[scott]

Ability to work while under treatment

by scott on Mon Oct 25, 2010 3:08 am

I was wondering about the effects during treatment of Multiple Myeloma and if it would prevent one from working? My daughter underwent chemo for ALL(Leukemia) when she was 2 1/2 and though it was difficult at times over all she had high spirits and stayed reasonably active. Is it reasonable to expect the same with multiple myeloma if caught early??

[Shayt]

Re: Ability to work while under treatment

by Shayt on Mon Oct 25, 2010 7:25 am

Hello scott,
It all depends on your specific treatment and possible side-effects (which we know effects differently on each individual).
All I can say about myself is that after 6 months of treatment with VD (Velcade+Dex) and now VTD (plus Thalidomide) I have almost no limitations at work. Though I'm desk worker (sales) I even do transatlantic flight w/o any problems. I also bike 20 miles everyday.
But as I'm aware of, this may change anytime.

Feel good,
Shay

[habubrat]

Re: Ability to work while under treatment

by habubrat on Mon Oct 25, 2010 10:35 am

HI Scott,

Believe it or not my husband worked all through his treatment when we were in Little Rock. We chose his collection and first stem cell during the holiday season specifically so he could have plenty of down time and not have it be so noticeable at work. He certainly wasn't putting in a full week from afar, but he worked all through. We live close to his office so we agreed he would come home if tired and often he starts his morning work at home in a more relaxing fashion before heading in. There were several people who continued to work, but the vast majority did not. You will have good days, bad days, and just plain 'ol sleep days.

Best,

Lori

[Tara Mangels]

Re: Ability to work while under treatment

by Tara Mangels on Tue Oct 26, 2010 10:22 am

I worked during treatment for years. Results can vary widely depending on the course of treatment and how well the individual responds to it. I had a much harder time with some meds than with others. Certainly was more tired than a healthy person but able to function pretty close to normal, just needed to pace myself. Best wishes to you or your loved one with the treatment.

[Peachy]

Re: Ability to work while under treatment

by Peachy on Tue Oct 26, 2010 10:25 am

Great question Scott...I've often wondered too how many people are able to maintain their jobs after diagnosis and during treatment. I think it depends on the individuals disease...i.e. I have Stage IV Renal Disease (1/3 of the normal kidney function) as a result of my prolonged time to diagnosis...though off of dialysis I have chronic anemia and am currently on Velcade, Dex and Cytoxan and in remission. Each day is different

[lyndaclark]

Re: Ability to work while under treatment

by lyndaclark on Tue Oct 26, 2010 12:07 pm

I actually stayed home for three years after the time of diagnosis, but I had two femur rod placement surgeries, two stem cell transplants, radiation, sinus surgery, and was hospitalized a few times for pneumonia/blood clots. Also had a bad period of shingles. Due to the thigh surgeries, I had very frequent physical therapy for long periods of time. I was lucky to have great medical/disability benefits through my workplace, and also drew social security disability. So, financial concerns were not insurmountable. My employer held open a job for me (though I moved from a managerial position to a regular salaried position when I returned, at my request). I consider myself fortunate; I know a lot of people don't have the option of being able to have the length of work leave that I was able to use.

[lyndaclark]

Re: Ability to work while under treatment

by lyndaclark on Tue Oct 26, 2010 12:11 pm

I probably also should have mentioned I had to travel to Nashville (3-1/2 hours away) for my stem cell transplants,so I lived in an apartment for about two months each time I was preparing for and going through my stem cell transplant since I couldn't commute daily. The transplants were about six months apart, which also necessitated that I be off work.

[habubrat]

Re: Ability to work while under treatment

by habubrat on Tue Oct 26, 2010 2:29 pm

And it also depends what type of work you do as well. My husband is an engineer/manager so he can process work through email and conference calls. But if you are a laborer or something where you physically have to be there and actually use your body, its just a no go.

Then there were days, where mentally, he just absolutely couldn't do anything. And then of course, I couldn't work and take care of him too, so I was unemployed during his treatment to make it possible for him to work and get through treatment.

[msallie40]

Re: Ability to work while under treatment

by msallie40 on Tue Oct 26, 2010 3:19 pm

Hello
I have just returned to work 18 months after my transplant I am a Nurse so I had to really consider a lot of things, but for me Nursing is my passion and I am only42 I just couldnt imagine not working so so I strongly feel you have to make the right decision for you physically and mentally because I believe in healing as a whole so for me mentally being fit helps me feel phisically fit.

Good Luck with your decision

[NStewart]

Re: Ability to work while under treatment

by NStewart on Tue Oct 26, 2010 4:52 pm

I've worked most of the time since I was diagnosed. I missed 3 months because of a pathologic fracture of one of my arms and 3 months for stem cell transplant. I am a physical therapist working full time in an outpatient facility. I do let my patients know that I am immunocompromised and would appreciate their not coming for therapy if they are sick in any way. I've only had 2 people tell me that I shouldn't be working if that is the case. My employer has been really wonderful about the time that I've had to take off. I took Rev/Dex for 8 months prior to transplant with no missed days of work.
Nancy in Phila