Chemo

Hello, I like you wanted to carry on working but was told that I would have to shield because you will have no immune system whilst you are having Chemo, so any infection can be serious for you. No one knows how you will react to the chemo, ive had good weeks and bad weeks.  What I think you need to consider is the practicalities of your job, and then how you are going to manage if you have diarohhea, which comes on very quickly in my experience whilst teaching. Also, the tiredness, possibly the nausea and also the emotional impact of going through chemo/operation has made me highly emotional, tearful, snappy at times and I know I should not be at work. I dont want to sound negative, ive had more good days than bad, and on the whole chemo hasnt been too bad for me, just wanted to raise a few points for you to consider, and only you will know if they are workable with your teaching, hoping they are for you. Good luck.

I continued working throughout chemo, other than the first few days of each cycle off, and I think it helped my brain stay functioning and gave me something else to think about. However, I was able to work from home which makes a huge difference. I was able to have naps during the day and my work were flexible around when I worked - whatever was good for me, 

Unfortunately, is absolutely right in terms of immune system. I was put on the shielding list and still on it. Your immune system is completely battered with chemo and I don't think you would want to work in a place that will have a lot of bugs going around at the best of times but during covid, it just wouldn't be possible. My hospital appointments were kept to a minimum - if they could phone me they would, and even my GP wanted me to go to the hospital at one point for bloods rather than at the GP surgery as they thought it was safer.

I have not seen anyone properly outside my household since starting treatment, other than talking at a very safe distance when I bump into the neighbours outside. We have been extremely careful as getting covid (or anything else) when your immune system is so compromised would be very bad news.

Hi, I'm starting my chemotherapy next week as well and I work at preschool. I love my job so much. My oncologist told me to be safe and stay off work because if high risk of infection being around children. I was very sad but our health comes first and I know I would never forgive myself if I would continue working and pick of an infection. 

Hope this helps,

Warm wishes

Habba