Working While on Treatment?

Ginagce · 11-14-2005, 01:54 PM

Hello. Thanks for creating this newcomer page. I too just found this site recently and am very happy I did.

The reason I found the site is that I was desperately searching for other women on herceptin to talk to.

My history, dx in 97 with DCIS/LCIS. Had lumps w/rads to 1 breast. Dx again in 04 with invasive DC in both breast. One node positive, one node negative. Both ER+. One her2+, the other not. How that's possible I don't know. I since have had bilateral mast, DIEP recon, AC/Taxol chemo and went on Arimidex in March. In June I was able to start herceptin.

Anyway, in 97/98 I not only worked thru treatment, but took care of my husband who was in a wheelchair from NHL. I went back to work after masts/recon part time after only 5 weeks. Didn't do as well with chemo and was off more than on.

Now, I have not worked since Sep 30th and frankly, don't think I can work right now. Between the intermittent "flu" like symptoms after treatment and the on-going bone pain, my days can be quite challenging.

Am very interested to hear how others are coping with working while on herceptin.

Thanks all.
Prayers & best wishes for all of you.
Gina

Becky · 11-14-2005, 02:25 PM

I worked the whole time. I have been on Herceptin since June as well and I am also on Arimidex. I do not have the associated bone pain with either drug so I am lucky that way. I get my infusion every 3 weeks on a Friday so my tiredness and headache etc is on the weekend. I am good to go again on Monday.

Peace and Hugs

Becky

jsattaw · 11-14-2005, 09:10 PM

Hi Gina --

My history is very much like yours -- first dx in '97 and again in May of this year with a recurrence in same breast. Am also ER+/PR+ and Her2Neu+.

I'm a college professor and took a medial leave this semester to accommodate the mast with reconstruction, chemo, and just had a hysterectomy last week so I can go on Arimedex too. I started Herceptin -- will do my 3rd infusion next week and that's going well on an every 3 week treatment program.

I'm planning to go back to work in January and haven't had any side effects from the Herceptin.

11-16-2005, 11:04 AM

I had 1 year of Herceptin after AC/T and had no problem working while on Herceptin. Except for an occasional runny nose, no other side effects from Herceptin.

God Bless,
Cindi.

Ginagce · 11-16-2005, 11:26 AM

For your input. I feel like such a wimp. I just don't understand why I'm having such a difficult time.

Gina

Lolly · 11-16-2005, 04:08 PM

Gina, don't be so hard on yourself! For what it's worth, I tried to keep working through all of my treatments (now Stage IV), and it was always such a struggle to maintain energy and a positive attitude with the stress of the daily workplace added in. I think we're all unique in what's appropriate and good for us in regard to getting through treatment, and if you need to cut back, even waaaaay back, that's just fine and no doubt what YOUR system needs to have the resources to do battle.

<3 Lolly

sassy · 11-19-2005, 08:13 PM

Gina,

I worked throughout, and am now switching to herceptin every 3 weeks. But that was the best situation for me, not only financially, but mentally as well. Some days were tough physically, but for me trying, to maintain some sense of normalcy helped. For you, not working may be best. I don't think there is a "right" way or "wrong" way---just the way that is best for you.

Sassy
________
BustyMilf4You cam

mamacze · 11-19-2005, 08:57 PM

Dear Gina

It sounds like work is just too much right now; yet it also sounds like you feel guilty at the thought of taking of time off just for you. You know, there are times in our lives that even care givers like you need to sit back and receive a little care. You may want to start exploring you disability options if you feel like it is time for a break; that doesn' t mean you can't pick back up and work later if you feel up to it.
Love
Kim from CT

Ginagce · 11-20-2005, 08:49 AM

Thanks for your comments. I do feel extremely guilty as though I should be able to work. I've worked all my life. Through my husband's illness and death and my first go round with breast cancer and treatment and I feel like I should be working now.

My head tells me I should be working but my body and my soul tell me I'm whipped and I just need a break and time to heal.

I guess in asking the question of others, I was looking for validation of my feelings. Silly girl that I am!

My best to you all & again, thank you all for your responses.

