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suburbangirl's avatar
suburbangirl
Member
7 years ago

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!
radiotherapy
work

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  • kmakm's avatar
    kmakm
    Member
    7 years ago
    Hey @suburbangirl (great handle by the way!), just pop the @ symbol in front of the name. Tagged! K xox
  • suburbangirl's avatar
    suburbangirl
    Member
    7 years ago
    Hi KarynJ
    Thank you so much for replying, especially about considering part time work after treatment. I think I will save some sick leave 'just in case!' 
    It's so great to get first hand experience and advice from real people. I really am so grateful.
    Best wishes to you!
    PS I will have to ask my daughter how to 'tag' names in my replies. Thank goodness for the younger generations!
  • KarynJ's avatar
    KarynJ
    Member
    7 years ago
    Hi @suburbangirl. I had 20 doses of radiation in June 2018. I was definitely fatigued and had some skin issues. It's the emotional physical and mental stress on your body. They can all knock you around. Definitely take the extra days and maybe even discuss a graduated return to work eg 4 hours a day for the first week. Ease back in slowly to see how you're coping.
  • suburbangirl's avatar
    suburbangirl
    Member
    7 years ago
    Hi @Silba and @Romla,
    I really appreciate you taking the time to respond, especially on Good Friday.
    I will definitely take the extra days off, and thank you both for sharing your story and advice, I am very grateful.
    The people on this network are truly amazing, as many have said before me, this is a place no one wants to be, but goodness, the kindness and support is incredible. 
    Best wishes to you both!


  • Romla's avatar
    Romla
    Member
    7 years ago
    Hi,
    Yes I think so. I too had 16 rounds of radiotherapy after a lumpectomy and re-excision  for ILC.I am retired and whilst all was well during radiotherapy the day after I completed it I joined a very gentle exercise class for older people.At the time I thought it was too easy but went home and slept 5 hours - very embarrassing as many of the participants were much older than I. Fatigue hit hard for a couple of days so yes I’d take the time.

    Also be aware you will need to cream up 3 times a day for weeks  - sometimes I did more early on - you will need a good cream - many say MooGoo is best - and the time and access to do this. I found front opening post op bras from Target helpful but they will get grubby.I went to Cairns 4 weeks afterwards for a month only issue was the need to be very careful with UV, fatigue was not an issue.

    I think you might need the 4 day break before starting work after radiotherapy.
  • Silba's avatar
    Silba
    Member
    7 years ago
    suburbangirl

    I would take the time off , I had 25 radio treatments and after my 2o th my skin had had enough , badly enough to make it to my 25th one, but to  land in hospital for a week 2 days later my last appointment.

    Radiation keeps burning 2 weeks after you finish your last dose.

    The fatigue gets you towards the end also emotionally the end of treatment is a confusing time , Iam 50 with 2 grown sons who just finished uni last year. 

    I have been off work since I was diagnosed in April18 , keeping all my fingers cross to start back up part time next month, maybe that could be an option for you .

    Doesn't hurt to ask your boss .

    Good luck with whatever you decide.