[Karen]

Working after stem cell transplant (SCT)

by Karen on Tue Apr 29, 2014 11:24 am

Hi everyone,

So one of the things I'm worrying about (among many) regarding my upcoming transplant (late June or July) is how long I will be "out of commission" regarding work. I'm one of those people who really needs to work to stay sane (not to mention for the income), so the idea that I could be limited in doing that for quite a while is distressing.

On the plus side, I work from home, part time (usually 4-5 hours a day) and have a flexible schedule. I don't need to worry about commuting to an office or being around any other people (except my husband, who also works from home.)

So the real question is just how long it will take before my "chemo brain" fog lifts and I can think properly, and will have enough energy to focus. (FYI, I'm a business librarian and I do research on economic subjects for a major consulting firm's research arm.)

I know everyone's experience is different, but I'd really be interested in hearing how things went / are going for you regarding getting back to work.

Thanks!

Karen

[goldmine848]

Re: Working after stem cell transplant (SCT)

by goldmine848 on Tue Apr 29, 2014 1:32 pm

Karen,

I can only relate my personal experience. I am an attorney for a state government agency. Much of my work can be done through email or on the telephone. My transplant was done on an outpatient basis; two nights in the hospital for the chemo and stem cell infusion and then I was allowed to go home since I live about 25 minutes from the transplant center. I had to return each day for blood work for about 2 and a half weeks.

While in the hospital and after I went home, where I remained for about 5 weeks, I was able to work at least part of every day except one. Perhaps my experience was not typical but it certainly is possible to work from home immediately following transplant.

[wesley]

Re: Working after stem cell transplant (SCT)

by wesley on Tue Apr 29, 2014 1:41 pm

Hi Karen:

I got home from my outpatient ASCT March 6 and was back to work as a college prof (in the office) two weeks later. I worked half days for a couple of weeks, and I am now back full time (although professors have the luxury of setting their own schedules to some degree - which helps).

My ASCT was fairly routine, and I didn't have a lot of issues. I am 61 years old and in excellent health ... other than multiple myeloma (diagnosed in July, 2013). Apparently, relative youth and good health are important factors in completing an ASCT without a lot of side effects. This was the case for me.

It is a bit grueling during the 10 days or so that you are severly neutropenic (starting roughly at day +5). But you get a bit better each day, and my appetite and energy came back pretty quickly.

Walking each evening has been very therapeutic for me.

My best to you,

Wesley

[Wayne K]

Re: Working after stem cell transplant (SCT)

by Wayne K on Tue Apr 29, 2014 3:17 pm

I can't say that I had enough "chemo brain", if any, to worry about. It will obviously depend on how much problem solving is required, I would think.

The energy side of it is another thing though. I had a delay due to pneumonia, but once past that, my mental energy improved pretty fast. I can't say the same for my physical energy, but I was 70 and I have some COPD.

[Beacon Staff]

Re: Working after stem cell transplant (SCT)

by Beacon Staff on Tue Apr 29, 2014 5:18 pm

Hi Karen,

You may have seen these already, but just in case ... There have been two Beacon weekly polls on the subject of returning to work after a stem cell transplant. One was done last year, the other the year before.

The results of the polls, and the discussion that follows them, may provide you wish some insights:

Weekly Poll - Return To Work After Stem Cell Transplant (2013 Edition)
Weekly Poll - Return To Work After Stem Cell Transplant (2012 Edition)