Posted February 3, 2011 By Scorpio
I'm going to see the oncologist tomorrow to discuss my Oncotype test results. He suspects chemo will start soon. Its been 3 months since my mastectomy and he bungled getting the test results last time. He told me I could continue working (or even run a marathon) during chemo. I find that a bit ambitious and insensitive. My employer has coverage for sick leave and they don't expect me to come in during chemo. Should I insist he fill out the paperwork for sick leave?
Posted February 10, 2011 By SharonE
Hi there,
I am just finishing up my chemo (next week is my last round...yippee). I chose not to work during the chemo because I could. I probably could have gone in a few days but I'm glad I didn't. I don't have a job where I could only be "half" there and I had difficulty sleeping most of the time.
Everyone is different. I would suggest being off for the first round and see you you feel. The first round is pretty typical of the other rounds.
Good Luck!
Posted February 12, 2011 By bailey
Hi:
I chose to take sick leave for my treatment time which was a year because of the Herceptin. I just wasn't sure how I would feel during the double mastectomy, chemo and radiation. Everyone is different, but if you can take the time to recover and rest when you need to, it's worth it. I finished my last Herceptin August 2010 and went back to work September 2010. I'm glad I took the time off. You do need to rest sometimes. Take care.
Posted February 23, 2011 By Chrissy39
Take the time off!!! You will need to rest and definitely pamper yourself. I am on the 3 of 6 rounds, after which I will have 5 weeks of radiation, I chose to go off of work, because, like SharonE I do not have the type of job where I can be "half-there" Do NOT feel guilty about asking your doc to sign off on it, or actually taking the time. You didn't ask for Cancer, but you need to kick it in the a$$!
Posted March 6, 2011 By Timerdog
Scorpio,
I thought they would want to start chemo sooner then 12 weeks. I have read that after 12 weeks chemo is not as effective ( I could be wrong ). How did the bungle getting your oncotype results? My oncologist just changed my appt. date and now I am stressed that a "no chemo" might turn into chemo due to the results of the DX test.
I had a very small tumor, less the one cm and stage one cancer so I am praying he only wants to chat about how well I am doing!
Posted March 13, 2011 By Sunshine
Chemo effects every woman differently...some are okay and some women are sick but the insurance companies will grant short and long term disability for anyone going through breast cancer treatment. Depends what type of work you do and if you think you can handle it. I have been okay during chemo but my friend has been very unwell so it just depends on how you metabolize the chemo drugs. Take the leave at first and see how you do.
