Hi Lacie,

I worked at a MH Trust when I was first diagnosed and, apart from taking a couple of days off sick for my chemo infusions, I worked through much of my chemo. 

I finally went off sick for two reasons - my immune system took a battering and I didn't want to risk my health when almost half of my colleagues were off sick with viral diseases and also because I was becoming really tired and frustrated with some of my colleagues. The side effects were cumulative and the more rounds of chemo I had, the more physically and mentally exhausted I became. My boss reminded me that I was entitled to six months off on full pay, followed by six months on half pay so I took some time out to finish my chemo and then to convalesce. If you work for the NHS you may have the same entitlement.

Good luck with your chemo!

Dave

Hi Davek

Unfortunately the company I work for is a private company I am also only employed as bank staff as I was studying to be a nurse so was just doing that on the side, I was hoping that I would continue to receive my bursary but unfortunately have been informed that will stop now I have temporarily withdrawn.

Thanks Lacie

I'm in your position Lacie. I work abroad and only get 2 weeks off on full pay. Then my salary goes down by 25% every two weeks to 0 after 8 weeks off. I will have to, somehow, continue working as much as possible. I'm travelling back to the UK for cycle 1. But plan to have cycles 2-6 here. Dreading the work part of it, I must say.

I hope you manage to work as you need to. But.. as others keep telling me (and it's not always easy), health first. 

Emily x

Hi Lacie

I was diagnosed with non  Hodgkin lymphoma in March and have have to stop working as a teaching assistant in a special needs school because of the likely event I could pick some bug up whilst my immune system is low. I'm so bored and miss my job terribly. I'm supposed to avoid crowds and just basically stay home. Hate this!!

Cathy 

Hi Cathy,

My dog got lots of crowd avoiding walks when I was on chemo - I’d have gone stir crazy without her! That, binge-watching box sets and reading the whole GOT septology helped pass the time :-) 

Good luck!

Dave

Hi lacie 

I just had the same conversation with a nurse at my chemotherapy appointment today .I ask if I could continue to work n was told  they advice not to due to risk of catching viruses cold cough ect as we will not have any defences to fight any infection  I was disappointed as been of work since March I was looking forward returning to work xxx kym

Hi Cathy 

i. May have been mad but I kept working when I wasn't being sick i worked in a factory metal fabrication and welding muck and dust everywhere i was fine if any customers came in coughing or anything i kept out of the way but apart from that aok i had a few sickey doos middle of treatment. Good luck. 

Billy 

Hi everyone 

am due to start chemo for breast cancer next week . Been hoping to continue working through it but not sure how practical  that is going to be due to possible side effects . Would love to hear from others about how sick and how tired it makes u feel 

Rebel Anne

Hi rebel it varies with individual people some are OK all way through others really cannot do much but stop in bed until you start treatment you won't know results but good luck anyway. Billy

P.s beware of anyone ill even a cold 

Hi Billygoat

thanks for your reply , I guess I shall find ou pretty soon . Just been for bloods today and Echo so hopefully be alright to start treatment next week.

have u finished your treatment , did it take long to feel normal again 

Anne