Going through treatment and working

Hi @SusieT, It looks like we are on similar treatments. I remember what that first week was like and I went through the same thoughts about work . I learnt a lot about myself that first week and truthfully I am still learning a lot about myself.

My first week of treatment, I reckon was my hardest out of all of the A/C treatments. The first night I was sick and up all night walking the house. I had the buzz and incredibly stuffy feeling in my head that just seemed to slow my thinking down. I couldn't concentrate on anything and when I could fall asleep it wasn't a peaceful sleep and then I was awake an hour later. Due to it being summer I also struggled with the heat. It was like I was having a permanent hot flush 24 -7. After 4 days of this, I was thinking I cant even contemplate working and was emotionally rung out. Self pity was starting to kick in.

But then everything started to change after my husband said just try and go for a small walk for some fresh air. Truthfully I hated him even suggesting that to me as I was still nauseous and my mind set was not good. But it was the best thing I did. I only walked to the end of the street very early that morning so no one could see me and it took me 3 times longer than it normally would but I did it and then came back and had a little sleep and it was the best snooze I had had in days. 

The symptoms didn't change but I realised that I could manage them differently. Don't hold off taking the nausea medication thinking you will be ok. For me I had to take it regularly for the first 5 days and then cut it back. I changed to smaller meals more often and I ate what ever I felt like I could handle. My first 2 days all I seemed to want was tinned peaches with custard or jelly. As long as it was cold. Even Zooper Dooper Ice blocks became a favourite and I never liked them before. Once I started to find a routine of what was working for me it slowly started to fall into place.

Day 7 was my first day back at work and I lined up only to do half days until I could see how I went. Thankfully I am early bird so found that I managed work better in the mornings and then had a break after lunch. After a couple of days I was back working full time but I didn't multi task like I used to and I had to use notes to remind me of things.

I also learnt that if I was having a bad day I had to take that day off. Don't push through as it makes you feel worse. I had to learn to slow down.

The second treatment I found was easier to manage as I knew what to expect but this time I got out the next day and went for my little walk and started getting back into my routine. it helped a lot and as the treatments progressed it also helped me deal with the other side effects and slot them into the routine.

That first week brings all our emotions and fears to the front as no matter how much everyone try's to prep you for what to expect none of us are the same and its this big unknown until we go through it for the first time.

But what we can do is be there for you and support you when you need it. I know there are times when I have wanted to talk about my fears but was too scared to discuss it with my family as I didn't want them to think that I wasn't coping and being able to access this forum has been able to help with that. The support from the ladies here has been fantastic and being able to read their experiences also helps with what we go through.

Lots of hugs and if you need to talk feel free to message me as I would be happy to chat if you need to.