Cancer and working

Hi Forum

I've just been diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. I'll be starting chemo in 2 weeks time and have been told it could last 6-9 months. I'm just wondering how people cope with receiving treatment and working? Do many people take the whole time off or try and work in between cycles?

Thanks :-)

  • Hi Olive,

    I guess it all depends on both what chemo you are on and how well your body copes with the chemo.

    In my case, I was on two infusions every three weeks plus daily chemo tablets. I tended to take the day off for the infusions, followed by two or three days off work (luckily my sessions were late in the week, so I had the weekend to recover). I kept that up for several cycles but then the cumulative effect of the chemo made me dead tired, so I went on sick leave for a while. 

    All I can suggest is that you play it by ear and maybe look into what benefits you are entitled to. If you qualify for PIP that isn't means-tested and you can receive it whether working or not. It isn't a massive amount but it will help if you do need to take time off work.

    Best wishes
    Dave