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Nads07's avatar
Nads07
Member
13 years ago

chemo starting soon

I will be starting chemo on the 19th of this month. 6 cycles of FEC-D over 18 weeks. I guess it doesn't sound too bad. I plan to work throughout my treatment if I can. Off cause I won't know how the side effects will hit me untill i begin. I know everyone is different, but i am interested in hearing from other ladies that have worked during treatment and how you coped with the side effects such as fatigue, nausea, hair loss etc... I currently work full-time in an industry that involves seeing and communicating with people on a daily basis.

4 Replies

  • tammyp26's avatar
    tammyp26
    Member
    13 years ago
    Hi Tonya I worked throughout chemotherapy with no problems - the main thing for me was flexibility. I'm a TAFE teacher and my onc recommended not teaching face-to-face to reduce risk of infection and so work put me on other programs. I was still in the office and coordinating classes/ programs but not teaching them. I had chemo on a Monday, felt great until about Thursday/Friday and could work from home and then have the weekend. Generally the end of week 2 I'd feel pretty flat again and work from home. I ended up in hospital once but I think that was from my own kids being unwell LOL. Week 3 I was always fine. I didn't need to take much time off at all. Good luck Tammy x
  • Nads07's avatar
    Nads07
    Member
    13 years ago
    Thanks Trina, It helps to know how others managed with the side effects. It's hard for me to imagine feeling unwell because I haven't felt sick throughout this diagnoses, the only pain has been from the surgeries. But obviously I should prepare for anything. Good luck with the radium. Nads xx
  • justtrina's avatar
    justtrina
    Member
    13 years ago

    Hi Nads

    I've just finished Chemo and start Radium in just over a week. I too work with children (teenagers!), originally I thought I'd be able to do both but my onchologist basically said 'no'...  I'm glad she did. Even though Chemo wasn't that bad (yes Nausea) I found the fatigue the worst..I don't think I could of worked. There were days I found it difficult to get out of bed, let alone go to work,  plan what I was doing and then have the energy to keep up with the kids. Day's 7 - 12 were the worst for me and the others I wasn't up to my usual energetic self. So definately consider plan B... 

    take care... and remember 18 weeks is such a short time in the scheme of things....

    Trina

  • Nads07's avatar
    Nads07
    Member
    13 years ago

    Hi Tonya,

     Thank you, you always seem to have great advice.  I suppose i won't know how i'll will feel until I start, but the "plan B" for work is good idea. I am a little worried about the low white blood cells especially because i work with children and they love sharing eveything. Lots to consider.

    Thank You  Nads xx