What is Colon Cancer

Colorectal cancer, also called colon cancer or bowel cancer, includes cancerous growths in the colon, rectum and appendix. It is the third most common form of cancer and the second...

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Advice:
What about working during treatment
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Hi everyone
I have not started treatment yet. I see my surgon today and go for the endocopy ultrasound tomorrow to dertermine the size, degree and stage of my rectal tumor. My treatment plan well be based on those results but they hope to be able to treat me wiht chemo and radiation first to shrink the tumor before surgery.

I work from home as a curriculum manager for a university. I am very hopeful that I can contiure working fulltime during treatment. I can flex my hours so long as I get my work done. I would like to hear from others who have attempted to continue to work fulltime during treatment. Any tips?
Posted on 09/08/09, 01:09 pm
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Reply #1 - 09/08/09  4:35pm
" Everybody is different and reacts differently. I was able to work on some projects and take care of my 12 year old. But, I had an emergency that landed me in the hospital for a week. I had exhaustion that hit around 3: 30 or 4:00 pm. I hope that you will be able to, but remember to listen to your body. It is really nice to keep things as normal as possible : ) "
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Reply #2 - 09/09/09  8:12am
" Hi Scobb as MPNC says we are all different and respond differently. During my treatment which was radiation before surgery, surgery, gauci bag and chemo, except for the actual surgery and two weeks to recover I have worked fulltime the whole time. Again we are all different so please listen to your health professionals and more importantly listen to your body and only do what is comfortable.

G8 "
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Reply #3 - 09/10/09  8:35am
" I work primarily from home as well. I am a market analyst, so it is easy --- anywhere there is a computer and a telephone is ok. My boss has been great about my not traveling during chemo due to risk of infection, etc. I agree with MPNC, I get really tired sometimes and have learned to listen to my body. I use a vacation day here and there just to rest. It really depends upon how the chemo affects you as an individual --- we're all a bit different. Good luck! "
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Reply #4 - 09/10/09  7:06pm
" Hi there!

Just wanted you to know that I worked everyday throughout my whole treatment - except during the days I was in the treatment room. I even carried my pump with me to work and we all made jokes about it being a Margarita pack, radio, beeper, etc. My coworkers were a tremendous support in keeping me balanced. I made it fun and the focus of work helped to keep my mind off the other yucky stuff. If you can swing it, I recommend working through the treatment period as much as you can.

Stay positive and good luck to you. "
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Reply #5 - 09/10/09  10:19pm
" I went back to work full time when the dr released me to go back. I lasted about a month and then cut my hours to half days. That has worked really well for me. I have issues sleeping through the night on the weeks I am xeloda and by the afternoon, I am just exhausted. Just stay positive, listen to your body and you'll do great! "

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