BC survivors somewhat more likely to be unemployed

[Christine MH-UK]

This story is rather gloomy:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_80599.html

http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/short/301/7/753
The abstract makes it clear that 35.6% of breast cancer survivors were unemployed vs 31.7% of the control group. The worst rates were for gastric and female reproductive cancers.

I found holding on to my job during herceptin hard, so I found this interesting.

[Merridith]

I certainly have found it very difficult. Chemo brain affected my job performance in a very negative way. The employer responded to mistakes due to memory lapses with escalating disciplinary measures, and my co-workers would tease me about wanting "more time off". (I fully disclosed my chemo brain symptoms when I returned to work) I estimate that it has taken me about 4 years to regain "normal" memory retention levels.

For me, I figure that it was the long-term ongoing side effects of chemo that made it impossible to keep my old job.

[Barbara2]

I can totally relate to your comments. As an elementary teacher, there was no way I could have continued teaching after finishing treatment in the spring of 2003.

I was totally washed out from chemo itself, plus my brain was so far from normal that even if I had had the strength to keep working, I would not have been able to function in my "old" capacity. I am much better now (so thankful) but still have issues with my brain that aren't quite right, and it has increased my insecurities considerably.