Gina

MJo · 05-19-2006, 08:54 AM

I didn't work at all during Adriamycin. Worked part-time during Taxol. Two weeks after last Taxol I'm back full-time but I'm tired and fuzzy minded. My boss is a BC survivor. I work in social services. Having a boss who is a BC survivor and being in a caring profession doesn't necessarily make it easier. I'm the fundraiser and am under a lot of pressure to bring in the loot. I remind myself constantly that I come first. My health -- physical and mental -- must come first, even if I have to change jobs.

DEAK95 · 06-15-2006, 09:08 AM

Gina,
Dont be so hard on yourself!!!! Hugs to you for having to endure an advanced degree in BC. I, too have Mets to Bone and am now Stage IV after 10 yrs remission!!!! I was diagnosed in 11/95 at 34 yrs old with IDC Stage III and had A/C and CMF for 8 mos. Then Tamoxifen for 5 yrs and 5 yrs after that I got the shocking DX of more Cancer at 44 yrs old. I'm on Herceptin weekly and Aromasin daily and Zometa monthly and Lupron shots quarterly since Dec 2005 after 2 more + lymph nodes and PET scan showed bone mets to spine,hip and scapula(wing bone). I stopped working after a few weeks when I couldnt concentrate and i"m usually the calm one at work in a very high pressured customer service center. I beat myself up over the work issue thinking I'll have a few treatments and then jump back in to work.I've had a CT SCAN of the Chest and some "slight improvement in 2 lymph nodes" in the chest so I am happy with the treatment for now!!!Well, let me tell you it was an agonizing decision but my 2 teenage daughters helped me decide to stay home and get rest when needed and I'm finally not feeling so guilty anymore. My joint pain is enough of a reason to relax!!!!Our future is uncertain and I dont want to miss one more opportunity to be with them and my wonderful husband!!!! The decision to work is a very personal choice for everyone especially where the $$$ and insurance are concerned!! Thank God my husband has good med benefits. No more shopping trips for me (well maybe sometimes!!!) but I do know some women need to work for the sense of personal fulfillment and to take your mind elsewhere for the day but my worklife is too crazy and not as supportive for all the time off issues, etc... that would drive me crazy for scheduling!!! I hope this helps as I've been on STD for 6 mos and just got approved for LTD and per their instruction I will file for SSDI shortly!!! Good luck in whatever you choose!!!! God Bless!!! and Have Fun Each Day!!!!!

07-19-2006, 10:39 PM

I too was encouraged to keep working thru AC treatment. It was basically a setup for failure. I kept having to have my husband call in for me because I couldn't even get to the phone. Everyone was disappointed. After 2 treatments I took off work until I finished the AC. I have been able to work 1/2 time on weekly Taxol/herceptin.

Cut yourself a break! The problem isn't you, it is our culture - WORK WORK WORK.

Ginagce · 07-20-2006, 08:13 AM

Thanks "no freaking way". I am still out of work after closing my business last September and have subsequently applied for and received disability insurance.

I think you're right about our culture...work work work. I think we are all endocrinated early into the "our value is based on what we do with our careers" school of thought that it's hard to break out of it.

These days I am mostly focused on healing, emotionally and physically, and no longer ask myself, okay what job am I going after now. Rather I ask myself...okay, what is my purpose now? I no longer attach my value to what I do from 9 to 5, or 6 or 7 etc....

And again, I thank all of you who responded who in no small way, helped me get here.
Ginagce

tricia keegan · 07-30-2006, 01:12 PM

Gina I was in a stressful full time job when dx in July 05 and like you I just felt exhausted emotionally and physically and just knew I could'nt fight this and work too.I took a year out which has been a nightmare financially but I don't regret it at all.I'm now only on herceptin every three weeks and do get aches and muscle pains for a few days after treatment but am hoping to return to work in Sept.I would say take the time you need and rest,you'll be so glad you did.

Tricia

Ginagce · 08-02-2006, 03:39 AM

Thank you so much for taking the time to respond to my post.

Sometimes I just need the validation of the intensity of what we're going though.

I remember how I felt when I and my husband were dealing with cancer and everyone called me the "rock". It was nothing more than fear and adrenalin.

