Just Diagnosed - Can I still work full-time while doing Chemo?

Hello KTC

Sorry to hear your diagnosis but it's good that you have a treatment plan. I'm afraid I can't talk about the side effects of chemo specifically as my husband had RT and HT (still having the latter!). I know there are people posting here who will, though, be able to give you more advice and talk about their own experiences of chemo. But - it does seem that, as you say, people's experiences differ.  It might help if you can say what work you do - eg manual, office work, flexible work etc. etc?

I do wish you all the very best with the treatment and hope it goes well for you.

Hi WW,

I knew I'd forget something relevant. I work from home and sit at screen all day (full Time) - so not exactly physically taxing.

Hope your husband is well?

Regards

Hi KTC,

Sorry to hear about your diagnosis, it does sound like you are getting some good treatment so you are on the right path to getting things under control which is a positive step. My partner is on a slightly different treatment path to you. No Chemo yet but Rt and a mix of hormone treatments to keep things in check. So I can’t help with the three week/chemo work problem, but my OH has worked from home for the last year of treatment and managed well. His hours are flexible, so sometimes he will start late, or finish early if he feels really tired, this works well for him as he will then catch up with a long day. He is now considering going part-time or taking early retirement as an option because his priorities have changed in this last year and he has other things he wants to do with his life so we will see if that’s an option soon . Please click on my name for his bio, you may find somethings useful to you, such as it’s really important to bring a good exercise routine into your week, especially as you spend a lot of time sitting and at a desk and exercise will boost your energy levels. Calcium and vitamin D supplements are good to take for bone health. Also my partners desk goes up and down so he stands for part of his working day, which takes the pressure off his pelvic area. So a few things that you may want to consider to help in the next few months, possibly.

Good luck with your Chemo and hopefully someone will give you some answers to your question. 
best wishes 

L

I didn't have chemo for my PC treatment but did have a different chemo regime for lung cancer a couple of years before this which comprised 4 cycles and was pretty harsh. 

I too worked from home but also travelled extensively in the UK so had to suspend all travel for the duration of treatment plus a while after, principally because of the increased infection risk due to temporary immune system damage as well as anticipated fatigue, feeling rubbish etc. all of which came true.

I agreed with my employer in advance that travel would be suspended but I would continue to work from home in between chemo hospital visits and tests. I was very keen to carry on working because I didn't want the treatment to affect my life any more than absolutely necessary although the side effects tend to increase as you go through treatment so it can get a little more difficult - however, working from home makes it easier. I also loved my job and it was important to me to carry on. I was probably a bit less efficient at work during the period, particularly as the side effects built up, but was lucky to have great support.

You probably know that your employer has to make adjustments due to your illness and that you have rights - Macmillan can advise on your legal employment rights if you need advice.

I know some people who wanted to stop work altogether during treatment and recovery and that's fine, we're all different, I just wanted to carry on with everything as near to normal as possible which is just how I am - there's no right or wrong way, it's just how you feel personally.

So it probably depends a lot on what you actually want to do and how your treatment goes as it progresses. Hopefully you can find a good way through it which suits you and your employer. I hope your treatment goes well and is as successful as mine was - just over 9 years now - and your employer treats you as well as mine did.

I wish you all the best for a successful outcome.

I'm so sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis, but I'm glad you reached out to this community. First of all, you're not alone in this journey, and there are people here who genuinely care and understand what you're going through.

Your treatment plan sounds quite comprehensive, and you're right that everyone's experience with chemotherapy can be different. It's great that you've started the conversation with your workplace about potential time off and flexibility. That's a significant step to ensure you can focus on your health during this challenging time.

When it comes to working during chemotherapy, it indeed varies from person to person. Some people find they can continue working, at least part-time, while others need more time off. The impact may depend on how your body reacts to the treatment, any side effects you experience, and the type of work you do.

It's essential to listen to your body and communicate openly with your medical team about your symptoms and any challenges you face. They can provide guidance on how to manage work and treatment effectively.

As for specific questions to ask, consider discussing:

1. Side Effects: What are the common side effects of Docetaxel, and how can they be managed?

2. Work Schedule: Is it possible to adjust your work schedule during treatment, if needed?

3. Support: What support systems are available at your workplace for individuals going through medical treatment?

4. Medical Leave: Inquire about medical leave options, if you need more extended periods off work.

Remember that self-care and focusing on your health are top priorities right now. While some people do manage to work during chemotherapy, it's entirely okay to take the time you need to heal and recover. Your health should come first.

Stay strong, and keep us updated on your journey. We're here to support you in any way we can.

Sending you positive thoughts and strength,

Hello KTC  Thank you for asking! My husband is doing ok. He has found the treatment (RT and HT) side effects very difficult but seems to have been coping a bit better this last month or so.  He is having a telephone consultation this week so we are hoping for some reassurance and no more bad news ! I think these PSA review times are anxious times for a lot of us.

I'm in a similar boat
Stage 4 where it has spread to the lymph nodes and bones

I had my first 3 monthly injection and it felt like I'd been beaten up the next day
Got my next one at the end of October so there's something to look forward to ;-)

Last week I had my 3^rd dose of Docetaxel.
The side effects definitely get worse with each dose

First dose I felt OK but then had sharp stabbing pain in ribs every time I moved for 8 days
Second dose I felt like crap for a couple of days which gradually gets better with time until you have the next dose
Third dose I still feel bad 4 days later

I work from home sitting in front of a pc all day. I write computer software and my employer has been great.
They told me if I need time off then take it
The first few days after a treatment I don't think I am able to think clearly enough to work properly but after that it isn't too bad.

Definitely not 100% mental clarity though

Hi KTC, 

Exactly 2 years later I was on hormones and had just finished my full month of Radiation treatment.

I wanted to work all the way through my treatment.  Work at the time were good about it, I managed 6 hours a day before my radiation at 3pm.

It was very hard to do but I didn't want to sit at home, I wanted to keep my mind off the cancer.

It depends what kind of job you have.

In the end l was proud to have worked all through.  Now though, work are making me redundant, only me, because my disabilities are now visible, as I now have to walk with a walking stick.

If I could go back, I would have taken as much time off as I could.

Hope your Chemo goes well and you can stay in work as long as you can.

Lots of good people here in this forum.

Hello KillTheCount 

And a belated welcome to the forum from me. So sorry to find you here but it's the right place to be for advice from people who have "been there, done that".

Just from reading the replies above, it looks like there are some very positive answers there. To stick my own small contribution in (I am on HT/RT not Chemo) I have found that just a positive attitude to the cancer and your treatment can win half the battle.

Stay strong and even though you don't "do" chat rooms - please keep us posted with your progress and remember we are here for any questions however trivial you may think they are.

Best wishes - Brian.

Millibob said:

remember we are here for any questions however trivial you may think they are.

KTC, Brian, How true this is.

Questions don't even have to be serious.

I never used to do chatrooms, this is the only one I would ever use!

This says a lot about the calibre of men and women in this forum.