Hey All I kinda jumped in without introducing myself

dyaneb123
dyaneb123 Member Posts: 950
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
So let me back up and do it right. The name is Dee.I live in beautiful Gatlinburg Tennessee in the heart of the Smoky Mts. Thank you all for all the good advice and warm words I have seen posted on this site. It is very helpful.I was diagnosed in March, had a lumpectomy April 1st, but there was cancer in the sentenil node(the only one out of 10 Gracias a Dios)so I had to go back for a mastectomy May 1st...now I'm waiting for Chemo which I have to say scares me more than the surgeries.So tell me, do any of you work while on Chemo? I am a single school teacher who always works in the summer to pay those summer bills...is it possible to hold a job?What have you other single ladies done about keeping the bills paid?Do you have any suggestions as to what kind of summer job might be manageable..I usually work as a motel desk clerk but the motel is being sold this year...THAT was a great summer job...take a reservation,check a guest in, watch t.v. for 3 hours...sigh...
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Comments

  • tommaseena
    tommaseena Member Posts: 1,769
    #2
    work and chemo
    I only took a month off after my double mastectomies. I continue to work full time while having my chemo therapy. I ended up taking the day off that I had the chemo because they could not schedule me first thing in the morning. Now I am only taking 4 hrs off the day of chemo--I have felt fine with no nausea during my treatments of AC and now Taxol w/Herceptin. I am a single mom of an almost 6 year old son. I play golf 2 days a week-1 day 9 nine holes and 1 day 18 holes and I walk the course.
    Everyone is different and reacts different in their treatment.

    I think the scary thing with chemo is you can't control what the effects are. With the surgery it was your decision and you knew what the outcome would be or hope to be but with chemo you never know because you don't have control when your hair falls out and that was the worse for me--losing hair and not having control.

    Hugs,
    Margo
  • stox4bux
    stox4bux Member Posts: 29
    #3
    tommaseena said:

    work and chemo
    I only took a month off after my double mastectomies. I continue to work full time while having my chemo therapy. I ended up taking the day off that I had the chemo because they could not schedule me first thing in the morning. Now I am only taking 4 hrs off the day of chemo--I have felt fine with no nausea during my treatments of AC and now Taxol w/Herceptin. I am a single mom of an almost 6 year old son. I play golf 2 days a week-1 day 9 nine holes and 1 day 18 holes and I walk the course.
    Everyone is different and reacts different in their treatment.

    I think the scary thing with chemo is you can't control what the effects are. With the surgery it was your decision and you knew what the outcome would be or hope to be but with chemo you never know because you don't have control when your hair falls out and that was the worse for me--losing hair and not having control.

    Hugs,
    Margo

    Work & Chemo
    Hallo Dee
    Nice to meet you and wish you well with your upcoming treatments.

    I am going through the same regiments as Margo described but I must say that Margo is furtunate to have no side effects with the chemo. I had my fist AC treatment on Friday morning and I am totally miserable. Friday was the worst with throwing up and nausea. Since then deminished nausea but still miserable, even while I am taking ondasetron for it.

    Margo, can you offer some advice on medication or nutrition you are taking to give you such great results?

    I guess all our bodies are so different and therefore the varying reactions to identical treatments.

    All the best,
    Gitta
  • rjjj
    rjjj Member Posts: 1,822 Member
    #4
    Welcome dynaneb
    As you can see already. Everyone handles the chemo differently although they have meds for the side effects for nausea, It really tired me out. I only worked part-time and my employer was good enough to let me come and go as i pleased. Could it be possible to get some temporary disability at your work place? or sick/vacation leave?
    I wish you all the best and am glad you have joined us here. We will help you all that we can.
    love and hugs
    Jackie
  • tommaseena
    tommaseena Member Posts: 1,769
    #5
    rjjj said:

    Welcome dynaneb
    As you can see already. Everyone handles the chemo differently although they have meds for the side effects for nausea, It really tired me out. I only worked part-time and my employer was good enough to let me come and go as i pleased. Could it be possible to get some temporary disability at your work place? or sick/vacation leave?
    I wish you all the best and am glad you have joined us here. We will help you all that we can.
    love and hugs
    Jackie

    nausea meds
    While on AC my oncologist gave me Zofran (ondansetron) 8mg tab take 1 every 8 hrs for 3 days following chemo for nausea. And Compazine (prochlorperazine maleate) 10 mg tab take one every 6 hrs for break through nausea. I took the Zofran as directed and only had to use the Compazine twice. I ate 6 or more small meals a day. For snacks I ate cheese, fruit and crackers. Always drank plenty of water. When I ate I could eat anything even spicy foods--never bothered me.

