Working and childcare through treatment

1. Hiya, I'm glad you wrote this post. I'm wondering the same thing. Hoping to avoid any opiate based medications and carry on working but mostly at home. The nurse looked like she was laughing at me when I said I planned working. 
2. I'm preparing as much as I can. Creams for my hands and feet. And I'm going to buy Strata xrt which I've seen mentioned in this forum 

Hi

I drove myself to hospital and back everyday it was a 2 hour round trip plus appointment time on top. I didn't go to work as hospital is the opposite direction and my appointments were all mostly lunch time or early afternoon so it wasn't really worth it. I probably could have worked in terms of how I felt in the first few weeks. I think you need to play it by ear really as we all react and cope differently with treatment. Most importantly don't force yourself to work etc. Sending hugs. Xx

I drove myself to my appointments everyday and generally would have been capable of going about my daily business though I was very tired and things took a lot longer. Walking was challenging for me during treatment - not sure if that's because of where my tumour was but I was able to walk for short periods. From the outside noone knew i was having the treatment unless they knew, If that makes sense. My recommendation would be to take the time if you can. Please consider completing an application for pip or esa financial support if your symptoms and side effects are challenging. Having pelvic radiotherapy is like having a major operation and will tire you out. So even if you physically are able to work it doesn't mean that you should. Xxx

There was a thread I saw in here with a link to a Google doc. I think it was called ‘shopping list’ I’ll try and find it. It’s an amazing list!!

Thank you - that is reassuring you were able to drive to each treatment. I really don’t want to ask for patient transport. As it’s in my nearest city it is too far for a taxi and public transport would be very tricky to navigate. 

I know I shouldn’t worry about work but I don’t have a “regular job” and it’s tricky. I work across time zones and I have a very demanding boss. 

Thank you. I’m not sure I would qualify for any benefits unless my boss decides to only pay me SSP. I just wouldn’t be able to survive - as my treatment will be over the schooL holidays I’ll need six weeks of holiday camps - which will be over £500 :( 

it’s good to hear you managed to walk and drive as that will make it so much easier to navigate school, holiday clubs etc. my sister is local but also works full time.

One of the only times I wish I had a partner ;) 

And good luck for your treatment - when do you start?

Here is the amazing post community.macmillan.org.uk/.../chemoradiation-shopping-review

My oncologist said avoid patient transport if I could, I met a few people in the waiting rooms using it and they were having to be there hours before appointment and hang about after but that may be just my hospital. 

Re work, I get it, i only got ssp, but your health is the most important thing. Hopefully your boss will be understanding. Xx

Good luck for you too. I think we are in similar positions although I have dogs, not a child. I also have no partner and I'm self employed 

I have my planning appointment next  week and I think ill be starting treatment on 30 June. 

This may be the worst summer I'll ever have!