Immunotherapy and working

Hi GeriRen 

I haven't had immunotherapy myself but I noticed that your post hadn't had any replies yet. Responding to you will 'bump' it back to the top of the discussion list. There are lots of people in the group who are on immunotherapy so I'm sure one of them will be along soon to share their experiences with you.

I'm sorry to read that the sick pay where you work is not good. It may be worth your while exploring if there are any benefits you would be entitled to. The experts manning the Macmillan Support Line could chat through that with you. They can be reached on 0808 808 0000.

You might also find this information from Macmillan on getting the financial support you're entitled to useful to look through.

Anne

Hi there. I had a year of pembrolizumab treatment and continued to work during that time (though I cut back on overtime and focussed more on work-life balance). I did get some side effects but they weren’t so bad that I needed to take sick leave (my work is largely desk based). I understand most people tolerate the treatment very well. My symptoms also got a bit better as the treatment went on. At first I had a bit of nausea and ear ache, and sore throat. Then I used to go through of cycle of getting sore throat then flu-like symptoms for a week or two after each course of treatment, so I felt a bit rubbish and run down, but pottered on with things, trying not dwell on it. For me, I think getting up and dressed and going for a walk in the fresh air helped refresh my mind and stopped me moping about feeling sorry for myself. It was mild enough for a bit of mind over matter. Talk to your oncologist about any symptoms - I got recommended some special mouth wash that helped sooth my throat, and I probably made good use of paracetamol too. Given the choice again, I’d still take the treatment. Wishing you the best of luck with it.

Morning 

Thank you so much for your kind reply with all of the information you have provided.  
I had unfortunately accepted a new Job when all of this was discovered and I am concerned that I would need time off which I don’t want to do. Hopefully any symptoms will be like your own experience and I can manage to plod on.

like you I agree being at home does nothing to help my anxiety during this time. I want to keep busy and be as normal as possible.

I hope you are well and thank you so much again.

best wishes x

Sounds like you have a great attitude. Hope your new job is interesting and fulfilling for you, and best of luck with your treatment x