Myeloma and work

There are a few things to think about, such as:

- Your finances

- What kind of work you do

- How stressful work is. Stress is really bad in terms of myeloma.

For myself, I am fortunate enough to have a few quid. The work that I have been doing is office style work, and it has always required me to be really on my A game: simply not compatible with chemo fog. It can also be very stressful, with fixed deadlines and long hours.

It was pretty clear that I couldn't work full time any more, although I tried for a while with sick leave when I was was feeling especially rough. Fatigue was the toughest part, but there was one episode when I was in pain from epic constipation but I was the only person in my employer who could do an urgent piece of work. Then at one stage my eyesight was damaged by dexamethasone - later sorted out with eye surgery - which meant that I couldn't do some work because I couldn't see it.

Although my employer was very understanding, neither they nor I really knew where we stood from one day to the next.

HR and I then agreed a flexible part time deal. I do the least stressful stuff, I don't feel under much pressure at all and they don't expect me to put in many hours. Both sides know where they stand.

This has freed me up to take it easy, semi-retire and enjoy myself. For example, I am typing this message while on holiday.

This isn't for everyone, and it isn't possible for everyone, but it's working for me.