Working while on treatment

Hi,

Firstly, going on pembrolizumab straight away with a plan for 2 years is a good sign: you might well survive this. Here's hoping for a good outcome.

You probably know that immunotherapy doesn't do any of the work fighting the cancer - it's your own immune system that does that. What immunotherapy does is take the brakes off the immune system. That means anything that slows down your immune system is now a complete no-no, you need it to stay in tip-top shape. That is what your life needs to be 100% about for the next 2 years.

So healthy diet, regular exercise, cut the booze and get enough sleep. Boring but now life-saving. Other priorities come second.

Your employer will need to understand that you won't quite be your normal self for a couple of years, every time you get an infusion you'll be wiped out for a day or so and you'll need time off for hospital appointments. The rest of the time you can hope to be near normal. You shouldn't need to explain to them that employment law is on your side in this situation.

I shaved my hair to prepare for brain surgery, but I kept that style on immunotherapy to remind others that while I seemed okay I was sometimes wiped out from side effects. At work it helps to look like the hero battling cancer.

If you get the choice, opt for 3 weekly infusions rather than 6 weekly because the side effects will be less.

You'll be getting blood tests before each infusion. Ask if they can be done at weekends so that you won't take time off work. The labs are open 24/7 and results come back sooner on weekends.

kind regards
Steve

Hi Chrysadawn

Everyone is different in their approach/ability to working while on treatment, so I can only tell you about my experience of this.

Very early on In my lung cancer diagnosis I started to feel as though my life was being overrun by everything cancer and I craved normality. During the diagnosis stage I went into work as normal and just took time off to go for the various tests.  When my treatment plan of chemoradiation was agreed I arranged to work from home, although I did go into work for a week after my first chemo session. Once the daily radiotherapy sessions kicked in it was impossible/impractical to go into work that when I reverted to working from home. Now I am not saying I worked 7 hours a day five days a week; I just worked when I could.  The radiotherapy made me very tied so I would sleep when I came home from each session (usually late afternoon through to late evening). Then, after my sleep, I would work well into the wee small hours;  colleagues and customers got used to opening their emails to find emails from me sent at 4am or sent over the weekend.  In short I adjusted my working week to fit around my treatment, and just as importantly, around how I was feeling health wise. My bosses were very accommodating during this period.   I did go back into work after my treatment finished, probably way too soon but very necessary for my personal well-being.

My treatment was only  over 3-4 months duration, so very different to your situation. There is of course the financial aspect of being off work for any length of time, and this will depend on your own circumstances and your employers' sickness scheme.

I hope this helps a little bit in your dilemma. Just do what you believe will be best for you.

Kegsy x

Thank you Steve. 
Your advice is helpful. I am trying to stay active, eat well and get quality sleep so it's good to hear this advice coming from you as well. 

My treatment plan is a 6 weekly infusion based on the advice of my oncologist do have my monthly blood tests and appointments with the doctor. The oncologists has been accommodating with scheduling some appointments over the phone instead of in person. 

Thank you again for your advice and will keep in mind as I work through the best work life balance for me

Stay well

Chrysa

Thank you Kegsy for sharing your experience. 

I love your personal quote on Cancer not being your life. It's sort of how I see it to. Cancer is part of me, it is not Me. 

Right now, I start to feel tired in the afternoon and when I do I try to step away from the laptop and either take a nap or do something that requires less energy or focus. Doesn't happen all the time but will try to do more of this. 

Thank you again for sharing your story will keep it in mind as I walk this path. 

Stay well

Chrysa