[relk]

Do you have smoldering myeloma & work full-time?

by relk on Thu Apr 02, 2015 2:02 pm

Has anyone with smoldering multiple myeloma had their doctor advocate for going from full-time to part-time work status? And how has it gone if you are not currently in treatment?

I'm afraid the stress of 9 hour work days with a 3-hour commute and a young child at home is going to push my smoldering myeloma to active multiple myeloma.

[skolman]

Re: Do you have smoldering myeloma & work full-time?

by skolman on Thu Apr 02, 2015 4:05 pm

I work full time, I am tired and have some pain, but I would go crazy not working. Also do everything and anything that I would normally do. I don't have a long commute, but I have a very stressful job. I will work until I drop.

I think just sitting around "waiting and watching" for the other shoe to drop would put me in the looney bin. I try to stay busy, then I don't think so much. Of course, that is just wishful thinking, you think about it (at least I do) all the time. Just the name (smoldering) is like waiting for the fire to pop. Just have to have a sense of humor and keep on trucking ...

[jhorner]

Re: Do you have smoldering myeloma & work full-time?

by jhorner on Fri Apr 03, 2015 9:33 am

Hello Relk,

Yes, I work full time and in fact own my consulting business. Sometimes it is high stress, but I mostly enjoy what I do. If it was a constant source of immense stress and I didn't enjoy it, then I wouldn't continue with it. Life is short and stress is known to cause disease progression.

It is a very personal decision that must be made based on what is important to you, as Susan alluded to as well.

Good luck with your decision.
J

[Big Bill]

Re: Do you have smoldering myeloma & work full-time?

by Big Bill on Sat Apr 04, 2015 11:56 am

I continued to work often 50 hours and more. The only time I slowed down was after my transplant. I am back to working 60 plus hours and don't think work stress has affected me in anyway. I guess I would suggest finding a new home or a new job to reduce the commute. You are not going to get rid of the myeloma so make the rest of your life easier. Going part-time wouldn't justify the commute costs anyway.

[ColleenM]

Re: Do you have smoldering myeloma & work full-time?

by ColleenM on Fri Apr 24, 2015 10:58 pm

I work full time and I also teach a couple hours a week at a local college. Ironically, I teach crisis management. I keep trucking as well. The only thing I did different was I had my doctor write a note stating that exercising was essential for my treatment. My doctor actually was in agreement that exercising would help with my stress and overall health. So 2-3 times a week I run a 5k at lunch as part of my treatment plan. Although I would rather curl up in bed and cry, the exercise is really helping to change my frame of mind. My employer was receptive, which was great. Nobody wants a batsh-t crazy worker anyhow.

Colleen