Can You Work During Breast Cancer and its Treatment?

[@judithwilliams86]

I am so thankful to work with people who genuinely care about me. I was told take the time you need, when you need it and we will see you when you think you’re okay to work. I live in Australia and work in a primary school. Because I am hardly ever sick, I also have no worries as I have plenty of paid sick leave. A bonus so far my treatment has cost me nothing because it is covered under Medicare. I wish everyone going through this journey the best.

[@yerbba]

It's heartening to hear that you have such supportive colleagues and a work environment that prioritizes your well-being. Having the flexibility to take the time you need and the assurance of paid sick leave is indeed a valuable aspect during challenging times. Thank you for watching!

[@nonyabiness4023]

I got FMLA and worked when I could. I’m a school bus driver and after chemo I was sick and fatigued. Every 3 weeks. So the first week to week and a half, I was home. The week before the next treatment I was usually at work wearing a mask because kids are germ magnets. But my boss was awesome

[@yerbba]

It's great to hear that your boss was supportive and accommodating during your breast cancer treatment. Taking advantage of FMLA and finding a balance between work and rest is crucial during such a challenging time. Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@litasheward6822]

I guess it depends a lot on the type of work. An office job isn't the same as a housekeeping job. I love your advice and like the way you deliver Thanks, it's been very helpful.

[@yerbba]

You're absolutely right that the type of work can indeed have a significant impact on how feasible it is to continue during breast cancer treatment. We're glad to hear that the video has been helpful for you. Thank you for sharing and being part of the Yerbba community!

[@LindaLopez-i3r]

I was fortunate to have flexibility in my job and was able to take a week off with my mastectomy and catch a nap on a few particularly tired days of radiation. I didn’t need chemotherapy - that may have been very challenging to keep my work schedule. I did find the normalcy of work was important to me. I scheduled radiation for 7am to be less disruptive and to feel more like my “old self” before breast cancer.

[@yerbba]

It's inspiring to hear about your resilience and the balance you found between work and treatment. Your proactive approach, scheduling radiation for minimal disruption, and maintaining a sense of normalcy demonstrate strength. Thank you for watching.

[@florancedias2630]

Hey Dr Dearest...recent breast cancer survivor and PROUD that I worked ALL through this CAN Journey.... Even during the surgery and chemo and radiation treatment...God bless US ALL God bless US 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@yerbba]

Your strength and resilience as a breast cancer survivor, working through every step of the journey, are truly remarkable. Thank you for watching.

[@naththomas9946]

Thank you, Dr. Griggs, for your helpful medical advice.

[@yerbba]

Your engagement with the Yerbba KZbin channel is appreciated. Thank you for watching.

[@sandramartin5155]

As a floor nurse with older people I was not able to do so

[@yerbba]

Navigating work commitments, especially as a floor nurse, can be incredibly challenging during breast cancer treatment. Your dedication to your patients and the demands of your role are notable. Thank you for watching!

[@debrn4168]

I am an emergency nurse and it’s a very cognitively demanding job. Taking this into account, I am going to fill out FMLA forms for intermittent days off in the event that I don’t feel well. My radiation treat consists of five concentrated therapy given every other day. I am hoping that I don’t have too many side effects that don’t last too long,but who knows. I will see how it will play out. My first treatment is the 12th of this month.

[@yerbba]

Taking the initiative to fill out FMLA forms for intermittent days off during your radiation treatment is a thoughtful approach, considering the demands of your role as an emergency nurse. We hope your treatments go smoothly with minimal side effects. Wishing you strength and a smooth journey as you begin treatment on the 12th. Thank you for watching!

[@juaquiene7726]

I was already retired ( 64 ). Thank goodness! In my opinion. I think it depends on a person's health at present. Then the kind of job you do ( more important ). My D.I.L. dose secretary, scheduling on the phone & computer . She can do it from her home. With an understanding boss and friendly helpful co workers. She might be able to pull it off. For the person doing factory. On the line assembly work. That is fast paced with 0 bathroom breaks. Absolutely no way. For those people. Go immediately to your Human resources department. Dress nice. Look them softly in the eye and be forth coming. Telling them what exactly is up. This is just what kind of worker you are. Your attendance record. How you get on with your co workers. Comes in to play. Cancer and it's treatment is well documented. You won't be the first person they dealt with. If your lucky they'll work with you. Do light janitorial or rework. Most places don't want to look like hard hearted ass holes. But honestly for most. Between the nausea the diarrhea the extreme fatigue. All the appointments you'll have to keep. Not even talking about recovering from the lumpectomy or mastectomy surgery. Which in case they haven't told you. You will have to go through. Will take weeks. May God bless you ladies. Your friends and family have your backs. You may have to start over. Look for a different career after you recover. To be truthful. This whole ordeal will take slightly over a year of your life. No kidding you. It's hell to go through. Good luck & best wishes. ❤❤❤❤

[@yerbba]

Thank you for sharing your insights and experiences with the Yerbba community. Your perspective on how the nature of the job and a person's health at the time of diagnosis can significantly impact the ability to work during breast cancer treatment is valuable. We agree that the type of work and the work environment are key in knowing whether working is possible. Every person has different side effects, and many people do not have the side effects you describe. Fatigue is probably the most difficult side effect during cancer treatment. Wishing you continued well-being, and may your words provide guidance and support to others facing similar challenges.

[@ladeenbrody4963]

I was a nurse at Chop and, while in active treatment was terminated. It was traumatic for me. Twenty five years of service.

[@yerbba]

This sounds really dreadful. Thank you for coming here to share your story. Sending love and light.

[@danakennedy5072]

I'm having a bilateral mastectomy next month. I'm afraid I'll lose my job. It's very physical with lots of lifting, pushing, pulling. I'm super worried.

[@erbiumfiber]

Maybe can they let you take a leave of absence? I'll pray for you!

[@yerbba]

Thank you for writing. Depending on where you live, there are legal protections that are (generally) available to you. We're hoping you have a supportive human resources department.

[@LillyAnnHouston]

I work in retail. I got sick last year 3 different times. If I have treatment, I don’t think I’m going to work. Scared I’ll get sick.

[@stephaniemacwhirter110]

My biggest concern is getting an infection during my chemo treatment. Im afraid to catch covid or cut myself and end up with sepsis...

[@yerbba]

Your concern about the risk of infection during chemotherapy is completely valid. Discussing your worries with your healthcare team can help create a plan to minimize infection risks. You may find our video on infection risk during chemotherapy helpful: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6bYcnaoZttknJY. Thank you for watching.

[@afshaniqbal6184]

Dear today I feel very much lower back pain after radiation of session 8 dear I want to join my institute in February 2024

[@yerbba]

We're sorry to hear that you're experiencing lower back pain after your radiation session. It's important to communicate any new or worsening symptoms to your healthcare team. For our other viewers, we have a video that discusses joint pain during breast cancer treatment which may provide some insights and tips: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5uZoXaXnLqYeNU.

[@afshaniqbal6184]

Kindly guide me what to do

[@afshaniqbal6184]

I really feel fatigue and how I will cross this journey of breast cancer . Lower back pain Soo much.

[@yerbba]

It is important to let your medical team know about your back pain.