Hi ladies,
I’m getting mx in may, followed by chemo in ??? No idea yet… But I’m now looking at a much longer treatment plan and was wondering what to do about work… Work through it… Or stay off…
Financially I am a single parent and as I work for a local authority the sick pay is ok… But I would. Need to look into assistance after the first 6months. Apart from that I do actually enjoy work, I like having my routine and purpose for the day…
So any feedback and insight would help…
Thanks
Elli xx
I guess everyone reacts to treatment differently. Like you, I knew I could have 6 months paid leave, but you never know what you might need post-treatment, so I wanted to ‘bank’ as much of the sick leave as I could. I went back to work after my first dose of chemo, on a phased return, which equated to about 3 hours a day for 3 days a week, I believe, and we gradually built up the hours over the following weeks. I worked all through radiotherapy but it was very tiring. For me, it was important to work so I could think about something other than ‘me’. I’d just say listen to your body and do the best you can. Please remember that you are more important than your employer.
Fingers crossed that it goes well for you.
Mec
Hi Elli,
there is the thread here share.breastcancercare.org.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=33&t=36421&p=666086#p666086 where quite a few people have recently shared their thoughts.
I am one of those annoying wotsits who worked all through chemo - I was lucky, not everyone is able to work at all. What I would say is that it’s worth seeing how you get along, and seeing how flexible your employers can be. They have to give to time for hopsital appointments, so that gives you a little bit of leeway too.
Most people find they feel worst during the first week, and after that pick up and even have a ‘good week’ in the third week, just ready for the next dose. If you can be a bit flexible on hours and/or wrok form home, that may help.
What I would say is that by the last couple of cycles I was getting quite tired, and was glad that my work is only 15-20 mins walk from home.
Why don’t you have a chat with work, explain what you hope to do, and see how it goes. Unfortunately until you start the chemo you won’t know how it will affect you.
Don’t forget that if you are signed off, you don’t use any holiday, and some people use leave to extend their phased return after treatment.
Yeah, I’m going to speak to them tomorrow…
I’ll be off with the op initially anyway. I work in a school and it’s term time so I thought if I managed back after the op I wouldn’t need to use any of the holiday months and IF I needed to be off it could start in august…
I work with special needs children and as school is a bit of respite for the parents the kids come in with colds etc… They are never off… So it might not be the best environment.
I suppose relocation could be an option.
I like my life, my job, my routine and my preference would be to work… Just thought I’d put out feelers to see what others did and how they found it…
Hi Elli
I worked throughout my chemo and rads and also work in a school. I reduced my hours to a 50% timetable and was unable to work the 1st week after chemo especially the last 3 chemosynthesis then worked the 50% during my second week then worked full time for the 3rd week.
My school was brilliant and were flexible with my needs.
I was also very concerned about working in a school with all the germs flying around, my oncologist said it was down to me but had no real concerns and in away encouraged my return to work.
To be honest with you it helped me keep my sanity as I found lying in bed or around the house gave me too much time to brood and wallow in self pity to the point where I felt quite depressed. It also made the time pass so much quicker and I never had time to think about the cancer whilst at work because I was to busy.
You have to do what you feel is right for you and will have to see how you cope with the chemo, some women really struggle with the SE’s whereas others don’t.
Wishing you the very best with your treatment.
Big hugs
Stella X
Personally I really really wanted to work during my treatment as I love my job and wanted the “normality” but in the event there was no way I could have worked during chemo and radiotherapy as I was far too fatigued. I received sick pay for 2 months followed by half pay for a further 2 months. I then received ESA.
The rules on benefits may have changed since my treatment but I would advise a call to the MacMillan help-line - I found them really clued up about financial entitlements for cancer patients.
Hi
Another one who worked through chemo and rads but reduced hours. I had chemo on a tues so had rest of that week off then went in for 4 hours each day till next chemo. I found it helped me feel " normal" and I enjoy my job so it helped me get through. But everyone is different and my onc did say to have first chemo to see how I was before deciding whether I would work in between the rest.
Good Luck whatever you decide
hats off to all those who work through their chemo. During first cycle thought i would love too but so unwell during second couldnt have done so. They wont have me in work risk assessed and too risky as work in hospital. I havent been able to go to church either as i feel it is an easy place to catch infection as our church is crowded
I suppose you have to see how you are. I would love to go to work though
Lots of love and good luck poppy x
Hi Ladies,
I tried working for a while on reduced hours but to be honest it wasnt the physical side that affected me as much as the emotional, I feel preety good weeks 2/3 after chemo but im so emotional that I find it stressed me out too much worrying about how I would be that it just wasnt worth it.
Anyone who is able to work I think its great a little bit of normality helps but remember you come first and foremost your recovery is everything work can wait
Love to all
Janice x
Thanks ladies,
I guess I need to learn to go with the flow.
I’ll check my options out at work and see what they say, then see how I feel.
Thanks again xx