Work
I'm really excited but a little nervous too.
I can't wait to see the kids. I just adore them and feel privileged to be part of their learning. They've sent flowers and gorgeous cards, pictures and presents.
But I am still going through chemo, so I'm a bit anxious about catching an infection. 5 year olds aren't know for great hygiene!
The dr has cleared me but I've had advice from my surgeon and a bc-survivor friend not to go to work.
I'm interested in other opinions. Has/does anyone else worry about infection while on chemo?
Did I mention I'm excited though!
Comments
-
I work in childcare and I'm not allowed back till after radiation that's my oncologist request he said no wait till ure completelly finished I so want to return but doctors orders0
-
Hi...you sound like a fab teacher...loving the kids & your job...just wonderful!
It will have to be your choice whether you should go back while on chemo or not......however, just to share my story, I picked up an infection after my 2nd chemo which hospitalized me on 2 separate occasions for 4 days each. I work from home & live in a small rural town but still picked up infection from somewhere without too much outside contact (I have 2 primary aged children).
Obviously not everyone is affected so I guess it is up to you......because of my experience though, I would probably wait until my immune system was back on track again.
Good luck with whatever decision you make and good luck with your remaining treatment.
Jenny x
0 -
It's lovely to read of a teacher with such enthusiasm for their job but are you sure you want to go back to work while on chemo? Apart from the very real risk of contracting some sort of infection, teaching can be a very demanding job both physically and mentally. I worked as a CRT for several years so I have some experience of it.
I remember how tired I was while on chemo - barely able to get out of bed on some days - and I really don't think I could have coped with working, especally not full-time. Personally I would wait until you've finished treatment but if you really miss it and are determined to go back why not see if you can negotiate some sort of part-time arrangment for a while. Hope it works out okay for you. Good luck. Janet.
0 -
Wow,what a lucky group of kids having you for a teacher.However,I would think that a group of children,with no doubt some runny noses and sneezing thrown in there,would be the worst place to be during chemo.Personally,I wouldn't risk it.An infection,and how it might affect you,just isn't worth the chance .I believe that there is a reason that we are told to avoid groups of people during chemo.All the best though,with whatever you choose.Cheers xoxRobyn
0 -
I think working with children your immune system has probably strengthened, the decision must be yours. Just weigh up the risks against the benefits, the old two columns the biggest one wins. Sounds simple but it works, i done this and seeing it written in front of me made my decision.
Rita x
PS. I work in Public Mental Health, my column against working outweighed my column to work.
But you could implement a hygiene policy - hand sanitiser and tissues. I feel no parent would be offended. These would certainly reduce your risk.
0 -
Hi I have just returned to work and thought long and hard if I should go back slowly or jump back in to full time. I have gone back full time but haven't worked a full week yet, everyone else is right you need to do what is right for yu and listen to your body. I have found there is a fine line between pushing yourself and listening to your body. I work in the health industry and was concerned about germs and bugs as well. Good luck I'm sure it will go well
0 -
That is one of the reasons I posted, I had medical oncologist say yes and surgical oncologist say no. I felt confused getting 2 different opinions. How long until you finish your radiation Liz?0
-
Thanks for your kind support Jen, and your advice. I am scared of infection but don't know enough about what the consequences are. My husband and 2 sons have all had coughs & colds over the winter and I was OK. What kind of infection did you get? Please don't answer if I'm being too intrusive. How were you treated? How serious is it? A friend said her oncologist bluntly stated, cancer won't kill you now but infection might. That sounded alarming!0
-
Thanks for your good wishes Janet. Today was my test run day to see how I would cope. I was really tired at the end of it that is for sure. But I work til 1pm, so I don't have a full day. For the time being I am just team teaching with the colleague who took over my class. I will only work Tuesdays as you're right it is very tiring on chemo. I'm very lucky my boss is so supportive and is doing everything she can to help me work again.0
-
Thanks Robyn for sharing your opinion with me and giving me your kind wishes. I hope I've made the right decision and I can stop at any time. Like this whole experience I'll take it one step at a time.0
-
Hey I start next week so 6 weeks0
-
Thanks for your reply Fiona. I appreciate your info. I'm on Weekly Taxol now so my bloods are checked each week. So far they look good, except my haemoglobin is low so that will make me tired. You've certainly been through the mill too and I agree with your philosophy of trying to balance all those aspects to improve our health. It is certainly helping me mentally. And by only working 1 day I will have minimal prep to do each week. I really miss "normal" and I think that is part of what's driving my decision.0
-
Well all the best with your radiation treatment. I hope those 6 weeks go quickly for you. I can imagine how you are missing your job. I'll bet the children at your work are missing you too. The biggest surprise I had was how much they had grown and changed in 4 months. I expect that kids of child-care age the change would be even more amazing. I'll be thinking of you.0
-
Thanks for your kindness Jenny. I'm sorry to hear you now have advanced BC. You were a trooper working through all your chemo & radiation. I hope you can do some lovely special things over the next 4 months to enjoy that time off work and feel good again. You'll be back at work then, a new woman. Lots of love to you.0
-
I loved your advice Rita. I just hope my one negative thing (getting an infection) isn't going to be bigger than all the positives.
Maybe I am wrong and I am taking too big a risk if I am questioning this decision so much.
I was (prior to being off work) a bit of a nazi with the hand gel and hand washing. I was really into the kids washing their hands before going out to eat recess & lunch. It was slow but I thought it worth it. I was always a germ freak before this, so I guess it's ironical that I want to put myself in this environment.
But your suggestion is a good one and I'm sure my boss, colleagues and the community will be in support of it.0
