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Multi-part question (chemo brain; returning to work)
Pancreatic Cancer | Last Active: Aug 30, 2023 | Replies (11)Comment receiving replies
I went through a lot of angst about work when I was diagnosed with stage 4 pancan in April. I'm a teacher and was at that time teaching 3 days a week. I'd intended to re-up my contract for this year because I loved the job. Ultimately, I didn't sign the new contract and retired instead. As you mention, the brain fog and exhaustion from chemo lasts several days. Plus, Folfirinox includes the lovely infusion pump for 2 days, which is not something I'd want to wear around children. I didn't think I could guarantee the school that I could work with any consistency given all that. I would likely have missed one week of work over every two weeks. I desperately miss my job, especially now that school is starting again around the country. But in reality, I don't think I could have done the job the way it needed to be done. I mean, I had chemo on Monday 8/21 after being off for 6 weeks (long story), and I couldn't even really read for a few days--just couldn't concentrate. So going forward, I'm instead planning to explore some part-time things, such as reading buddy and tutoring, that I can flex around chemo.
In your case, besides the schedule and workload issues, you need to think about health insurance. I was already on Medicare, so retiring wasn't a problem for me. You still have a lot of medical expenses coming up. Do you have coverage independent of your employer, or will you need to organize some sort of transition to new coverage? If so, what benefits does the new employer's plan provide? I also would talk to your oncologist re whether chemo will continue after surgery. (I assume you're having the Whipple.) That will provide info you need to know whether this job is right for you. Good luck with your decision!
Replies to "I went through a lot of angst about work when I was diagnosed with stage 4..."
Thank you so much for your replies -- they're very helpful. I'm not close enough to retirement age to retire (I'm 61), nor am I financially able to; I'd like to if I could (I too would like to do some tutoring).
My understanding is that my post-surgical treatment (oral chemo, or infusion chemo, or other) will depend on what the surgeon discovers. It's a bit frustrating that this job I really want (and would be considered for, despite my age) has come up now rather than in, say, 3 mos. -- but I guess that's just one of the many challenges of life with this disease.
(I've thought about approaching this employer to ask whether they could use me as a PT freelancer, but presenting even *that* is difficult because I don't know what my post-surgical regimen will be , and if the employer would want a commitment on certain days of the week, as is sometimes the case, then freelancing for them might not work.)
Thank you again for your helpful reply; I hope you're doing well during this transition (seeking flexible PT work, such as tutoring, sounds like a great idea).
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I forgot to mention that prior to my teaching days, I was a free-lance writer and editor. So I understand, in a small way, the work flow and client needs that your prospective employer would have. I would suggest asking about flex in the schedule. That is, if you need an extra day to feel better so you can edit/proof a project, is that OK? Or are the deadlines firm and fixed? Will the employer be angry if you schedule, say, a 2-hour nap after lunch to recover and feel better? That sort of thing. Working virtually is good in that you wouldn't need to be around anyone while you're wearing the infusion pump, which is good.