Back to work after BC
From:
Sara Urowitz
Date:
Feb 07, 2007 01:10 PM
Use this space to share your experiences and seek support when returning to work after/during breast cancer.
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From:
KarenP
Date:
Feb 11, 2007 08:55 AM
When I was going through my treatments, my docs wanted me off work. I'm glad they felt strongly about that, because I would have pushed myself and at the end of it, I was really pleased they forced the issue with me.
I did "sneak in" many many hours through my laptop throughout my treatments as I was able to, but had a chuckle later when I looked back at the reports I had produced and how far off some of them were. I never fully realized the impact my treatments were having on my thinking, until later, when things improved, and I was able to look back.
Through treatment, my biggest challenge was dealing with the insurance company who harassed me weekly, lied to my company, and treated me very poorly. I finally put the agent in place one day when I was able to make a solid claim that one more call would have him served with papers on defamation of character, harrassment and a couple other charges and the reasons why I had proof and a solid case against him! (I never did pursue that, as he ceased all communication; however after treatment I did take it up with his superior who later informed me she reviewed my claims with him and he no longer would be in a position to do that to another person).
Then came end of treatment, my lowest point, and I took time to take care of the whole me prior to getting back to work. I found returning to work very challenging because a lot had changed during my time away and my "thinking" wasn't functioning at the same capacity as before. Multi-tasking and memory the hugest challenges. Rather than run away from what I felt I could no longer handle, I went about searching for answers on how to better set reminders for myself and set up checks and balances to cross check the work I was doing. Finally, about 2 years later, all this is paying off and things are becoming clearer again, and I'm getting strength and confidence back about my position. I struggled with myself about my abilities, but it was the steadfast support of my employer that ensured me I was being harder on myself than anyone else, because outwardly they saw nothing wrong with my abilities.
For me, it's been a long road back...but I'm loving it...and have since I returned. I'm now fully used to the "new" me....my "new normal"....and I'm pleased with who that is.
I did "sneak in" many many hours through my laptop throughout my treatments as I was able to, but had a chuckle later when I looked back at the reports I had produced and how far off some of them were. I never fully realized the impact my treatments were having on my thinking, until later, when things improved, and I was able to look back.
Through treatment, my biggest challenge was dealing with the insurance company who harassed me weekly, lied to my company, and treated me very poorly. I finally put the agent in place one day when I was able to make a solid claim that one more call would have him served with papers on defamation of character, harrassment and a couple other charges and the reasons why I had proof and a solid case against him! (I never did pursue that, as he ceased all communication; however after treatment I did take it up with his superior who later informed me she reviewed my claims with him and he no longer would be in a position to do that to another person).
Then came end of treatment, my lowest point, and I took time to take care of the whole me prior to getting back to work. I found returning to work very challenging because a lot had changed during my time away and my "thinking" wasn't functioning at the same capacity as before. Multi-tasking and memory the hugest challenges. Rather than run away from what I felt I could no longer handle, I went about searching for answers on how to better set reminders for myself and set up checks and balances to cross check the work I was doing. Finally, about 2 years later, all this is paying off and things are becoming clearer again, and I'm getting strength and confidence back about my position. I struggled with myself about my abilities, but it was the steadfast support of my employer that ensured me I was being harder on myself than anyone else, because outwardly they saw nothing wrong with my abilities.
For me, it's been a long road back...but I'm loving it...and have since I returned. I'm now fully used to the "new" me....my "new normal"....and I'm pleased with who that is.
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From:
Martha Watts
Date:
Feb 13, 2007 02:13 PM
Sara
I am on the brink or returning to work after BC. However, I am on Arimedex and finding the side effects terrible - aching joints, stiff joints, tired through the day can't sleep at night. Are you on this medication? How are you coping? Wht advice do you have for someone ready to return to work? Why is it so hard for us?
I am on the brink or returning to work after BC. However, I am on Arimedex and finding the side effects terrible - aching joints, stiff joints, tired through the day can't sleep at night. Are you on this medication? How are you coping? Wht advice do you have for someone ready to return to work? Why is it so hard for us?
