Radiation Therapy and work

I had 6 weeks of radiotherapy (60 doses/30 each breast), and had this after 6 months of chemo and ongoing Herceptin.  I can say I was completely tired and would rest in the afternoon after the morning doses.  Like @KarynJ I live on my own also, and coped on my own with all my chores, cooking and shopping.  I didn't work throughout treatment either.  I agree, do what is best for you, you won't get any medals by working if that is not what is best for your own personal situation. 

In hindsight, if I had a job that was conducive to day shifts I may have been able to work and have the radiotherapy in the afternoon, and a nap before dinner, but there would be no way I could have done all that, plus keep up with self care and running my house and cooking for myself.  If you live on your own it would be near impossible. Everyone's situation is different. 

All the best with what you choose to do, perhaps having a day off on Wednesday, to recuperate could work out well for you.  

I had 20 doses and did feel really tired. I didn't work at all through treatment. I think part of the tiredness was driving myself to and from appointments every day. About 30 minutes each way. Which probably seems like nothing to those in regional areas but I live on my own and had no help with anything so I had to cope with chores and cooking and generally living. So I took a lot of naps and rested when I could. 

There's no shame if you need to take time off. Do what works best for you.

@jamavon I had 15 doses of rad treatment & didnt suffer at all from fatigue. I found it really easy to deal with. i used Mepitel film also so i didnt have any burning, peeling or redness from the treatment. Good luck xx

@jamavon, I had six weeks of radiation and didn't suffer from fatigue at all either during or after, for me it was so much easier than chemo.  I was fortunate to get all early ones 7am etc, so I was able to get on with my day. 
I got a bit of burning, sort of like a sunburn with peeling.  Lather that cream on :)

Hi @jamavon  I am also a Primary teacher and had 4 weeks radiation in October.  I worked the whole way through and had all my radiation appointments scheduled for after 4.30pm.  However, I did have to meet with the Dr two times throughout and those appointments were in the morning so I just took those days off.  I didn't notice the tiredness during treatment but felt exhausted by the end and in the weeks following.  During November I took a handful of days off work to rest.  I'm now 2 months post radiation and finally feeling like I have my energy back!!  Best of luck xx

Hi @Jamavon.  I had 6 wks rads.  Worked the whole way through with no too bad burning just in the last 7-10 days. I  had zero fatigue and found radiation fairly easy to handle...It all just varies from person to person.
All the best lovely. xoxo

Hullo there, most find the fatigue is cumulative, worst near and after the end. You should be able to work through it, maybe needing a bit of time off after the 20 dose mark - usually it's five per week for 5 weeks. But if you have bad burning it might be a problem. Can you get Mepitel? I had my radio treatment in a public hospital where they never even mentioned mepitel and only found out about it on this forum, too late. Burned like nobody's business! Talk to your breast care nurse. If you do find the fatigue building up try to get help with your non work stuff, be ready to lie down after work and especially try to manage your sleep. But it's quite doable usually and work will keep your mind busy. Let us know how you go. Best wishes and take care.