    I am now on Taxol w/Herceptin and I have not had any nausea at all. I still drink plenty of water and try to eat smaller meals.

    My oncologist told me that if I get sick then she isn't doing her job--well I guess she did do her job because I never got sick or nauseated.

    If meds are not working then you really need to talk with your oncologist. Smaller meals and start with bland foods and then if feeling good then try something daring--spicy.

    I hope this helps some because it worked for me.

    Hugs,
    Margo
  • dyaneb123
    dyaneb123 Member Posts: 950
    #6
    tommaseena said:

    nausea meds
    While on AC my oncologist gave me Zofran (ondansetron) 8mg tab take 1 every 8 hrs for 3 days following chemo for nausea. And Compazine (prochlorperazine maleate) 10 mg tab take one every 6 hrs for break through nausea. I took the Zofran as directed and only had to use the Compazine twice. I ate 6 or more small meals a day. For snacks I ate cheese, fruit and crackers. Always drank plenty of water. When I ate I could eat anything even spicy foods--never bothered me.

    I am now on Taxol w/Herceptin and I have not had any nausea at all. I still drink plenty of water and try to eat smaller meals.

    My oncologist told me that if I get sick then she isn't doing her job--well I guess she did do her job because I never got sick or nauseated.

    If meds are not working then you really need to talk with your oncologist. Smaller meals and start with bland foods and then if feeling good then try something daring--spicy.

    I hope this helps some because it worked for me.

    Hugs,
    Margo

    Thanks Guys
    You're right..it's the unknown factor that's freaking me out..but I feel great right now, so I'm planning to go to the local wellness center to start learning about nuitrition and fitness classes...Sick days have gotten me through this school year but they don't help in the summer....but I'm sure I'll find something..
  • RE
    RE Member Posts: 4,591 Member
    #7
    Welcome
    Hello Dee, sorry cancer has crossed your path, however since it has let me welcome you and say how glad I am you found us! Personally I did not work during chemo, but I was not the sole support. I do know of those who have and they have been okay. Usually they would take the week of chemo off, then work the rest of the time. It all depends on what chemo you are getting and how you react to it. Take it one step at a time, you will do well I am sure. We will be here for you to support you and lift you up.

    All my best and then some,

    RE
  • tasha_111
    tasha_111 Member Posts: 2,072
    #8
    RE said:

    Welcome
    Hello Dee, sorry cancer has crossed your path, however since it has let me welcome you and say how glad I am you found us! Personally I did not work during chemo, but I was not the sole support. I do know of those who have and they have been okay. Usually they would take the week of chemo off, then work the rest of the time. It all depends on what chemo you are getting and how you react to it. Take it one step at a time, you will do well I am sure. We will be here for you to support you and lift you up.

    All my best and then some,

    RE

    Hi
    Hello Dee, welcome to you. As for your question.. I didn't go to work during (or before, or after) chemo. But I erected (if sensor catches that..'Put Up') an enclosing picket fence, put in over 30 shrubs, created a garden, grew a load of stuff from seed, planned a deck and did all my other "Household Duties" too.
    My Oncologist (Dr. Charisma-Bypass) told me one of his patients was an olympic athelete who continued to train all through chemo..Yes, I too asked "WHY?"
    Anyway, Everyone is different, and it effects them differently. Just don't overdo it.

    Hugs Jxxxxxxxxxxx
  • tasha_111
    tasha_111 Member Posts: 2,072
    #9
    tasha_111 said:

    Hi
    Hello Dee, welcome to you. As for your question.. I didn't go to work during (or before, or after) chemo. But I erected (if sensor catches that..'Put Up') an enclosing picket fence, put in over 30 shrubs, created a garden, grew a load of stuff from seed, planned a deck and did all my other "Household Duties" too.
    My Oncologist (Dr. Charisma-Bypass) told me one of his patients was an olympic athelete who continued to train all through chemo..Yes, I too asked "WHY?"
    Anyway, Everyone is different, and it effects them differently. Just don't overdo it.

