Only on day 6 of chemo; one cycle each 21 days, and am almost going insane with forced boredom, how do people cope? Don’t get me wrong I’ve never been the most active type but with another 11 months off work and an overactive mind and 5 more cycles then rads to go; not forgetting 5 years of meds and early menapose, I need some kind of escape.
I’m reading! I’ve always complained that I don’t have enough time to read for pleasure, but when the legs are wobbly and you’re feeling a bit feeble (and/or nauseous) curling up with a good book is great, with no guilty feelings that you should be doing something else. But I have a project: I’ve always bought books that look interesting but often they sit on the shelf unread, so I now have a sequence to work through. Current read is Wolf Hall (about Thomas Cromwell); to follow that is a biography of Thomas More, then the Wives of Henry VIII, a biography of Mary Tudor, and another of Elizabeth I. All books sitting unread on my shelves. After that, the next project is several (unread, of course) books on WWI, to go with topical programmes on the TV.
The only problem is staying awake…
mm depends what your interests are really - time to take up a new hobby? Make a patchwork quilt, learn a foreign language/musical instrument, take up watecolour painting… the list is endless but don’t forget you will in all probability feel more tired than before. Also i would suggest some gentil exercise but it’s probably not the best time to go to a sports center - too many germs. What about the local library - perhaps try a different selection of books to those you normally read? Are you a member of the national trust - might be a good time to visit some of those stately homes one just never gets around to - the gardens look fab in the spring too
good luck
Caroline
Morning ladies, Can i just ask what might be a nosy question ,I hope you don’t mind, but you say another 11months off work. Have you decided to take time out yourself or have you been signed off by your doctor. I’m off at the moment for 4 weeks following mx and recon then supposedly back to work until next treatment starts. I think my employers are expecting me to go to work in between chemo sessions…do you think this is fesable and what about infection…my offices aren’t even cleaned we have to do it ourselves! Am I likely to get signed off…just worried about finances…any advice would be greatly received.
Thankyou… wax xx
I think whether or not you work during chemo depends on a number of things…including and most importantly how you feel about wanting to work. Also how well you are during chemo and how tired you are …also what your job is and how well you are supported by your employer…Personally i took time off for the day of chemo and 2 days after each cycle and then worked part time (reduced from full time )inbetween…I worked with children but instead of going out to clinics worked mainly from my base. During chemo I took 1 extra day because of a water infection but obviously if I had become ill I would have needed more time. I did take time off during my radiotherapy because of cumulative tiredness…On the whole I think doctors would be willing to sign you off throughout chemo…but its not what everyone wants…
Thank you for your replies, I was just worried that I’d be put under pressure to work if i was experiencing the fatigue and sickness,didn’t know if I could expect back up from the doctor and whether it was ok to ask to be signed off if I need it. Wax xx
Hi Wax
Here’s a link to the Macmillan ‘Work and cancer’ information which you may find helpful, it contains guidance for your employers too:
macmillan.org.uk/Cancerinformation/Livingwithandaftercancer/Workandcancer/Workandcancer.aspx
Best wishes
Lucy BCC
Hi Lisa,
I’m currently filling my time by knitting & sewing as I enjoy crafts. I find it hard to read books due to not being able to concentrate at the moment. I’m also catching up on dvd box sets bought for me at Christmas! Also been doing a bit of gardening now the weather has improved. Good luck, I’m in exactly the same situation as you.
Xx