It was confirmed yesterday that I will be starting FEC-T chemo within 2 weeks. Lots to get my head round but one thing I’d like to know is what other people have done about working. My onc has said there is no reason why I shouldn’t return to work if I want to - I have been signed off since a WLE/LN - and I don’t think I can cope with the thought of another 4 1/2 months at home getting even fatter. (Not to mention the fact that I think I will drop to half pay after 6 months - slightly before the end of the chemo, and I will also be having a MX afterwards).
But have people managed to return to work full time for every day through the process, or are there times within the cycle that working was just too difficult?
I want to meet my boss next week to talk through my options, so any experiences would be useful.
Thank you
Morning mac66,
There is a new thread in Recently diagnosed, ‘diagnosed with bc’, titled going to work while having chemo, that has quite a few replies, one of them mine.
I hope those help.
J
Thanks Judith. Found it!
X
Hi not sure if you hAve seen any useful replies yet but I am coming up to my 6th of 3 fec and 3T. I am having mx after I have finished chemo and then rads. My experience has been that at least the week after chemo I feel really poorly with no energy and not able to do anything except stay on the sofa or in bed. Emotionally as well get very low but then one day wake up and out the other side of it. The fatigue really increases with each cycle and it now takes up to 2 weeks to feel better. I stopped work as soon as I was diagnosed and am so grateful I don’t have to work although the day time tv is driving me mad now. I try and book up lots of lunches with friends the week before chemo as I know I will have enough energy then. We are all different but I think trying to do a full time job at the same time as chemo would be very ambitious, hope you get through this as well as you can and be kind to yourself its a hard road to travel Xx
Thank you all
Lots to think about there. I will see how flexible my boss is willing to be, then see how things go on the first cycle and take it from there…
Good luck everyone!
x
Hi Mac66
I have just finished FEC-T and like you wanted to continue working if possible. Everyone is different as to the effects the chemo has on our bodies. I found that the first two FEC I had 3 days off work but then gradually with the other FEC and 3 T’s I needed more time. For me it worked to have a week off after chemo and then work the 2 weeks in between. Everyone is different, all I can advise is listen to your body, be kind to yourself and don’t beat yourself up if it doesnt work out and you feel unable to work.
Wishing you all the very best with your treatment. Jane x
I worked but could rest ic i needed in the first week. Kept me going emotionally abd rads were easy ad i was used to being up and on time…but only a 20 min drive.