Still working through chemo/radiotherapy?

Is anyone here still working full time while being treated? I'm trying to figure out if this is even possible to do with daily hospital visits but I have a flexible global job so I can work around it, just not sure if I will be in any fit state to do anything productive.

Would love to hear how others hav found it.

Thanks!

  • Hi 

    I think it depends on what chemo your having, and where the cancer is

    im having chemo and I can't work as it hits my best to hard, I have a combination of carboplatin and paclataxol, it's a 4hr chemo every 3 weeks for primary peritoneal cancer, but my manager had breast cancer and managed to stay at work, so it depends really on the cancer, the treatment and the person.

    I do wish I could work through it though, I love my job and I like being with my colleagues, but unfortunately it's just not possible for me xxx

  • Thanks for replying and im sorry it's keeping you from your work and colleagues.

    I suppose I will see how the first week goes. It's radiation 5 days a week for 5 weeks plus chemo tablets but I don't know the type or how often I take them. 
    I also love my job but I know it will never love me back, so I will rest if I need to rest. So lucky to have a supportive company.

    good luck with the rest of your treatment! Cancer is a real bummer (I have rectal cancer -terrible joke)

     


     

  • Stick with it, [@Pevans]‍ , you've got friends and supporters here.  :happy:

  • Oh bless you, it's good that you job is understanding, that is so so helpful in times like this, my job is also very understanding and are paying me full pay while I'm away, which is better than they did the first time around.

    my cancer has returned after being cancer free for two years, so yes it's a real bummer

    i wish you well with your treatment, please let me know how you get on, still happy to have a chat even though our cancers are different! 

  • Mmm,  depends on type of cancer and what type treatment. I am a pharmacist and  was diagnosed earlier in the year with advanced prostate cancer, I am just over halfway through my first course of radiotherapy, I also have tablets and three monthly injections. I booked time off work as not sure how the side effects of the radiotherapy would affect me,( I can't have problems when doing my job). I've got ongoing incontinence, which is managable, as I just have to go to hospital daily, and fatigue, I rest when I get home from the hospital treatment.

    Hope this helps, other advice, use whatever support you have, stay positive , and try and keep busy,( keeps your mind off of your diagnosis).

    Good luck

  • Thank for your reply!

    I work from home, so I don't have to face people or be in an office but like you I can't be compromised in my decision making/actions. I will take the first week off and see how I get on. 
     

    thanks for the advice and good luck for the rest of your treatment 

  • Hi

    I hope things are going as good as they can do for you. I have been having a look around the chats for a few weeks and found it so useful hearing about other peoples experiences but  I wanted to make contact with you as your situation sounds similar to my Husbands. 

     Tony was diagnosed with rectal cancer in August, he had colostomy surgery in Sept , which will be permanent as the tumour is very low.  He has dealt with this really well and adapted to having 'Boris !!  His stoma is high, in an awkward place and is quite shallow so quite challenging. As he says  his is not an instragram stoma but he has found ways to deal with this !!  
    He is now in his last week of five weeks of radio /chemotherapy and after a couple of weeks break starts chemo for three months before surgery. He was really keen to continue working and has managed to do this  through this part of the treatment -he works as a Contracts Manager and mixes home / office working.  He has been fortunate in not having many symptoms and only really experienced these in the last week - mainly peeing more often which he finds really annoying  !!  

    Not sure how the next part of the treatment will work out, we are just trying to take it one step at a time, which is not always easy !! For me it feels like we are in some strange place that does not seem real most of the time.
     

    I hope you are managing to work as I know Tony finds this a great distraction and keeps his mind in a better place. 
     

    Take Care 

    Liz