working while getting chemo.

Sundanceh said:

I Did...
Hi there

I've been off chemo for about 8 months but may have to start back up again.

When I was doing chemo, I had to stay on the job while getting the treatments.

What I would do was schedule Infusion on Fridays. That way Saturday and Sunday would not cost me any time and I could go ahead and be sick.

I would usually miss both Monday and Tuesday each time I did it. I had made my boss aware and educated him on Cancer, so he would have the understanding of what I needed. He worked with me through it and that was a big help.

I would take my lunch and go lay down in my truck for an hour just to get me through the 2nd half of the day. Sometimes, I would close the door to my office and take 15-30 minutes when I needed it. When I got home, I went to bed and rested. Took it one day at a time and went with what my body needed.

-Craig

Working while getting chemo
Hello Craig

I started First-Line Chemo (Stage 4/w MET to Liver) in 2006 and finished in Apr 2007. I never missed one day of work. After each session I would return to work...only medical limitation was driving an automobile during Chemo days. Everybody is different and Chemo affects are different. As stated - take one day at a time...listen to your body and don't forget to pray.

Charles

Working Not for me
Hi, your a mother, a wife and a person, and your sick do what ever makes you feel good now,
This is what i am choosing
on forth treatment and waiting hear about surgery, and also being stage 4, not really knowing how long all this is going to go on, I have found there is no passion for work,.
I ve decided to file disability, and concentrate on getting well and having the strenght to be a wife, mother and a person, not a worker bee. My finances are a mess and frankly thats just par ,when it comes to big bad cancer.

I have decided to improve my art, and to go back to school later, A masters maybe in social work. And go back to work when i am well.

But work, Not worth it. Life is worth it.
Just my feelings,

Also for the fatigue, go to FRS.com this is the best. it will give you energy, i have been using it aswell as my husband who is a kidney dialysis patient and it will perk u=you up with out crashing and it is also good for you.
We like the chews.

Winney

PhillieG said:

Yes
I have been getting chemo for over 5 years and have worked through it. Sometimes I would feel like hell so I would take 1-2 days off (vacation/sick time/personal time). They are very understanding at work. I have had days when I would spend lunch time in the nurses office and just take a nap. There have been days I've nodded off at my desk. Other days I've spent a good deal of in it the bathroom. It's not always easy. Coffee or tea helps me too
-phil

Working
I have not worked since March. I`m currently on medical leave and still don`t know exactly how it`s going to work out. I am a massage therapist so it requires me to be on my feet alot and I don`t have the flexibility to call off work when I feel like it. I work for an upscale hotel spa and if I don`t come in somebody is waiting for a massage they won`t get. Also, I am currently taking erbitux and I`m sure that the rash would be completely off putting to everybody but my regular clients who know me. People would not know that it`s not contagious. The Doc is taking me off of erbitux but I have to get into a routine and figure out if and when I can work. Just when I had my pattern down the Doc switched up my treatment so I don`t know how long it will take me to recover each time. My supervisor is being very patient about waiting for me and let me know that they would be happy to have me back when I am ready, so I am fortunate in that respect.

Eric