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Are you still working while undergoing cancer treatment?
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CFAlexander
CFAlexander
Last activity on 10/16/2024 at 2:43 PM
Joined in 2023
Initially at the beginning of my diagnosis, I quit working “to save my life” like a deer in headlights. My job was extremely stressful and taxing on me mentally and then being told how aggressive my cancer was meant I had to make some tough decisions. Then I returned to a new job when I was faced with having no insurance 1/2 way through my treatment plan. It was tough, but I had to push through. Chemo would have me in bed for 2-3 days after treatment, but my body adjusted into FIGHT MODE! I worked a hybrid schedule through my 2nd phase of chemo, surgery (one week off for recovery) and radiation! I did have days where I dozed off at my desk at times! Thankfully, I endured.
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Somya.P
Community managerGood advisor
Somya.P
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Last activity on 11/20/2024 at 7:13 PM
Joined in 2023
384 comments posted | 19 in the Cancer Forum
16 of their responses were helpful to members
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Hello @CFAlexander,
Thank you for sharing your story, your strength and determination through such a tough journey are truly inspiring. Working a hybrid schedule while balancing chemo, surgery, and radiation is no easy feat. What helped you cope with the fatigue during workdays?
Take care,
Somya from the Carenity Team 🌼
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Judygarb
Judygarb
Last activity on 10/17/2024 at 11:52 PM
Joined in 2023
I can’t work I have to much damage from chemo I’m on disability I’m stage 4
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Somya.P
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Somya.P
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Last activity on 11/20/2024 at 7:13 PM
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384 comments posted | 19 in the Cancer Forum
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Hello @Judygarb,
Thank you for opening up about your experience. Going on disability must have been a tough decision, but it sounds like it was the best option for your health. Please know that we’re here for you if you ever need support or just want to connect with others who understand what you’re going through.
Take care,
Somya from the Carenity Team 🌼
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Jkwood
Jkwood
Last activity on 11/08/2024 at 5:07 AM
Joined in 2023
I was diagnosed in March 2022 and continued to work until Sept 2022. The side effects were to much to manage while working 50+ hour weeks. My position required a lot of walking , long meetings and client meetings. Constantly needed to excuse myself for the ladies room and not being able to breath properly while walking and overall physically could not do it, is one of the reasons why I stopped. My former employer would not allow me to split my time to work from home.
The other reason is I am terminal and didn't want to spend what time is left working a stressful job and not doing things I enjoy.
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Somya.P
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Somya.P
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Last activity on 11/20/2024 at 7:13 PM
Joined in 2023
384 comments posted | 19 in the Cancer Forum
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Hi @Jkwood,
Thank you for sharing. It’s incredibly tough when the support or empathy you need from your employer isn’t there, especially with something as challenging as cancer treatment. Prioritizing your well-being and choosing to spend your time doing what you enjoy is so important, and it takes strength to make that call.
Are there any hobbies or activities that have been especially comforting or fulfilling for you?
Take care,
Somya from the Carenity Team 🌼
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rocky92967
rocky92967
Last activity on 10/18/2024 at 12:55 AM
Joined in 2023
2 comments posted | 2 in the Cancer Forum
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Hi -
Yes I am continuing to work full time. I am stage IV with bone mets. So far, I think the work keeps my mind occupied. I have plenty of PTO and can take breaks as needed so that is good.
I am grateful to be stable at this point in time. Hoping long term to work 2-3 more years before I retire.
robin
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Somya.P
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Somya.P
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Last activity on 11/20/2024 at 7:13 PM
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384 comments posted | 19 in the Cancer Forum
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Hello @rocky92967,
Working full-time with stage IV cancer is no small thing, and it’s great that you have flexibility to take breaks when needed. Do you a specific activity at work helps keep your spirits up?
Take care,
Somya from the Carenity Team 🌼
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DCline3dogs
I completely understand as I don’t have anyone to talk to also. I’m a widow & I live alone. My oldest son died in 2021 & my youngest son & his family live 3 hours. My father is dead & my mother has chronic back pain & is immobile. My younger sister lives with our mother & she is going through a divorce from her husband who abandoned her. My sister doesn’t visit me, help me, call me & rarely texts me. I have various cousins, a niece & nephew that are spread out in nearby states but are hours away from me. After I told my friends I had cancer, they quit contacting me. I have learned how to be my own care giver. It has been very difficult. I’ll admit I’ve been depressed, cried a lot, felt sorry for myself but I never gave up. I prayed & read my Bible everyday. Then I found cancer groups online like this one where I could share what I was going through & got empathetic responses. That really kept me going. I hope you find someone to talk to but I highly recommend the online cancer chat groups.
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DCline3dogs
I completely understand as I don’t have anyone to talk to also. I’m a widow & I live alone. My oldest son died in 2021 & my youngest son & his family live 3 hours. My father is dead & my mother has chronic back pain & is immobile. My younger sister lives with our mother & she is going through a divorce from her husband who abandoned her. My sister doesn’t visit me, help me, call me & rarely texts me. I have various cousins, a niece & nephew that are spread out in nearby states but are hours away from me. After I told my friends I had cancer, they quit contacting me. I have learned how to be my own care giver. It has been very difficult. I’ll admit I’ve been depressed, cried a lot, felt sorry for myself but I never gave up. I prayed & read my Bible everyday. Then I found cancer groups online like this one where I could share what I was going through & got empathetic responses. That really kept me going. I hope you find someone to talk to but I highly recommend the online cancer chat groups.
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Somya.P
Community managerGood advisor
Somya.P
Community manager
Last activity on 11/20/2024 at 7:13 PM
Joined in 2023
384 comments posted | 19 in the Cancer Forum
16 of their responses were helpful to members
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Hello everyone,
How are you feeling today?
After receiving a serious diagnosis like cancer, one of the big questions that comes up is whether or not to continue working. For some people, physical and emotional fatigue makes it difficult to stay in a job, while for others, continuing to work can be a helpful way to cope with the disease, and they prefer not to take time off. In some rare, but unfortunate cases, cancer patients simply do not have the option.
Have you continued to work during your treatment? What adjustments have you made (part-time, remote work, flexible hours)? How did you navigate conversations with colleagues and your employer?
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Feel free to share your experiences and advice.
Thank you all and take care,
Somya from the Carenity team 🌼