Hi, I am wanting to know if any women who have undergone chemo have worked while having treatment. Is it a given that I will lose my hair? Has anyone just had thinning? I understand that the journey is different for all, but feel for me some 'real life' rather than generalised ' you may' might be more helpful in me getting my head around what is coming up for me. Thank you

Hi Dragunflie I worked throughout my entire chemo treatment. They do say everyone is different, however most do lose their hair. I managed this by buying an awesome wig (better than my own hair!) which I wore to work and other social engagements. It just made me feel confident. So I can highly recommend that. I know other ladies like to wear scarves. Everyone is different. WIshing you all the very best with your treatment.

Hi dragunflie I was diagnosed in March 2012, had a lumpectomy with 20/20 lymph nodes. Had 12 chemo sessions ( 3 FEC and 9 taxol) through to end of August and 30 sessions of radiation which finished beginning of November. I worked about 20-25 hours per week, I was fine. just had a hysterectomy in December.I have taken about 2 weeks off to recover from surgery as I wasn't allowed to drive. It just depends on each individual want you can do. I lost my hair about the second week after chemo. I was at work pulling my hair and throwing it in the bin. Went home and straight to the hairdresser to which she shaved my hair off. Felt so much better after that, and relieved. Just do want you want to do, don't be pressured by anyone. Hope all goes well and just remember - it will all finish and you will get through all this. Julie xx

Pretty much every chemo used for breast cancer causes full hair loss unfortunately... I also had Dianne from Wigs on Wheels come around and got some great wigs off her. Most health funds will give you some money back on the wigs as they are considered as medical aides. You have to get a letter from your doctor to submit with your receipt though. Check with your health fund. I worked full-time during chemo. On 3 weekly cycles I would schedule an infusion on a Thursday afternoon after work. I took Friday off work then worked 1/2 days from home for the first couple of days the next week. Then I moved to weekly Taxol/Herceptin and would schedule that on a Friday afternoon and work from home Monday. Unfortunately I got a rare side-effect, pneumonitis, from the Taxol and ended up having to be off work for 3 weeks. I won't lie - working was HARD. I have an office job but with very large workload and expectations. I was lucky that my company were very understanding and there are very generous sick leave entitlements.

I was planning on working thru chemo. But it didnt happen. I think it really depends on what you do. I work in retail so my Onc wouldnt allow it as higher risk of infection. But even without that, amungst all the appointments and all the sleeping etc... I dont think I wouldve had the time and I wouldve let my team down more. If you can work from home, or your work is flexible. & u dont have contact with the public, I would say try. But dont commit to it. You need to listen to your body. I lost all my hair. :-(

confused | BCNA Online Network

13 Replies

chipmunk
Member
13 years ago
Hi dragunflie I was diagnosed in March 2012, had a lumpectomy with 20/20 lymph nodes. Had 12 chemo sessions ( 3 FEC and 9 taxol) through to end of August and 30 sessions of radiation which finished beginning of November. I worked about 20-25 hours per week, I was fine. just had a hysterectomy in December.I have taken about 2 weeks off to recover from surgery as I wasn't allowed to drive. It just depends on each individual want you can do. I lost my hair about the second week after chemo. I was at work pulling my hair and throwing it in the bin. Went home and straight to the hairdresser to which she shaved my hair off. Felt so much better after that, and relieved. Just do want you want to do, don't be pressured by anyone. Hope all goes well and just remember - it will all finish and you will get through all this. Julie xx
Annie13
Member
13 years ago
Hi Dragunflie

I worked throughout my entire chemo treatment. They do say everyone is different, however most do lose their hair. I managed this by buying an awesome wig (better than my own hair!) which I wore to work and other social engagements. It just made me feel confident. So I can highly recommend that. I know other ladies like to wear scarves. Everyone is different.

WIshing you all the very best with your treatment.

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confused

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