Question for nurses with cancer

Trauma Columnist · Jan 30, 2008

I'm so sorry for this blow - I agree get a second opinion.

Not to give medical advice, but support. I have known several RNs to have had chemo and/or radiation and continue to work. They followed the advice of their oncologists as to what precautions needed to be taken.

Good luck...prayers.

Dempather, RN · Jan 30, 2008

Midcom,

I'm so sorry all this is going on. While doing clinicals, I had a supervisor on my floor who developed leukemia. She took time off and then some (she waited a little while after completing her chemotherapy). She came back feeling as good as ever. Just do your research and listen to your body. If your WBC drops too low, you're making yourself susceptible to diseases that a normal immune system can fight off. :-( . But I know you know that. Your supervisor seems really understanding. Worst case scenario, you have to quit your job. He/she seems like they'll consider you at a later time.

And on the side.... there's never just one dream job. :) But, seeing how happy you are - I hope you're able to work something out. Good luck and god bless.

AlsgalRN · Jan 30, 2008

Dear Dixie, I am so sorry that you are facing this decision. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in April, 2007. I work in a high risk OB/GYN clinic. I took two weeks off for my surgery. I had chemo every 3 weeks x4 doses. I would work Thursday morning, have chemo starting at 1300. I'd take off the Friday after chemo and back to work on Monday. I never missed a moment of work during the 33 radiation treatments. During my treatments I avoided patient contact as much as was reasonable. Telephone triage is the most UNPOPULAR assignment in our clinic but it allowed me to work throughout the treatment. My last chemo was 08-30 and the last radiation was 11-08. I am feeling well, have hair, and got a clean mammo on 01-11!

If you would like to talk, please PM me; I would be glad to help in any way.

You will be in my prayers!

Robin

midcom · Jan 30, 2008

Thank you all for your kind responses. I appreciate them immensely.

I am still in shock but a more informed person since doing some internet study. I guess the oncologist knew what he was talking about.

I go back to work tomorrow & plan to not say anything at this point. Hopefully, I can get in to see the other doctor next week so I know what's going on.

Robin, I may take you up on your offer. Would you believe that I know no one who has had breast cancer? By the way, I'm very glad you are doing so well. Your schedule, chemo on Thursday & back to work on Monday sounds pretty good to me as long as I can manage to not have it be my weekend to work. It may just be doable. :specs:

Dixie

CHATSDALE · Jan 30, 2008

i had a lumpectomy in 12/03 had f/u lymphectomy two weeks later followed by radiation, did not go for chemo as i had a lifetime problems with blood clots, had pul emb twice and phlebitis several times

get a second opionion because so docs do not take cases as individual but have one path they always take..however, you are not replaceable, do what you can to be a survivor

you will be in our thoughts and prayers

StacieRN, RN · Jan 31, 2008

I had advanced cervical cancer. Chemo and radiation. At the time, I was working ICU. My doctor told me I needed to go on disability leave.

The chemo regimen I was on didn't make me feel bad. I was neutropenic for most of the time though.

The radiation, however, totally exhausted me!!!

You didn't say what kind of clinic work. If you work in a specialty clinic (like GI or Neuro) it may be perfectly ok to keep working.

If it's general practice, there's a lot of germs floating around. It may be safer to take time off.

I agree that you might want a second opinion - it never hurts. If your doctor is a good one he shouldn't be offended.

Hugs and prayers!!

Emma123 · Jan 31, 2008

I just wanted to say my thoughts and prayers are with you. You've gotten some great advice here, and we are all here for support too.

Many hugs

Emma

midcom · Jan 31, 2008

Thank you all. I am scheduled to see one of the leading oncologists at the University of Iowa Hospitals tomorrow. They are also going to look at my slides so I should be getting a second pathology opinion too, I suspect.

I spoke with my supervisor & told her that since I am so new, I would understand if they wanted me to quit. She is going to go to bat for me with HR, as they have the last word and. if I am able to stay with them, will work with me to schedule days off after my chemo treatments if possible.

It is a large practice, mostly family practice with a few specialties so, unfortunately, I will be exposed to lots of junk. I asked my supervisor how we could avoid me getting sick & she said that one of the doctors always wears a mask when he has a "bug" so thought I could too, if I needed to. I also imagine that if (when?) I lose my hair, I will get a wig. I think that hats, scarves, or bald heads just scream, "cancer" & would make most patients uncomfortable, or even scared, in the case of children & two of the doctors are pediatricians in addition to all the kids the family practice guys see.

I'm hoping that I'm worrying for nothing & will learn good news tomorrow. If not, I'll get through this. As Dempather said, "there's never just one dream job". My supervisor assured me that I would be considered for a position, & they are recruiting 3 doctors so there will be openings, if it doesn't work for me to stay with them.

Keep your fingers crossed for me.:redpinkhe

Dixie

gail323 · Jan 31, 2008

In March, I'm celebrating my 5th year since diagnosis of breast cancer.

I worked in a clinic at the time and they tried to work with me. I did my chemo on Monday because my church family is also one of my biggest support groups and I hated to miss out on being with them.

I was usually unable to work during that week - I was exhausted. I would work half days during the weeks between treatments. by the time I had gotten halfway through treatment, I had run out of family medical leave act time and sick time. They told me that unless I was able to work full time, they did not have a job available for me. I know I could have fought it, but decided that fighting for my health was more important.

They have hired me back on a casual basis, but I don't get many hours at all. It's been ok because I've been able to help out my parents. Financially, well, you know how it is...

As they always say, YMMV. Some people that I know were able to seemingly breeze right through treatment. Know that you are in my prayers as you continue this journey. You can get in touch with me if you would like.

Gail in MN

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Feb 1, 2008

I wouldn't put off having chemo if it is recommended. Get yourself cured and worry about the job later. Your life is more important than a job.

I guess it depends on the drugs you would be getting and over what length of time. Some of the drugs have some pretty funky side effects. As it happens I had my last infusion of chemo today for colon cancer. This finishes up a 6-month course of it--12 rounds every 2 weeks. I've been on disability and wouldn't have been able to work. I've had constant diarrhea that we really couldn't control, numbness in my fingers and hands and problems with responding to cold. A lot of neurological side effects. For about 10 days after my chemo I felt crappy and often spent a lot of time in bed. Got very depressed and had to be put on an antidepressant. Got feeling better about 3 days before the next round of chemo and then it all started over again. Every time I ate a meal I got horrible abdominal cramps that sent me to bed in a fetal position. But that's been my experience.

The way to handle this is that if it is recommended that you have chemotherapy and you decide to do it, then request a medical leave of absence from work. The doctor will give you a letter telling them why you need it. The hospital should give you no problems about granting it. This will hold your job for you. Then, you can go about getting your medical treatment knowing that you have a job to go back to. This is what I did 11 years ago when I had to have radiation therapy for another cancer that I had. But, your health must come first. No job is worth putting your health on a back burner, believe me.

Batman24 · Feb 1, 2008

I just wanted you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I'm glad you are getting a second opinion.