I was diagnosed in November 2025 with IDC stage 2A grade 3 triple positive.
I was working full time at Lowe's when I was diagnosed and they would schedule people to work a variety of different shifts each week. I was off work for 5 months when I had my double mastectomy because I had some surgical difficulties. When I returned to work I had to get FLMA related disability accomodations so I could be scheduled to work the same hours each day and the same schedule/same days off each week. I needed to work the same hours each day because of the meds I take. It wasn't functional for me if I had to work a bunch of different shifts and try and shift around when I was taking my meds. I found it worked best to work 3 days on and 1 day off followed by 2 days on and 1 day off. My body needed the ability to rest on my days off and if I worked more than 3 days in a row my body would rebel and quit on me and I'd have to call out sick from work. This schedule went on for a couple of years and was before I ever needed to have chemo or radiation.
I worked third shift, as an inpatient nurse, 3 - 12 hour night shifts, 7 pm - 7:30 am. I worked through chemo and radiation. I took 5 weeks off for surgery.
I worked in a school classroom with students with significant intellectual disabilities. Those (usually with Autism, level 3) would often have meltdowns and could quickly escalate into aggressiveness. Others had both intellectual and physical disabilities so may need assistance getting around, in and out of adaptive chairs, wheelchairs, standing apparatus, etc. So, a very physical job. I was cleared by the surgeon to go back 5 weeks after mastectomy, but the oncologist wanted at least 2 chemo sessions completed first. So I was back to work at 8 weeks. Check with your team, and then be honest with yourself about the demands of your job. I was pretty tired by the end of the day- and there is nothing wrong with soup and grilled cheese for dinner- an early shower and bedtime! I did have to take over a day every three weeks for chemo, and then I took the whole day off for targeted therapy. It was also infused, so it took a couple hours max- and it is really hard to find a sub that is willing to come for half a day. But that was ok- it allowed me to get all my other appts done in the afternoon, follow-ups with surgeon, my PCP, etc.
Keeping you in prayers as you navigate through this! Hugs!
How did other breast cancer survivors manage working during treatment?
Working during breast cancer treatment is genuinely challenging, especially in a demanding role like private practice. Many members have found it difficult to balance treatment side effects with professional responsibilities.
Here are some strategies Show Full Answer