    Hugs Jxxxxxxxxxxx

    Woohooooooo
    I got away with mentioning an erection!!!!!!!!!
  • dyaneb123
    dyaneb123 Member Posts: 950
    #10
    tasha_111 said:

    Woohooooooo
    I got away with mentioning an erection!!!!!!!!!

    Thanks Tasha
    I'd love to spend the summer erecting all sorts of stuff around the house...snicker..
    Just dont know if I can successfully avoid the bill collectors but it's tempting to try....
  • stox4bux
    stox4bux Member Posts: 29
    #11
    tommaseena said:

    nausea meds
    While on AC my oncologist gave me Zofran (ondansetron) 8mg tab take 1 every 8 hrs for 3 days following chemo for nausea. And Compazine (prochlorperazine maleate) 10 mg tab take one every 6 hrs for break through nausea. I took the Zofran as directed and only had to use the Compazine twice. I ate 6 or more small meals a day. For snacks I ate cheese, fruit and crackers. Always drank plenty of water. When I ate I could eat anything even spicy foods--never bothered me.

    I am now on Taxol w/Herceptin and I have not had any nausea at all. I still drink plenty of water and try to eat smaller meals.

    My oncologist told me that if I get sick then she isn't doing her job--well I guess she did do her job because I never got sick or nauseated.

    If meds are not working then you really need to talk with your oncologist. Smaller meals and start with bland foods and then if feeling good then try something daring--spicy.

    I hope this helps some because it worked for me.

    Hugs,
    Margo

    Nausea Meds
    Thanks, Margo for your reply.

    I am on the identical regiment as you are and doesn't work for me. Good to see though that we are still unique women, all of us.

    I am going to get another prescription and keep trying until something helps.

    Love
    Gitta
  • Jadie
    Jadie Member Posts: 723
    #12
    Hi Dee
    I am from east Tennessee. I love to visit (and shop in) Gatlinberg. It's just a couple of hours away.

    I worked two weeks and took the week off from work that I had a treatment. I have a wonderful boss who let me have the time off. He actually laid me off and let me draw unemployment for that week. (shhhhhhhhhhhhh)

    Maby you can find a job at another motel. That sounds like exactly what you need while doing treatment.

    Jadie
  • dyaneb123
    dyaneb123 Member Posts: 950
    #13
    Jadie said:

    Hi Dee
    I am from east Tennessee. I love to visit (and shop in) Gatlinberg. It's just a couple of hours away.

    I worked two weeks and took the week off from work that I had a treatment. I have a wonderful boss who let me have the time off. He actually laid me off and let me draw unemployment for that week. (shhhhhhhhhhhhh)

    Maby you can find a job at another motel. That sounds like exactly what you need while doing treatment.

    Jadie

    Hey Jadie
    Cool ! Where do
    Hey Jadie
    Cool ! Where do you live? You'll have to come hang out...yeah I'll have to start looking into motels...I had a really great gig going...maybe I'll get lucky again.
  • Christmas Girl
    Christmas Girl Member Posts: 3,682 Member
    #14
    stox4bux said:

    Work & Chemo
    Hallo Dee
    Nice to meet you and wish you well with your upcoming treatments.

    I am going through the same regiments as Margo described but I must say that Margo is furtunate to have no side effects with the chemo. I had my fist AC treatment on Friday morning and I am totally miserable. Friday was the worst with throwing up and nausea. Since then deminished nausea but still miserable, even while I am taking ondasetron for it.

    Margo, can you offer some advice on medication or nutrition you are taking to give you such great results?

    I guess all our bodies are so different and therefore the varying reactions to identical treatments.

    All the best,
    Gitta

    Gitta...
    Even though you and Margo are getting the same chemo drugs, bear in mind that your dosages may be different. Please don't ever compare yourself to someone else... As others have said, even with exactly identical chemo treatment - individual patients react differently. And, I strongly suggest you contact your own medical team and advise them of your initial reaction to the AC. I'll be hoping they'll be able to offer you some relief from your symptoms. So that your next treatment won't be quite as bad as your first. Best wishes to you.

