Cancer Treatment Options Forum - October 16th, 2010 - 4 Comments
starting chemo for breast cancer in 10 days, any advice on how to continue working?
will i miss a lot of work, can’t really afford to do that
Comments
There are 4 comments for this post.
Hello,
Sorry to hear that you need Chemo, but it is better if you need it to have it than not. Chemo can be "fractionated" with some drugs to make it "hit you less hard" without decreasing its effectiveness. This can mean giving the drugs to you at a lower dose over a longer period of time. I would discuss this with your oncologist to see what can be done.
Good Luck To You,
John Di Saia MD
I know a lot of people work thru chemo but there are a lot of factors to consider. What type of job do you have? Do you work with the public where you will be exposed to a lot of people (and their germs)? Are you on your feet or at a desk? What type of chemo are you getting?
The second and third day after treatment was when I felt the worst. The meds that are available today make the side effects much more manageable. Most time you feel flu like symptoms.
It is important to take care of yourself and rest when you need it. We are heading into cold and flu season so you will have to protect yourself from germs. I used a lot of Purell while in treatment. May sure they are checking your numbers to make sure you white cells are high enough to be working.
I think it is best to discuss your options with your oncologist.
I didn’t work until the very end of my chemo when my FMLA ran out. I responded much better to treatment while I was not working.
I would plan on taking a few days off after your first treatment. After your first round you will have a better idea on how your body will react.
Good luck as you continue down your road of recovery. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and put yourself as a priority. Take care of yourself.
the only thing i can tell you is my experience on chemo last year when i had throat cancer.the treatment is very tiring and you can sit in out patients frim 8.30 to 5.30 having chemo and it makes you so tired.some people do work through it with no problem.i spent 7 months i hospital total last year because it paid havoc with my body.hopefully you will be able to work through it.good luck with your treatments.
Try breastcancer.org it is a great site for information and there will likely be someone there with information on the specific chemo regimen that you will be having. Some people breeze through chemo. One thing that is very important is to take those medications that they give you exactly as prescribed. Nausea can usually be controlled, so if the meds are working for you tell your doctor and try another.
Good luck