Working during chemo

[Nat2]

Has anyone worked while having chemo?

[Tybear]

Hi there... I've been following your posts because you and I started out the same - I was 26 and was diagnosed with borderline tumors, however I ended up with 3c Ovarian cancer - I am so happy for you that it wasn't as bad. I did not work through chemo, but I went on short term disability which is covered through my work and recieved 40% of my pay every week. I honestly couldn't have done it. I'm a single mom, and having to raise a 3yr old through all of this was work enough! I usually had one week where I felt really crappy, and 2 where I felt pretty good. I probably could have worked at a desk job, but I do 12hr shifts at a metal stamping facility, and there was no way I could have done it! I do agree that your mind isn't quite as sharp - I would (and still do!) ask the same questions over and over - a bad short term memory. Although a desk job may require you to be more multi-tasking and sharp, so take everything into consideration. Maybe bring your concerns up to your employer beforehand? Good luck to you! Becky

[kathy o]

Oh yea, thats right you forget everything, see I forgot to put that in the first time....

[Nat2]

Oh dear - I can't remember things at the best of times!  Well at least now I will have an excuse!  Thanks again for the advice it's so nice to 'talk' to people who have gone through the same thing.

[Nat2]

Hi,

Thanks so much for responding.  I'm 28 and have a job that computer based and also have the advantage of being able to work from home (which I'm also doing while recovering from surgery) - this is very encouraging news as even if I can do a bit and least I'll be getting some money coming in!  My job is really supportive too and they have got a temp to help out until I'm back at work full time.  I know I will have to see how I feel but this is a little ray of light for me!

[gah_70]

One other thing I should have mentioned in my previous post...

You may find yourself unable to concentrate as well when you are on chemo.  I am one who believes chemo does something to your brain, but c'mon...we're putting poison into our bodies, so it can't all be good!  I struggled to remember things, and some days didn't have a whole lot of motivation, but I made it through.  Just plan on maybe adapting yourself to writing things down instead of relying on brain power.  Anything to make it easier!

Hope you are healing well from surgery, and handling the dx okay.  Yeah, it sucks, but I have no doubts you'll make it through this.  Please feel free to ask any questions that may come up.  We're all here to help!

Gail :)

[gah_70]

I had Taxol/Carbo from 09/05-12/05 for stage 3C.  I was 35 at the time, and other than cancer, am in pretty good health.  I was able to work through chemo, but limited myself to about 30 hours a week.  I have a long drive and did not want to get too wiped out to drive home.  I do have the benefit of having a job where I can sit most of the time, and have coworkers who would do anything for me, and probably would have carried me to the bathroom had I needed it.  They even delegated a parking place right by the entrance for me.  Things like that will make a difference for you, because its one thing to sit at a desk, but quite another to stand on your feet all day.  

Good luck to you.

Gail :)

[kathy o]

I personally have not been able to have a job where I have to clock in, but have been able to do things here and there, mostly things for family business. I have said this lots of times that there is alot of women who do work and I admire them but I am not one of them. I had too much pain from the taxol in my joints. No body responds the same way so you have to pretty much wait and see, I am 47...