I have recently been diagnosed with grade 2 breast cancer and am due to have a lumpectomy next week with sentinel node removal. After this I will need chemotherapy, radiotherapy and Herceptin treatment.
My employer only pays ten days sick pay a year then it changes to SSP which is barely worth having.
I am hoping to work some days throughout the chemotherapy, does anyone have any experience of working whilst having chemotherapy?
Hi Rabbit28. Welcome to the forum but sorry that you’ve joined the club.
What is it you do for a living? My employer was similar and my job involves me going to different businesses. I’ve managed to change what I do for a few months and can work from home. My employer has been great at helping me to carry on working in order to still maintain my pay.
Cassie x
Hi Rabbit welcome to the forum .People certainly do work during chemotherapy but it will depend on what you do and how flexible your employer is prepared to be .Im sure some ladies will be along soon to tell you how they managed .What do you do for a living ?
Hi rabbit
Chemo tends to go in cycles. So typically what happens is that the first week you need to rest, and then the following two weeks are OK. However this does depend on what work you do. The main worry during chemo is infection, so if for example you work in a school, then its not really possible to work at all.
Sue xx
Thank you for all your replies. I work as an office manager for a small family run company but I am the only one in the office. We have one other member of staff but she can only cover now and again. My boss is now looking into me working remotely from home which is a relief as the drop in income is a worry which I am sure many of you agree you don’t need when you have enough to worry about. xx
Hi Rabbit,
I am sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis.
I understand the financial reasons as to why you’re thinking of working through chemo, but perhaps have at least one session first before making the decision. Depending on the type of chemo you are given, you will experience different side effects, and work may be the last thing on your mind.
Take care. x
Hi Rabbit 28
If you call MacMilan , they are very good at explaining what you may be entitled to. And will also help fill out any forms. If you are unwell they will come round to your house to chat over everything.
Everyone is different how chemo may effect them. Some ladies do continue to work part-time and some find it impossible and have to take time out for their self’s during and for some time after treatment.
It’s good to know options for all senarios, encase you find working is too much.
Be kind to yourself.
Vx
Hi Rabbit
Just to let you know that that I had my first chemo sesh on 20th September and was in work the next day and haven’t missed a day since. I hasten to add that I work in an office and have been incredibly lucky with minimal side effects - but it is possible to carry on working whilst having chemo.
My oncologist stressed that it’s imperative to stay active, so having the routine of getting up for work and out of the house for me is the best way of keeping active. That won’t be the same choice everybody makes but I know it’s right for me. I’m under no illusions that it’ll get progressively harder as the months go by so I’m doing what I can whilst I can. If I have to take time off later, I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it. I think having work to take my mind off my treatment and the banter with my colleagues has helped lessen the side effects somehow.
Good luck
Cherry Bakewell xx