. I agree it is good to work if you can to get on with a new normal life. I did work through folfox before and other than some minor issues, it was okay. Fortunately for me the worst side effects kicked in during the Christmas holiday which I had off for two weeks.

Best of luck in your return.

Mike

I've worked through it all
Had emergency surgery Nov 7th, in the hospital for 10 days, went back to work on the monday after thanksgiving. However, after the chemo started, I did only half days on treatment weeks, and just to give me some me time 3 half days on the off weeks. I find that i am ok from about 7am until around 2, then i need a nap, or rest. I am off work at noon, run any errands i need to, then home to eat lunch, relax and watch Rachel. I have a very understanding boss, who often chases me out of there when I would prefer to stay. I just find that it helps to keep my mind doing normal things as much as I can (and I've been working since I was 14). I am the office manager, so I can also do some of my work from home, it helps.

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