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From:
Sara Urowitz
Date:
Feb 14, 2007 03:03 PM
Martha - Sorry I don't have any words of wisdom for you but I do have words of encouragement. I myself am not a survivor. I am the professional lead of this web site and a social worker and researcher by training. We recognize that this is a difficult time in survivors' lives and we are committed to supporting you through this part of your journey. Currenlty, we are focusing a lot of energy in the Breast Cancer Survivorship Program here at PMH on trying to better understand the challenges of returning to work and how we can better help survivors during this time. I do suggest that you check back here often to seek and gain support from other survivors. I also suggest that you may want to join one of our online chats (we just had one on returning to work but I'm sure we'll have more in the future). Talking Sticks, our public online chat held 4X a month (check the online calendar for dates and times) would be a great space for you to seek support and learn about other women's experiences. I hope that I have offered you some help and support and I wish you good luck in your return to work. Continue to be strong!
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From:
KarenP
Date:
Feb 16, 2007 12:07 AM
Martha...yes I too am on Arimidex and yes...it can be disabling. There are a number of different things to try.
I am taking large doses of Vitamin D (up to 2000 ui daily) and 1000 mg of Calcium daily. This seems to help somewhat, and as Arimidex may cause bone loss, there are added benefits there as well.
The other thing that I've found that works really well is SALT WATER...I went swimming in the Mediterranean for 5 minutes a day minimum while on holidays and it relieved ALL my pain for almost 24 hours! So if you can find access to a salt water location near you...fantastic! (I even tried a salt water hot tub at a hotel in Toronto and it worked well also - but watch for heat and lymphadema risks)....
Another thing that helps ease the symptoms (believe it or not) is moderate excercise. Too much complicates it...not enough is horrible...but moderate weight bearing excercises really does wonders. Yoga... also...
Lastly (and I've personally not gone this route yet)...your doctor has medications to help combat the side effects of this....and if you're not able to find quality of life through any of the methods above...then discuss this with your doctor.
Always keep in mind too...this drug isn't forever...it's for now. That helps me deal with it.
Keep us posted on your progress.
I am taking large doses of Vitamin D (up to 2000 ui daily) and 1000 mg of Calcium daily. This seems to help somewhat, and as Arimidex may cause bone loss, there are added benefits there as well.
The other thing that I've found that works really well is SALT WATER...I went swimming in the Mediterranean for 5 minutes a day minimum while on holidays and it relieved ALL my pain for almost 24 hours! So if you can find access to a salt water location near you...fantastic! (I even tried a salt water hot tub at a hotel in Toronto and it worked well also - but watch for heat and lymphadema risks)....
Another thing that helps ease the symptoms (believe it or not) is moderate excercise. Too much complicates it...not enough is horrible...but moderate weight bearing excercises really does wonders. Yoga... also...
Lastly (and I've personally not gone this route yet)...your doctor has medications to help combat the side effects of this....and if you're not able to find quality of life through any of the methods above...then discuss this with your doctor.
Always keep in mind too...this drug isn't forever...it's for now. That helps me deal with it.
Keep us posted on your progress.
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From:
mal
Date:
Nov 11, 2007 07:35 PM
Hi Everyone
I did not work during my treatment. I have a physical job in a hospital and I could not have worked even if I wanted too. I had surgery, chemo and radiation for Stage 2 , grade 3 invasive breast cancer with 5 of 18 nodes positive. I was 47 when I was diagnosed. I am on tomoxifen, as I was premenopausal when diagnosed. My oncologist stated that my only risk factor was being a women as there is no cancer in my family anywhere.
I returned to work slowly about 2 weeks after finishing my chemo and radiation. I am 8 months past my treatment and I work 4 days per week. I am still very tired and I wish I could have stayed off work longer. I was sick of staying at home and financially I needed to get back. I think the emotional aspect of it also tires you out.
I think you need to rest while having chemo as it is very hard on your body and you need to stay away from people with germs. Radiation was easy after chemo but had to go to London Cancer clinic everyday for 6 weeks at all different times of the day so working was not an option.
I find exercise and yoga are helping me regain my strength slowly. I still have a sore arm as I had a mastectomy and 18 nodes removed. Does anyone else have a sore arm 14 months after surgery? I have been told that you could be tired up to 2 years after you finish your treatment.
I wish you all well and I enjoyed reading your comments.
Mal
I did not work during my treatment. I have a physical job in a hospital and I could not have worked even if I wanted too. I had surgery, chemo and radiation for Stage 2 , grade 3 invasive breast cancer with 5 of 18 nodes positive. I was 47 when I was diagnosed. I am on tomoxifen, as I was premenopausal when diagnosed. My oncologist stated that my only risk factor was being a women as there is no cancer in my family anywhere.
