My nurse told me that it would be up to me and how I felt. She said some work part time others continued to work full time. She said they encourage the patient to try work if they are physically able.
I hadn't been working at my job very long when I found out I had cancer. I was so excited about my work and the company I was working for. The idea that I would have to give it up just crushed me. I love what I do. It's perfect for where I am at in my life. The people I work with are incredible and just like family. I was hopeful that I would be able to try and make it work as long as possible--as long as the company would allow me. My world as I knew it was crumbling around me and work was giving me a degree of normalcy I needed to maintain my sanity. I had accepted that there may come a time we may need to part ways, but remained hopeful.
I prayed about it and gave it to God. I knew He would provide for my family regardless. But I still wanted to work. I wanted God to answer in what I thought was best. Silly, maybe, but I did.
I know some think I am crazy to work. I have just been told I have cancer and running around with tons of tests and appointments and I still want to work. I have been told I needed to quit my job and stay home. (more on the stupid things people say in another entry) But what it came down to was that I refused, from the beginning, to allow cancer to control my life. I have cancer, but it does NOT have me.
Over the three weeks of crazy appointments and tests my company came to an agreement about my time with them. I would work when I can, for as many as hours as I can and resolve to kick cancer's butt.
I am still humbled and overwhelmed when I think about it. They could have choosen another alternative, but instead they wanted to help me fight this battle. I already loved my company, but I love them more now.
How about I just call out my workmates on their amazingness? They had polo shirts (because hey, we work in an office and need to look professional) made with Team Mimzy on them to wear on treatment days. A co-worker and his dear wife have offered their ears and shoulders (and video game suggestions)as often as I need because they have had the unfortunate knowledge of dealing with cancer with loved ones. One co-worker came to bring me good coffee during a chemo treatment. They send me texts and keep me encouraged. I could go on and on. They are an amazing crew.
I know some think I am crazy to work. I have just been told I have cancer and running around with tons of tests and appointments and I still want to work. I have been told I needed to quit my job and stay home. (more on the stupid things people say in another entry) But what it came down to was that I refused, from the beginning, to allow cancer to control my life. I have cancer, but it does NOT have me.
Over the three weeks of crazy appointments and tests my company came to an agreement about my time with them. I would work when I can, for as many as hours as I can and resolve to kick cancer's butt.
I am still humbled and overwhelmed when I think about it. They could have choosen another alternative, but instead they wanted to help me fight this battle. I already loved my company, but I love them more now.
How about I just call out my workmates on their amazingness? They had polo shirts (because hey, we work in an office and need to look professional) made with Team Mimzy on them to wear on treatment days. A co-worker and his dear wife have offered their ears and shoulders (and video game suggestions)as often as I need because they have had the unfortunate knowledge of dealing with cancer with loved ones. One co-worker came to bring me good coffee during a chemo treatment. They send me texts and keep me encouraged. I could go on and on. They are an amazing crew.
I am truly blessed. Truly, truly blessed. I can say with complete faith and belief that God had a hand in orchestrating my employement with this company because He already knew how much I would need them in the fight. He knew the people I would work with would become dear friends--which I am daily thankful for.
But how do I work? What about the aches and pains? What about the fatigue? What about the icky side effects of chemo?
Strong will. Seriously. I flat out refuse to let cancer rule my life. I know my limitations and I honor them. I know that most days I can work roughly about 4.5 hours at the office. There have been days that I can not make it 3 hours. Just this week, I had a rough first day back after chemo and tried to work through it, but I could not. I had to go home and rest. I just let my boss know and she understood. I went home and rested. Some days I feel "new normal" and I can work 5 hours. It depends on the day and what the work at the office has for me.
If I am up and moving around, on the phone, dealing with a consumer, etc. my mind isn't focused on the cancer and my achey joints, it's focused on work. If I need to take a 10 minute break, I do that, too. I have medications I can take, some over the counter that help minimize the side effects and keep me going.
I also am able to rest when I come home. It gives me time relax before my family arrives home so I'm ready for them.
Working helps me keep going. I would go crazy if I had to remain at home all day everyday. It's therapy in a way.
I know every person is different and working during chemo is not always an option. But I encourage those that feel up to it, to at least try a few hours a week if you can.
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