Hi everyone, I just wanted to ask it anyone working full time has coped with having Radiotherapy then returning to work straight after. I will be staring my treatment within the next week or so, and am very concerend how it will effect my work.
Lozzie
I worked during rads but my employer would not allow me to work more than three days a week and only 4 hours a day, which was the maximum recommended by the Occupational Health medic. Have you had an OH assessment done to ensure that your employer is looking after your health and wellbeing?
I only normally work 25 hours a week but I carried on with the reduced hours for 6 weeks after I finished to give my body chance to recover, I then built my hours up over the last couple of weeks until I was back up to working 25 hours a week. I would say the first week I did my normal hours I was shattered.
I will be starting a new thread on the radiotherapy section August Rads 2017 which you might like to post on as you will get loads of help and support from the ladies who are currently going through rads and about to finish in August and also ones that are starting.
Helena xx
I’m starting my radiotherapy in August and I work full time but I’m lucky and getting special leave for 4 weeks. Before I knew this I was talking to my BC nurse and she said lots of women have radiotherapy and do reduced hours. She suggested if I have to work getting the radiotherapy on an afternoon so I could then get s good sleep ready for work the next morning. Let me know how you get on.
Sharon (Angel62)
Hi. I work full time (plus a bit!). I am due to start my radiotherapy on 9th August. I work with four other people, one of which is off for the first two weeks of my rads, I am having 18 sessions. I also have fibromyalgia so have been warned I might be even more tired than usual with the rads. I have warned my boss that I may not be able to make it into work. I have asked for afternoon appointments in the clinic nearer home so I can then go straight home to bed if need be!
Lizzie, just had my first appointment with consultant radiologist and she did tell me that the effects are cumulative and I would experience fatigue. How much I suppose is very individual, just like side effects of chemo. I think some ladies have managed to keep working through treatment, but perhaps it would be wise to get OH to do an assessment? Good luck. ?
I start mid August. I usually work 3 full days but went back after surgery for 3 x half days, I’m planning to continue 3x half days. Interesting that that’s what your occ health said ladybowler.
My appt are all after 2 and before 3pm so will go straight home.
My sister will drop me off for the sessions, as hospital parking is impossible , and even with patient rates it’s min £2.
At least at the hospital I’m going to you can buy a parking pass for £8.50 for a month whilst having treatment…hooe everyone’s treatment goes fine and we are not all washed out.
Goid luck ladies x
I work 9-3 and all bar one of my treatments was between 4-5 so I went after work, yes I got tired but went home after , hubby cooked tea and I snoozed on the sofa if I needed too so didn’t effect work at all, I could have taken the time off but didn’t feel the need . They gave me a free parking pass for the duration of my treatment, think that’s the same everywhere so you shouldn’t need to payXx
I have just been reading the leaflet I was given in preparation for Wednesday, I can get a free parking pass while I am being treated, sadly the royal berks has a tiny car park and it is impossible to find a space after about 9, and my first appointment is 10:30. There is parking on the road, but that’s not guaranteed and you have to pay.
Some hospitals have volunteer drivers who will provide transport to your appointments and therefore no worries about parking etc also if you have to travel a long way it can get very tiring .Think they are usually from the WRVS ,I know a few people who have used this service particularly in last week when you are very tired.
That’s awful surely they could be more supportive than that ? The last thing you need is money worries too .
Do they not have OH dept ?You can ask for a referral yourself.
I’m having my first radiotherapy tomorrow and I’m absolutely scrapping myself. Really scared if I will feel anything during the 3 minutes. Gear of thr unknown x
Thank you do much Helena. Really appreciate all the advice. On day 3 tomorrow and a little red but been putting cream on at every opportunity like it’s going out of fashion lol. I am a little tired but think that’s just the early morning appointments and driving through in the rush hour traffic.
Once again thank you so much x
Thank you Champion…you were right about the tables lol. Had 2 treatments so far and ticking off the days x
Hi silver lady that must have took some doing. I’m still working, my choice as I want my life to carry on as normal as possible. Only doibg about 4 hrs a day but some days I just feel totally shattered. Hiw did you feel after radiotherapy finished. We’re you totally shattered? We’re you able to continue working? Hope you are doing well now.
Take care Angel62