Tips on working and treatment

I think it all depends on your job as well as well as how you react to chemo.
I was on ACT-H. The AC wiped me out for 2 weeks each cycle. Felt okay the 3rd week...then it was appointments, tests then start next cycle. Everyone told me the next part would be easier. I found taxol really hard and got increasingly depressed. I thought I was going to be able to return to work but as each week came I just got tireder and tireder. It was a testing time. I then believed 3 weeks after woukd be long enough for me to recover post chemo. It wasn't. 7 weeks after chemo I started back at work at half the hours under a planned return to work plan.  2 months before I was ready to increase. I continued on Herceptin for another 3 months but was stopped early due to heart issues.

My workplace had a previous bc patient who worked through. Different regime and very few issues. Of course they expected the same of me. In the end I had the Cancer Care Coordinator speak with my manager so she understood post chemo fatigue and how well I was actually doing. That really helped.

My friend was able to work some of the time. However mentally she still hasn't really moved on or accepted breast cancer and being a SURVIVOR. She did find working a good distraction. Her job is very very different from mine where I work with people and have to be out driving and seeing people. 

We are all very different. Accepting we might not be in control of how our bodies react is not easy. I was able to draw against my trauma component of my life insurance and take some Long Service Leave to see me through and help with my only part time work for 6 months. 

I hope some of this info is helpful. Kath x

Centerlink does keep these things quite. That's why we're putting resources together. It's stressful enough dealing with with a breast cancer diagnosis. The last thing you need to worry about is financial pressures and work. Please let me now what challenges you are having and we can point you in the right direction.

Thank you for those tips. I will do a bit of research. I had no idea about the possible centrelink assistance. 

Hi Salpal,

Thank you very much for your post. 
Many woman in your position feel exactly the same way. Because everyone reacts differently to treatment you wont know how you will be affected until you start treatment. I've spoken to our breast care nurse and she said very few people are able to continue to work full time. Most will need to take a couple of days off after treatment or reduce their hours. Have you looked to see if you are covered for lost wages by the insurance associated with your Super? I would also recommend you talk to Centrelink to see what you are entitled to. I notice in your profile you have a young child. You may also be entitled to in home care through Centrelink while you have your treatment.
I would be happy to talk to you on the phone or you may wish to talk to our breast care nurse. The number is 1800 500 258  which is the cost of a regular call, or my direct line is (03) 9805 2535.

Best wishes,
Michelle