    Kind regards, Susan
  • cats_toy
    cats_toy Member Posts: 1,462 Member
    #15
    hi Dee
    I had a partial mastectomy, and 8 rounds of chemo. I was out for 4 days after surgery. My only real problem was trying to drive my car, manual shift. I worked throughout chemo and rads, just took the day off for chemo because it was usually 6+ hours each time. But as everyone says on these boards, we all react differently. I was lucky to have no real side effects, I went out car shopping with my nephew the day after my first treatment. Built retaining walls in my yard, gardened etc. You will know your limits, and just remember to not overdo. But regular physical activity is a good thing because you don't allow yourself to become sedentary.
    Good Luck with all to come
    =^..^=
  • Christmas Girl
    Christmas Girl Member Posts: 3,682 Member
    #16
    Hello, dyaneb123!
    OK, I know I already "welcomed" you on another thread - but, let's consider this one more official! I can't add much to what's already been posted. Without more specific info about your upcoming chemo - it's very difficult to say much... Other than...

    There are many, many chemo drugs - administered in various combinations and dosages. Some patients continue to work full-time, some part-time. Even patients with identical chemo regimes can be affected quite differently. I had worked full-time my entire adult life. When I asked my doctor if I'd be able to work - even part-time - his answer was "no." And, he was right.

    However, as tasha_111 described - I was not lying about horribly ill the whole time, either. Had enough strength to keep up with chores, get out and about on "good days"... etc. So, I suggest you ask your own doctor for his thoughts and recommendations.

    We're all here to support and encourage each other. No matter what your chemo or how you'll do - we'll be here. Best wishes to you.

    Kind regards, Susan
  • phoenixrising
    phoenixrising Member Posts: 1,508
    #17
    Hi Dee, thought I'd pop in
    Hi Dee, thought I'd pop in and welcome you. Sorry you're going through this but not to worry, these gals will help you every step of the way. I didn't work through chem but lots of gals did and seem to be fine. Your job as a motel desk clerk sounds perfect, hope you find another one like it.
    jan
  • djteach
    djteach Member Posts: 273
    #18
    Hi Dee,
    Welcome! I am
    Hi Dee,
    Welcome! I am originally from Chattanooga, TN, so I know exactly where you live and it is so beautiful. I was a teacher also for 26 years. I am stage IV with mets to my vertebra and my lungs. I'm on disability that I signed up for through my work. Thank God I did. My disability ins. was the smartest thing I every did as a teacher. I hope that your cancer is very early stage and that you will be able to work. There are many more women on here that know more than I do about chemo and working. I would assume it depends on what types of drugs they use and how you respond to them. The first chemo is always the scariest. Just make sure that you take all the meds. that they give you to treat side effects and you will be fine.

    You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

    Love and gentle hugs,
    Donna
  • rjjj
    rjjj Member Posts: 1,822 Member
    #19
    tasha_111 said:

    Woohooooooo
    I got away with mentioning an erection!!!!!!!!!

    on my post
    I did not get away with bitching or b.i.t.c.h.i.n.g.
  • tatooedinpink
    tatooedinpink Member Posts: 95
    #20
    Welcome Dee
    Love and prayers with you through this journey...

    Debbie
  • dyaneb123
    dyaneb123 Member Posts: 950
    #21
    Christmas Girl said:

    Hello, dyaneb123!
    OK, I know I already "welcomed" you on another thread - but, let's consider this one more official! I can't add much to what's already been posted. Without more specific info about your upcoming chemo - it's very difficult to say much... Other than...

    There are many, many chemo drugs - administered in various combinations and dosages. Some patients continue to work full-time, some part-time. Even patients with identical chemo regimes can be affected quite differently. I had worked full-time my entire adult life. When I asked my doctor if I'd be able to work - even part-time - his answer was "no." And, he was right.

    However, as tasha_111 described - I was not lying about horribly ill the whole time, either. Had enough strength to keep up with chores, get out and about on "good days"... etc. So, I suggest you ask your own doctor for his thoughts and recommendations.

    We're all here to support and encourage each other. No matter what your chemo or how you'll do - we'll be here. Best wishes to you.

    Kind regards, Susan

    Thanks Susan
    I go see my Onologist Wednesday so I'll have lots of good questions to ask that I hadn't thought of...like can I have a mojito.....

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