Just read your post - am so sorry you are feeling this way. You will see I posted earlier in the thread. I am now at the end of my Herceptin and it does seem to get worse right at the end. I was fine until the last 2-3 months.
With regard to your boss I don’t know what size or type of company you work in, but sounds to me like she is bullying you and she can’t do that - it is illegal. Do you have a HR department you can speak to? I don’t know the ins and outs but I do know that the Disability Equality Act covers illnesses like BC and there are rules that companies have to abide by.
I have been really lucky in that I started a new job half way through my Herceptin and the company took me on knowing all about the treatment I had and what I still had to have and have had no problems but it is always best to be armed with information.
Just remember the law is on your side, no theirs in this case. As for side effects I am hoping that this is the worst and from now they will improve.
Bless you you sound down hun. Believe me the way you are feeling is very normal and I take my hat off to you working full time as I know I could not do that. Can you not go on the sick and give yourself some time to rest?
As for your boss what an unsympathetic b*tch. Take no notice of her she will get her cumupence people like always do.
I am studying at university and am struggling so I really admire you for working and having to look after your son.
I seem to up and down with tiredness, some days I cant keep my eyes open and some days im ok.
I too had a mastectomy and am 39…I understand how you feel.
Im glad your off today. You rest up and plse post on here if you need to
I know a few of my friends are teachers and can be teaching and just go blank, its scary but im hopeful it Will improve.
I suppose I could do its just taking that first step isnt it. I might pop in and say hi to everyone, if they remember me!
Im sure our memory will improve, It has to surely???
Thanks Em. Xxxx
Hi Becs so sorry to hear that your employer is such a bovine! Sam is right you have the law on your side and also reasonable adjustment for you whilst still undergoing active treatment and after, I had some amazing advice and as you see went to my union as well, we are now classed as disabled. It does not help either because this sort of stress will also make you tired! I think you are amazing here is me with my 3 mornings a week and no little ones to care for so I take my hat off to you! As for apologising there is no need, how you feel is how you feel!!! On Thursday it will be my 15th Herceptin and yes it can make you tired but don’t forget all the previous treatment along with this ongoing ,it all adds up so give yourself some credit and be gentle with you! If you look up employment issues on here there are several threads you might find useful and if you are in a union then call them. I am sending you a HUG )))((( and hope things pick up for you take care Em xxx
Kimmie not too sure about the memory thing?? Still remember the most bizarre things but it is the every day stuff that stumps me! Take care xxx
Thank you all for the support and advice! I don’t think that I’ve done myself any favours by trying to revert back to how I was prior to getting ill. I’ve been insisting that everything is fine because I don’t want people to think I can’t cope, but in reality I think I need a break. It’s funny because when I was having chemo and rads - work were so understanding, but now I’m back in it’s business as usual. Thanks again everyone, mini-breakdown averted!!!
Becs I think you need to make them aware that its still cancer treatment.
Glad your feeling a little better. I think you should take some time off.
Take care x
I’m with Kimmie on that Becs! Your doc should support you with a note, time for some rest and proper healing specially as you kept on going! I learnt from some wonderful people on here not to wear my knickers outside my tights! Hang on in it will get better. Even more hugs Em xxx
Hi
reading this thread just so resonates with me… finished herceptin 20th Jan so I know eventually I will get back to normal,ha ha!!! I just wish my employer along with a lot of others it would seem would have some respect for what we have been through and will continue to go through… I really do not understand their way of thinking… I have posted before that I have had an absence meeting as I have had 13 and a half days off sick since returning last April, wow I thought that was good but no they need confirmation from my gp that they are linked to recovery from my treatment and a prognosis going forward… this i consider to be extremely insulting but I have no choice… I do know once I get my head together gain some confidence I will be looking for another job.
We ladies are so brave going through all this s**t and this is how we get treated… so apologies for my rant… what I try to remember is that Herceptin has along with my other treatment saved my life and that is something no one will understand unless they have gone through it…
Well done to you all I am sure things will get easier for us xxxx
Hi fluffy chick
God what is it with employers?! I think partly its because whilst on herception we look fine but as ive said before it might not have the physical effects of chemo its still a cancer treatment and your employer should be reminded of that!!! Oh it makes me mad!
