Waiting to start Chemo, coping with work

There is a chemo thread you might get more help/advice Chemo thread

Also ring Macmillan help line about benefits .  

www.macmillan.org.uk/.../help

Hi, I worked all the way through chemo, but I am able to work from home most of the time and I can be quite flexible about managing my time.  There were definitely some times during each chemo cycle that I wasn't able to do anything, but most of the time I was lucky enough to be able to manage my side effects.  I think it all depends on how you react to chemo and how flexible you can be at work. I also suggest chatting to your oncologist about any risks from your job in terms of being in contact with people and being immunosuppressed.   Best of luck x

I worked throughout all treatment with only a few days off after each cycle and the operation. But I was able to work from home throughout and like Irishgirl16could be really flexible with my time. I often had to have a lie down or take a nap during the day but could work around that.

My biggest concern would also be being around other people when you are so immunosuppressed. Even without covid that could be risky but with covid, it might not be safe to continue to work, unless you are able to limit contact with people.

Bear in mind that if you are having 3-weekly cycles of chemo, it is your 2nd week when your immune system and bloods are at their lowest, which is when you are starting to feel a bit better.

I also didn't drive throughout chemo except very locally to the Dr one time about a week after chemo. I didn't feel that capable of driving far and even after a week, I didn't feel like I had my reactions back.

Chemo is also cumulative, so you may feel less able to do stuff as the cycles go I.

Having said all this, everyone reacts differently and you may be fine to work as long as everyone around you is being considerate of your weakened immune system.

There is financial help you can get, I think Macmillan may have info on that if you do a search. 

Hi

ive been advised by my oncologist I can’t work.

I work in the community in peoples houses, and drive quite a few miles as a health care assistance, so don’t get sick pay. I drive often at night too on evening shifts , newly discharged patients .

im on my own , just had my first cycle , yes I’m. Not good at getting up in the morning now either , as sleep not always good. . I’ve got my kids home from uni for my next one this week ( my 2nd) . And hopefully a friend has said she come and stay for a week for my 3rd 

you can get sap and pips , so you need to ring the pip Enquiry line 

good luck 

D.x

Sap * that should be 

Ssp

Thank you everyone, It was good to get a few experiences from people.

I have a 3 and 4 year old too, so Im thinking my energy I have will be needed to try and make life as normal as possible for them.

Ring today to start new PIP claim as any claim will be back dated today then even though they take months.  

Hi Jo. 

I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer.  I also work in retail. It depends on how the chemotherapy side effects hits you. If you don't get them to bad then yes. Why do you not get ssp from work.

There is another option , different duties.  As you've been diagnosed with cancer you are now covered for life by disability discrimination act.  So you can request your employee makes a reasonable adjustment to accommodate your treatment plan.  This could mean not working shop front but in the office etc.