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Will I Be Able To Continue Working Once Starting Chemo?

A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
Grants, NM

I'm still in the beginning stages. I am diagnosed with Stage 3C Breast Cancer. Will I be able to continue working after I start Chemo?

June 22, 2022
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A MyBCTeam Member

Like Virginia said, everyone is different. I am a nurse, I worked 12 hour night shifts, 3 days a week on an OB unit. I never called in. I was very fortunate that my employer worked with me on my schedule. I had chemo every other Thursday. I would work Wednesday night shift, go to chemo, and off til Monday night. My co workers also took great care of me. If we were over staffed, they would always call me first to see if I wanted to stay home. They would help with admissions.
Good luck to you!

June 22, 2022
A MyBCTeam Member

Hi @A MyBCTeam Member it all depends on how you feel. I didnt feel strong enough during AC or Taxol but did start working during Herceptin. Some feel ok to work and exercise during treatment. Get plenty of rest when u need and stay hydrated. Hugs to you

June 22, 2022
A MyBCTeam Member

pretty sure you will. Hope is stronger that fear.

June 24, 2022
A MyBCTeam Member

Each of us is different, and our jobs require different things. I work in a school with students with severe intellectual disabilities. It is a physically demanding job on good days- and if the kids go into meltdown mode and get aggressive- it becomes an exhausting day! I have to be able to physically protect myself and others, lift at least 50 lbs, and lug an oxygen tank around for one student who has seizures (full size- looks like a scuba diver lost something!). I had a single mastectomy, no reconstruction, and started chemo. I was back at work in 8 weeks. I felt ready sooner, but the oncologist wanted me to get two chemos in first- just to see how my body would react. I worked thru the rest of chemo and my Herceptin infusions (had to take one day off every three weeks for infusions for a year). It is do-able- but you really have to stay on top of getting your rest, healthy eating and hydrating. Dinner was often soup, sandwich, followed by a shower, and falling into bed. But it did feel good to have a piece of my "old normal" back! Sending hugs and best wishes while you navigate these choices!

June 22, 2022
A MyBCTeam Member

I was not able to work. After mastectomy and breast reduction my body was having a hard time healing. Took me 1 yr and 10 months to get back but I had several surgeries. Chemo and radiation Lots of fatigue. I've heard others are able to work. Everyone is different.

June 30, 2022

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