I am on Ixabelpilone IV and Sorafenib pill. I have a treatment every 3 wks. I had a bad reaction to the pills and had to go off of them for awhile and go on steroids. I am now on half a dose. I have at least 5 more mos. of this chemo. I'm going on my fourth week off of work. My problem is I want to go back to work but I have no energy. I have gotten over the nausea as long as I keep my stomach full so it's only my lack of energy stopping me. My work will not let me come back part time or on light duty.
My question is, will I ever feel well enough on chemo to get back to work. I've asked the dr. and his answer was by the time you feel better it's time for another treatment. Is anybody working with chemo? Is there a way to get out of this slump? I try to get out and excercise but right now nothing works for me. I just feel blahhh all the time.
My heart goes out to you. I worked shipping and receiving in a drug store, but at least my employer let me go very part time during chemo. I would take the entire first week off, then work no more than three hours a day in weeks two and three. I will be honest, even that was exhausting. I'd work three hours in the morning, then come home and sleep all afternoon. I am very lucky that my kids are old enough to cook and do the majority of the housework, because I had absolutely NO energy left over for anything. Working during chemo is definitely not for the faint of heart.
I worked through my chemo I guess I was lucky because I had treatment on Thursday , on Friday I had no effects until Saturday or Sunday when I was home, then when I was at work it was like being tired and some diarrhea, my worst day was Wednesday I would be really quiet then come home and go straight to bed, I did this for four months I had surgery in July and finished Chemo in August so I was home for the last month of it. I also felt better when I ate, but the tired thing affected me more in the heat.
My heart goes out to you as well. My employer was great. let me come back part time - on my good weeks and I eased myself back to normal.
If they won't let you back - nothing you can do. Take your time - this is YOU time. File for short term disability if you need to. Eat iron rich foods and rest. The rest is a waiting game.
Wish I had more to offer.
I hate to say this but while going through chemo you'll have some good days & bad days; you won't have any energy. I was fortunate because my job worked with me. I would come to work to only lay my head on my desk to working an hour then head back home. You're doctor was right; once you get energy it's time for your next round. I wish you the best of luck!
Thank you everybody who replied. I have not gone back to work and don't think I'm going back for some time. Someone suggested door greeter but thinking of all the germs that come in the front door wouldn't be a good idea for me. I do have short term disability and a yr. for them to save my job for me. It is not worth risking my health to be back there. They have been very supportive so far.
Should I be worried???
- sanibelblueyezz
on Jan. 10, 2012 at 1:04 PM