Your right nobody understands truly unless they have been through it
Today I had a classic example of the look fine so you must be fine (not) scenario.
I went for my 18th and last Herceptin. Had an echo first and then appt. with oncologist. Was shocked that my echo reading had dropped from 73% to 50% so couldn’t have it. But according to work I am fine.
All worked out ok as because it was my last treatment she decided to call it a day. As she said there isn’t any difference between having 17 and 18.
So that’s it, Herceptin finished. Maybe now my nose will stop running???
Congratulations on finishing your treatment.
That happened to a friend of mine and she missed their last one too.
Yes heres hoping. I finished treatment nearly two weeks ago and its still running. Arrrggghhhh it drives me crazy ;0)
Sam, what a shock; i’m due 17th herceptin next week (my last one). You dont expect the echo to fall after all this time, and ive only recently found out that heart is checked again up to 6 and then 12 months after herceptin finishes, have you heard this?
My previous echo was 59%, on 2nd feb; my highest has been 60-65%, never in the 70s (not that i know what it all means, lol)
I know it sounds silly, but I have been walking round work with a big silly smile on my face just because the onc said that’s it treatment finished, a success and gave me a big hug and said well done. I tell you, as you all know its been a long old hike.
Truddles, I know that my onc and cardiologist want another echo in 6 and 12 months but assumed that was because I had a dodgy one which fell from 70 to 50 before but that was at the start when I was still on ‘proper’ Tax chemo. Didn’t realise that it was standard for everyone. Also because I have had all my treatment private I am never quite sure if the scans and tests I have been having regularly are the same as the NHS.
I don’t know exactly what the numbers mean either. I just know that obviously its better to be in the 70s rather than at 50. I don’t think 50 is bad (put it this way I asked the onc if I should be worried and she said not at all). I think it is more that it is a big drop in one go. I wouldn’t mind but I have been feeling not to bad recently, back at the gym and everything.
Anyway, hopefully everything will be on the up from now. The drugs will gradually come out of my system to be replaced with no more, so that’s got to be good.
Aww bless you Sam. I was smiling to but also felt like someone had took away my security blanket.
I never got to know the results of my heart scans were my onc just said they were fine. I must admit he never said id be getting another mugga scan in 6 months, hmmmm might have to query that?!
Yes onwards and upwards hun. Appt it can take 6 months but c’est la vie.
P.s i so admire you for going to the gym, where do you get the energy from???
The only thing that runs is my flipping nose! I do wish I had the energy sooo jealous! I didn’t know there would be further echos hmmm will ask as it’s hunt the vein time tomorrow don’t know if the one inside wrist will hold out as it has been the only one that they get in one! Fingers crossed. Take care all Em x
mmm I didn’t know that there would be further echos either… will check with my onc when i see him in March…
Nearly 5 weeks after finishing mine and my nose still runs like a tap!!! and yes I feel like I have no security blanket…
Good luck Em with hunting the vein mine were all shot by then end and I hated it when they used the little ones in my wrist, i still shudder at the thought…
Take care xxx
Em try your thumb vein that worked for me everytime.
Good luck x
Fluffy chick - Its a funny feeling isnt it?! I sometimes feel like buying a wrist sweat band, not very lady like but it would be so much easier lol
Xxx
What was it like for you girls who have had your last herceptin and so the last visit to the chemo room?
My last one is next week, and I’m thinking of taking in chocs and biscuits and a helium balloon to celebrate, I mean, Ive been going there every 3 weeks now for the last 13 months and have got to know some of the staff etc, it’ll seem strange not to have a “Leaving do” !
Did any of you do anything like this, or am I odd?
Hi truddles
It was emotional for me as I had went to the same ward 24 times. I bought 3 of the nurses an angel pin for there uniforms and a thank you card. Felt strange leaving, had a little tear came home and had a party tea.
Im sure the nurses would love chocolates and biscuits, go for it!
x