Going back to work after cancer: Is this exhaustion normal?

@fieryrn I have been thinking about you and hoping you are getting past some of the fatigue. Hoping you have enough energy to enjoy the holidays, however you celebrate. How are you doing?

I didn't have cellulitis , just a lumpectomy, chemo and 6 weeks of radiation, 5 days a week. I am 80 years old and still getting chemo every 3 weeks. I was visiting my daughter 2 months ago. We went on some tours in Seattle. I was either sitting or propping myself up, leaning on buildings. This week I have been able to work several days in a row howing a bunch of weeds in my yard. I have a lot more energy and I suspect you will too as time goes on. 12 hour shifts, I couldn't have done that when I was young!

I am now 2 years out. Yes the exhaustion is normal. I have to have ab afternoon nap every second day just to keep me normal and livable, but I am not as tired as I was a year ago. I am retired now, and thank god dont have to work anymore, but the journey is long and slow.... Speak with your Dr. and your human resources. And dont take no for an answer.

You are an inspiration! Thank you for posting.

I am one year four months out from 1b pancreatic cancer and subsequent Whipple treatment along with 12 cycles of aggressive chemotherapy. Before cancer, I was a truck driver all my life, usually working 55 to 70 hours a week. I have just started a job with the local blood bank as a courier working 15 hours a week driving a little SUV between blood collection sites. I am more tired than I ever was!

Please be gentle with yourself, you have been through a lot. It will take time to get your energy back.
Do you have good nutrition? What are your plans now that you have more time to do………. anything or everything?

I thought I went through a lot until reading some of the stories here. What I went through was relatively minor in comparison and I was also in otherwise perfect health- 5% body fat and all muscle from years of handling freight. I have since been forced to take early retirement as I am now insulin dependent diabetic and loss of feeling in my feet prohibits me from operating a commercial motor vehicle. While going through chemo, my wife had both hips replaced, so instead of her taking care of me, I took care of her. It was exhausting.
It was my intention to do courier work in my retirement to supplement SS, but I hadn’t planned on all the doctor/ PT appointments. Man plans: god laughs.
Whatever chemo protocol I was on, I was ravenously hungry, eating like I was a teenager to the delight of my care team. I gained back all the weight I lost from surgery-23 lbs, and then some. That alone probably saved my life, but I still don’t like bacon.

It has been 2 years now, and I still need a nap in the afternoon, but the exhaustion for the most part has ended... Businesses need to understand this if they want you to continue working, also the Insurance companies, although they have no hearts.....

Have you been able to find an employer who will accommodate a nap in the afternoon? With more people working remotely, employers are experimenting (?) or accepting that they might get a higher level of productivity if they allow employees to fit their schedules around life-commitments such as children pick-up times or elder care. This most certainly could extend to allowances for living with chronic illness such as fatigue due to cancer requiring a mid-day break.

Have you or anyone else in this discussion discussed "flex-time" with their employer with success?

I just retired, but yes, with a dr note, and my dr was most accomodating. It only take 15 mins to recharge. I have sat in my car and napped, as well as we had a medical room with a cot. I also started back at half days so that was the best. When I felt stronger they offered me splits so I could go home at lunch and stay hme for 2 hours. Then I went back. I cut my days down to 7 hours from 8. Most places are pretty supportive, and if they arent, get out!