Treatment continues

Thank you Tracey,

I think I'm just trying to adjust to everything and need to learn to let go. xx

Hi Karen, I'm currently undergoing chemo post mastectomy and auxiliary clearance for ductal and lobular cancer. I'm just finished my 4th chemo of 6, and am so glad that I took the time off work. You really need to give yourself time to heal and rest. Others can do your work in the meantime. Concentrate on you and trust your colleagues, they will back you up beautifully.  Take care, Tracey B

Hi Karen

the 6 months of chemotherapy I had was awful, all I did was go from the lounge to the bed. I had no energy and was so weak and yes I caught everything that was going around . Every 3 weeks I would come good for one week only, then it was time for more chemotherapy. I couldn't work. It depends on the type of drugs you are given as some are more toxic then others.  My daughter took every Tuesday off work to take me to chemo and we played games - that was the highlight of it all. I felt loved and looked after and that's all you need. Wishing you well for your treatment xx Beppie

Thanks everyone for your advice and information. 

I think it's a case of wait and see.  It's still early days recovering from surgery and not knowing what my following treatment plan is.

I live locally to my school and feel not entirely comfortable fronting a class of 28 year 5 students with their questions yet about why my hair is different now (because I'll be wearing a wig maybe?) and all the other questions and comments that children can innocently make.

My work colleagues are extremely supportive, but I think it would be more disruptive for my class (students & parents) if I'm away one week, back for two, then away again.  In addition, classrooms full of students during the cold months can be full of germs, coughs and sneezes.  Plus, my computer keyboard in my classroom could be used by 28 little hands, plus other teachers who venture in.

I can see myself doing costume repairs quietly at home in preparation for their performance, which might keep me out of mischief and feeling useful.

Who knows what I'll be doing.  For me it's the great unknown, but it's been nice hearing what you've done during chemo.

Thanks

Karen xx

Hi Kazzi,

I was diagnosed 8 January with invasive ductal carcinoma. I have had 6 x TAC chemo treatments from Feb to May, at 3 weekly intervals. 

I am booked for surgery end of June, then radiation. 

During this time, I worked for 2 weeks out of every 3. I had the chemo week off sick then back to work for the next 2 weeks, then repeat. I have been so fortunate to have an employer who is extremely supportive and flexible. I am a PA to management and a lovely colleague PA would do my work while I was off sick. 

I am glad I did it this way. I enjoyed having my normal life at work to return to. I preferred to keep busy, rather than sit at home to dwell on my situation. 

At first, I just told my bosses and trusted work colleagues. After a couple of weeks, I felt comfortable to be quite open with my colleagues about my medical condition and treatment.

With my chemo regime my hair fell out after 2 weeks. I wanted to continue to look myself - maintain my professional image. So, I went to a specialty wig retailer (owned by a lady who had breast cancer) and had them match a wig to my hair style and colour. This turned out to be such a good match, that I regularly tricked the ladies at work. I even have a name for my wig - Donna. 

Anyway, working during chemo is doable, as long as you listen to your body and have an understanding/flexible boss.

Cath

Hi Karen

i managed working part time throughout my 14 months so far of treatments. After losing my job on 22/05/15, I've realised what a toll this has taken on me. I was exhausted all of the time and didn't realise how much I was struggling until I actually had the chance to stop. I worked out of financial necessity but also for my own mental health as work gave me a sense of normality. You really do need to avoid illness whilst you are going through chemo as you can get really ill from something as simple as a common cold, so I would be very careful at that time. Everyone reacts to treatment differently, so I would wait until you've actually started before making a decision if you can. Good luck with it all. Take care, Karen xox

Hi Karen it is hard, I'm a carer and I work in the community.

It was my choice to work, I was supported by the people I work with and had good days and bad days. For me I needed something else to think about a distraction from my own issues. I wore a wig and my clients didn't know I had no hair. I didn't work full weeks only worked when I could. Treatment takes up alot of your time and thinking and you need to do what you feel comfortable with. Take care and hope your recovery goes well

Hi Karen,

Its just a thought but would you be able to continue helping with things like the dance program & events without going back into teaching fulltime while you are having treatment?

That way you could still be part of a team but it wouldn't be as tiring as taking it all on at once.

cheers

Mira

Hi Karen,

Its just a thought but would you be able to continue helping with things like the dance program & events without going back into teaching fulltime while you are having treatment?

That way you could still be part of a team but it wouldn't be as tiring as taking it all on at once.

cheers

Mira

Thanks LouBegg,

I think you hit the nail on the head.  After 5 weeks away from work and effectively on house arrest, I really miss being part of a team. 

At the time of diagnosis, I was organising the school cross country, ballroom dance program, and the school camp to Canberra was last week (while I was in hospital having the mastectomy), as well as teaching fulltime.  All that was replaced with cancer, cancer, cancer vocab - micro mets, tissue, margins, treatment, surgery, prosthesis, chemo... etc.

On the plus side, in the last half hour, my care kit just arrived at my doorstep with the new bra (!!) and dvd, which I'll start today, after I venture out for a walk.

Thanks for replying xx