It's comforting to hear that I don't always have to be the rock.

Thank you all and god speed!

Ginagce

Vanessa · 09-14-2006, 09:07 PM

I am only working part-time and I am positive that I cannot do anymore. There are times when I wonder if I can continue to work even part-time. I am fatigued the majority of the time. I think it is better to take care of yourself.

gin-tx · 09-15-2006, 12:44 AM

I too have had two episodes of bc, one on each breast, first 10 yrs ago. Second diagnosed April 2006. I was off work for 2 weeks when I had a segmental mastectomy, could not drive, etc. Went back to work 4 hrs a day, started radiation for a second problem that developed on my thorastic spine and continued to work, but got very behind. When you're ill I don't think they can terminate you unless they call it something else. The radiation almost was more than I could endure, on August 1 I returned to work 6 hrs a day and am still at that point, doc and onc both say cannot work full time. However I started Herceptin with Aridia at end of June, have had four treatments and so far so good. I take off the entire day, never know how long it will take, and am so exhausted when I get thru could not go back for a few hours. As of this next treatment I'm going to do Fridays so I can rest thru week-end rather than go back to work on Fri.

Good luck and I wish you the best, keep me informed.
ginkott1@aol.com

Quilter1 · 09-15-2006, 08:42 AM

Gina you have been through so much. It is O.K. to take a deep breath and listening to what your body and soul is telling you. If you are meant to slow down, then give yourself a present and slow down. I know how you feel. I, like you, have always been a doer. I don't sit idle very well. I worked all through my chemo (with the exception of the 2 days after infusion). I tended the needs of my family without impact to them. But, 2 or 3 months after chemo was done, I found it very hard to accomplish anything new and detailed. I don't know if it was from the Herceptin or chemo or the Arimidex I take. I still struggle to multi-task like I used to. I do one thing and start the other and forget to go back to the first task until later when something triggers my memory. I was worried and upset about all of this. Moral of the story is my husband kept encouraging me to stop being so hard on myself and take the stress off. He feels the stress is less healthy than the benefits of any work that I could officially do. I don't know your personal situation, but take the stress off and you may feel loads better.....I did almost over night. I still have some memory issues, but I am at peace with myself now. I no longer lable myself as "lazy". I wish for you to have peace of mind. It is so comforting and healthy.

DEAK95 · 09-15-2006, 12:09 PM

Hello everyone,
I haven't posted since June but glad I got the e-mail about this post and responses!!! I have finally stopped beating myself up over not working!!!! I'm currently on LTD and will switch over to SSDI (Social Security Disability) now that I got approved yesterday!!!! YEAH!!!!!!!! I decided to stop beating myself up over the things that I can't change... and am now taking better care of myself and rest and act spacey when I want to!!! instead of being the "IT GIRL" for everyone else!!! We had a wonderful summer as a family visiting friends on weekends and going to Disney (w/23 family and friends-What a Blast!!!) We took our time and enjoyed each day wherever we were!!! If I was tired or sore, I rested and it was nice to be away, alot!!!! Now that school has started, we are busy with HS sports and youth group at our church...and I want to start to volunteer one day a week for starters!!!! I hope everyone finds there new "niche" in life and can stay fulfilled, albeit poor but happy!!!!

gin-tx · 09-16-2006, 11:15 AM

Hi
I too have continued to work and this is my second episode of BC. Everyone has to do what they are physically and mentally able to handle, when it's too much stop. I'm only hanging in there for awhile longer as I can go on medicare but the Part D RX plan is not so hot and I have a lot of meds to take. I haven't been on the real hard chemo but don't know if they'll change treatments, depends on how I do. Some days I feel good, others drag around. I have Stage IV metastatic bc, and work 6 hrs a day now, was working four, moved it up on Aug 1. My surgeon and oncologist say absolutely not to 8 hour days even though my employer is pressuring me. If they decide I'm not able to keep up and want to terminate me, I'll have to manage. Good luck with your plans, your Disney trip sounded wonderful.

Keep me informed as to how you are doing. I'm only on Herceptin, Aridia and Femora (pill for bones). But if my blood levels change my treatment could change also.
ginkott1@aol.com