1. < Cancer: Managing Symptoms

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

Posted by fieryrn @fieryrn, Sep 19, 2021

I am so tired all the time!!
I had a partial mastectomy, cellulitis, a wound dehiscence, and radiation over 4 months. Then, after a dexascan found I have severe osteoporosis with a high risk of fracture. I had a Reclast infusion last week and am taking calcium and vitamin D.
I am a registered nurse in labor and delivery and have returned to work doing 6 hr shifts twice a week and I am exhausted! I am worried about this fatigue and trying to figure out what I should and shouldn’t do as far as my osteoporosis. I am scheduled to return to my 12 hr shifts the end of the month.
Is this exhaustion normal? What about this osteoporosis?
Help…

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Mentor
Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Jan 23, 2022
In reply to @colleenyoung "Have you been able to find an employer who will accommodate a nap in the afternoon?..." + (show)
@colleenyoung

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?

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I wasn't successful in pursuing "flex time", although I tried. In the end, I had to retire. This was in 2015, and I would like to think they eventually changed their ways.
Ginger

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Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Mar 2, 2022

@fieryrn, I thought I would check in on you. How are you doing? How is work? Is the fatigue diminishing or perhaps you've discovered ways to pace yourself? Would love to hear more.

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