Hi
I’m 33yrs, single with a mortgage.
I was diagnosed with breast cancer on Tuesday and have been told I will be have chemo and then surgery.
I work as a nurse on a busy children’s ward, will I be able to continue to work whilst having chemo. Any advice great-fully appreciated the more honest the better
Thanks Polly
Hi PollyEmma
Firstly, welcome to the forums, I am sure you will find it a great source of information and support.
I’m sorry to read of your diagnosis, the first few days and weeks are always difficult when coming to terms with things and getting to grips with your treatment plans, etc.
As well as the support you will receive here you might find it helpful to order the BCC resources pack. It has been specifically designed for those newly diagnosed and contains information to help you better understand your diagnosis, test results and the various treatments available. If you would like to order a copy just follow the link bellow:-
Also, do give the helpline a ring if you need any further support or information. They’re on 0808 800 6000. Open 9-5 Monday to Friday and 10-2 Saturday.
Best wishes Sam, BCC Facilitator
Hi, I am 33, just finished 4 x EC and 4 x Tax chemo and worked throughout as well as having a 1 year old. (Plus husband, but he works late) and I got through it.
I won’t lie to you, it was TOUGH at times, but my last one was Monday and I look back and feel like it wasn’t all THAT bad. You will have days when you feel awful, but I found distraction the best technique and I didn’t suffer too badly with Side Effects. I think being young and healthy helps, but then I have a friend who was a similar age, fit and young and was in bed for a week each cycle unable to move so sadly you can’t predict how you will feel.
The other part is going to be your immune system, I am a school secretary so deal with some sick-ish children so we tried to minimise my contact with them during the middle week when my bloods were lowest. But I got through fine. So you might need some juggling to keep you at lower risk if you can.
Basically, it CAN be done with some extreme bloody-mindedness, but your body is also its own ruler and if the side effects take you, then there isn’t a lot you can do. Your oncologist will be able to juggle your antisickness tabs / add other sweeteners of steroids / antidepressants to get you through it, the first cycle of the drug is the hardest I found as I didn’t know what to expect, as they went on and I was used to it and the meds were juggled it got easier.
Sorry, will stop with the essay, there is a younger women’s board on here too, its quiet but if you have any questions just shout, I have my op in 4 weeks so poss a similar situation to you!
I’ve only just been diagnosed myself but he consultant said I should be able to lead a normal life. She said I might need a few ‘down days’ after the chemo but other than that should be ok to continue working.
I think it all depends on what concoction of drugs they give you depending on what stage you are and also how your body reacts to it.
You should have a breast cancer nurse specialist that will be able to advise in more detail. Or speak to your oncologist.
When is your oncologist appointment?
Have you spoken to the mortgage company to potentially ask for a payment holiday?
ps - I was diagnosed on Tuesday too so feel your shock, pain and anguish xxx