Forum Discussion
Advice needed please regarding leave from work during radiotherapy
Hello,
I was diagnosed end February 2019 (invasive lobular cancer) and after two operations (after finding a pesky second cancer in the pathology report after the first op), I am now heading for 16 x radiotherapy treatments starting 8 May. I am 58, still work full time (grrr) and have two beautiful daughter's, one at uni, who lives with me.
I work as an auditor, where I travel all around the city and state (but only working metro at the moment due to my appts), and do 9am-5pm (very busy) audits. Our schedules are planned at least one month in advance. This makes it difficult to work around the only appointment time available at Rth, and so I will take this time as leave. I understand my entitlements, so confirm this is my decision to take leave.
I will be using all my sick leave for this period, which is also fine.
My question is, it seems pathetic, but here goes, my radiotherapy finishes on a Wednesday (29th) - should I also take the Thursday and Friday off, and start work the following Monday (3 June)?
I know it is only two days, but I read and hear the fatigue can accumulate towards the end. My work has been VERY helpful and flexible, but I also don't want to mess anyone around with chopping and changing dates.
I appreciate this is a personal choice, we all react and respond differently, and I am truly grateful for any advice.
I also want to say how much I appreciate reading the posts showing such support, advice and kindness.
Have a lovely Easter!
I was diagnosed end February 2019 (invasive lobular cancer) and after two operations (after finding a pesky second cancer in the pathology report after the first op), I am now heading for 16 x radiotherapy treatments starting 8 May. I am 58, still work full time (grrr) and have two beautiful daughter's, one at uni, who lives with me.
I work as an auditor, where I travel all around the city and state (but only working metro at the moment due to my appts), and do 9am-5pm (very busy) audits. Our schedules are planned at least one month in advance. This makes it difficult to work around the only appointment time available at Rth, and so I will take this time as leave. I understand my entitlements, so confirm this is my decision to take leave.
I will be using all my sick leave for this period, which is also fine.
My question is, it seems pathetic, but here goes, my radiotherapy finishes on a Wednesday (29th) - should I also take the Thursday and Friday off, and start work the following Monday (3 June)?
I know it is only two days, but I read and hear the fatigue can accumulate towards the end. My work has been VERY helpful and flexible, but I also don't want to mess anyone around with chopping and changing dates.
I appreciate this is a personal choice, we all react and respond differently, and I am truly grateful for any advice.
I also want to say how much I appreciate reading the posts showing such support, advice and kindness.
Have a lovely Easter!
16 Replies
- Hi @Dory65
Thanks for your follow-up - I didn’t notice your previous reply. I’ll check out the links you provided🌞
Cheers, Jill - Hi @Jillmam,
did you find the information you needed. Happy to help if you need it. - Hi @Jillmam
See these threads for recent discussions on creams and Mepitel. It's two weeks since I finished 16 rad sessions. Skin still a bit darker but seems to be healing OK and fading gradually. Not sure if it will get completely back to normal.
Which MooGoo did you use? - Hi @Emma17
I, too, am facing 5 weeks of RT with an additional ‘Boost’ week - 6 weeks total - (for triple-positive ILC. Just wondering how your skin held up? What cream/s did you use? Did you use a protective film like Mepitel? Did you develop ‘spider veins’ or fibrosis of the breast tissue? Has the skin returned to (almost) normal?And finally, do you have any tips for anyone who is about to start RT?
Many thanks in advance🙏🌞 - Hi @Emma17
That is so good to hear! I am so pleased you were feeling well and energetic during and after your treatment.
And yes, I have read of some people being affected not at all.
I'll let you know how many steps I do afterwards, can I count from the sofa to the kitchen?
:) - Six weeks of 5x/wk RT and after concluding, four days later walked 23,000 steps around Melbourne and 19,000 steps the following day. Had not an iota of fatigue during or after RT.
- You're welcome @suburbangirl. Just have a few options up your sleeve in case you need to switch to Plan B. Fingers crossed your treatment runs to plan.
- No wuckers @suburbangirl!
- @kmakm
Yay it worked- thank you :) - @suburbangirl
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