when to go back to work

[dstone371]

Hi everyone...so glad I found you!  Had 10hr surgery June 29th with 6 rounds of carbo/taxol treatment ended Nov 20th...just now feeling like I can make dinner, vaccum, make beds..the job I have involves all day computer and phone work, researching everything...my memory and concentration is poor, i see my dr for my 3 month checkup on March 19th and has given my LTD insurance until then to be able to work fulltime.  My CA 125 was at 34 Dec. 19th.  Glad for that number..anyway, I am tired alot but feel guilty for not working...the job I had would not allow part time, so I am stumped....should I just accept life as it is and not feel guilty when I do feel good enough to do things even tho I can't bring in any money from my job?


This discussion is related to After Chemo - recovery?.

[dstone371]

you all have been wonderful with your suggestions!  i am grateful for your help.  I am receiving SSD now and my employer should not be holding my job for me as the two are not compatible, but my HR dept will not talk to me and I need my insurance. The mind is so crazy, just gotta remember that at my age 54yrs the body and mind are not as sharp as they used to be...since I have been workind full time since I was 26yrs, it is difficult not to work, but I want every day to count too!!  gotta let go and Let GOd as everyone says, easier said than done...I will work on the crosswords again, I think I need to keep my mind active...and the body is paining again so took some ibuprofen until i talk to the doctor. This cancer is not as well known as breast cancer so it seems we are left to fend for ourselves, oh well, as long as we have each other and our friends and family, we will get by!  Thanks girls!  Hugs!

[MinnieWM]

This is a personal decision on how you feel.  I went back to work 5 weeks post-surgery, and then took 2 days sick leave every 3 weeks for chemo.  Surprisingly I was able to work just fine the day after chemo since I was so pumped up on steroids, but had to take the second day off due to fatigue.  Because of the schedule the 3rd day was always Saturday; so, by Monday I was functional again.

I also work on a computer all day and also had chemo brain. By making copious notes, and keeping 3 projects going at the same time to accommodate my ADD symptoms, I managed to work around these issues.  Work was a godsend since it kept me from overthinking my situation.  

[crab08]

Put the guilt out of your mind.  You have been through a lot.  If your employer allows it ease into the job.  In the meantime it would be a good idea to walk and build up your stamina.  In terms of memory, man I still will have an occasional "brain fart"but I've learned its more common than what I thought after chemo.  I just laugh at myself, and keep going.  Puzzles and games are a good way to get your brain stimulated and active again.  Best of luck to you, and you're in my prayers.

[OzBron]

I worked through my chemo (carbo/taxol) by choice by taking 1 week off, working from home one week and then being in the office one week. I got special parking priveledges so I didn't have to walk far as I was one of the people that got the less common side effects of debilitating joint pain so couldn't walk far. I found that working actually helped me to focus my reduced concentration on something and helped me to regain that sense of 'normal'.
I managed to clear my desk of a lot of less important work I had put off for more interesting stuff and also did alot of filing and tidying as well as reviewing other staff's work as this was less tiring and easier for me. My manager and work group were very supportive and bent over backwards to accomodate me. I have to say it was the first time in years that i just 'did my hours' but noone begrudged it.
It all depends on what your employer will do for you. Would they find some less critical work for you to do (without feeling they are overpaying you)? Have they got someone in to do your work while you are off which could complicate things if you aren't up to full power) or would they appreciate you being back even if you aren't quite back to full mental power? Perhaps there are some tasks that need doing that people in the office put off because it is boring work or you could supervise or coach others or review systems or modify that database etc etc.
If your management are not willing to be flexible or your role doesn't allow adaptation then I would stay off work rather than force an inflexible company to bend (they will then not be as sypmpathetic to any future flexibility you might need for checkups etc).

Just my thoughts.

[junamgen]

You still need time to heal from surgery and chemo. I would apply for social security disability if i were you.  Don't feel guilty at all.  We all have been there.

Best

jun

[OCFB]

It really is an individual thing.  I came back to work 7 weeks after my hysterectomy even though I was still having chemo treatments.  I found that working and being around others got my mind off my cancer.  In the beginning, I only worked 3-4 hours a day; my boss was very understanding about it.  By the time I finished my chemo - took about 4 months - I was working just about full days.  
I think working, being busy and active actually helped me recover more rapidly.  I walked for a half hour every day which helped my body to heal.  I am now approaching 6 years, cancer-free.
Whatever decision you make, I wish you good luck.
Linda