I returned to work slowly about 2 weeks after finishing my chemo and radiation. I am 8 months past my treatment and I work 4 days per week. I am still very tired and I wish I could have stayed off work longer. I was sick of staying at home and financially I needed to get back. I think the emotional aspect of it also tires you out.
I think you need to rest while having chemo as it is very hard on your body and you need to stay away from people with germs. Radiation was easy after chemo but had to go to London Cancer clinic everyday for 6 weeks at all different times of the day so working was not an option.
I find exercise and yoga are helping me regain my strength slowly. I still have a sore arm as I had a mastectomy and 18 nodes removed. Does anyone else have a sore arm 14 months after surgery? I have been told that you could be tired up to 2 years after you finish your treatment.
I wish you all well and I enjoyed reading your comments.
Mal
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From:
KarenP
Date:
Nov 17, 2007 08:25 AM
Hi Mal. It sure can be difficult integrating back to work...physically and mentally.
Those of us with caring employers truly are blessed...but really no one should have it otherwise because no one would want to walk in our shoes; it's a pity they don't know what it's like so they could be more empathic to us to allow us the time to get our treatment and recover at our own pace before returning to the work environment.
Like you, I'm back in the work world and forging ahead....but as to the arm pain. Remember to remain good to yourself. Do gentle exercises and go to the discussions about the lymphadema exercises (to prevent that from happening). Be patient knowing that time should help ease much of that tightness and discomfort.
I had no positive nodes and only a sentinal node biopsy (5 nodes were removed) and while 95% of the time I feel nothing...at times I too get a tightness and some sensations 4 years later. But gentle exercise and not overstraining my arm puts it right as rain in no time again.
All the best to you.
Those of us with caring employers truly are blessed...but really no one should have it otherwise because no one would want to walk in our shoes; it's a pity they don't know what it's like so they could be more empathic to us to allow us the time to get our treatment and recover at our own pace before returning to the work environment.
Like you, I'm back in the work world and forging ahead....but as to the arm pain. Remember to remain good to yourself. Do gentle exercises and go to the discussions about the lymphadema exercises (to prevent that from happening). Be patient knowing that time should help ease much of that tightness and discomfort.
I had no positive nodes and only a sentinal node biopsy (5 nodes were removed) and while 95% of the time I feel nothing...at times I too get a tightness and some sensations 4 years later. But gentle exercise and not overstraining my arm puts it right as rain in no time again.
All the best to you.
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From:
deb maes
Date:
Oct 28, 2008 10:39 AM
>I have finished my chemo in Feb. and returned to work in April in not a really stressful job but now this part of my job is stressful and fastpaced and I don`t seem to be coping well tosay the least. I am super tired and totally drained mentally after work each day is this normal.If I make a mistake it throws me for the whole day, am I crazy? Will I adjust to stress better as time goes on. I too have joint pain but am on tamoxifin. Not getting alot of answers but was but on vit.d also
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From:
KarenP
Date:
Nov 02, 2008 05:37 PM
It's often helpful, if an option, to slowly transition back to work.
If you can graduate your return back slowly that could be helpful to you and often is negotiated by your disability provider of you were on disability through treatment.
You may have to modify the way you do things now compared to how you did them before. Take more notes, try to fit in more breaks. I found it very tiring and stressful to return to work, but try different things to help. If your employer is aware of your situation and supports your need to slowly transition back, that might help you feel less stressed about things as well.
If you can graduate your return back slowly that could be helpful to you and often is negotiated by your disability provider of you were on disability through treatment.
You may have to modify the way you do things now compared to how you did them before. Take more notes, try to fit in more breaks. I found it very tiring and stressful to return to work, but try different things to help. If your employer is aware of your situation and supports your need to slowly transition back, that might help you feel less stressed about things as well.
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From:
momforone
Date:
Dec 20, 2009 01:36 PM
Hi, I had my right breast removed and 13 lymph nodes removed October 13 and I have been off work since then. The surgeon told me that I could go back to work but I felt that I needed the time off until my oncologist appt. I had my appt with the oncologist Dec 17 and I am going to start chemo December 30. He had told me that I could probably go back to work but I want to wait until I find out how I am going to feel. I have heard many stories about chemo and it really scares me. I have been on paid sick leave and I can start LTD around the middle of January. Does anyone know about insurance companies and how they deal with breast cancer and staying off until the chemo is done. My employer has been great and is backing me 100%. My chemo will be 4 rounds every 21 days.
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