Ive seen some patients work right thru their treatments while others are too sick right from the start. Alot depends on what kind of work you do. A physical job would probably be next to impossible for most to do after about the 3rd or 4th week. I was pretty sick and stopped working about week 2. Its all about nutrition, the better you do with your hydration and nutrition, the easier this will be for you. Every single day take in a minimum of 2500 calories and 48 oz of water and you will do better and be able to work longer into this.

Good luck!!!

Bill worked quite easily thru week 3. He started feeling rough during week 4 but still labored on. Week 5 he was pretty weak and sick and work came to a halt. He landed in the hospital (fever) the beginning of week 6..missed three treatments but finished only three days late.

By the third week after treatment, he was back at work full time.

YMMV, Deb

I want to add that I was the Director of a small public library, and therefore, had a lot of responsibility. I was, however, able to keep in contact several times a week, though, and could even work online updating our website and ordering materials online. I also had an amazing staff, and a very supportive community. My husband went into the library frequntly, and would bring me updates, abd things that I could work on at home.

Hi Curly, my husband completed treatment one month ago. His med onc told him that he would not have the energy to work through chemo-radiation. As luck would have it, my husband was able to work almost all the way though, missing only one week when he was not in hopsital. I do think it helped him a lot emotionally to remain working. I was fine with it, as long as he took the time to rest when tired, and do all the necessary exercises, lotions, hydration and nutrition...which take more time than you think they would.

My husband has a desk job, making it easier to stay working. He was also lucky not to have any problems with "chemo" brain. Very much agree with what Christine said, staying ahead on the nutrition curve was essential, both so he had the energy to work and to make it through treatment.

Thanks. I have a desk job but I am a fundraiser and really need to talk quite alot. Going to take each day as it comes!

I work for the State Highway and managed three weeks of work, but started plowing snow two weeks after treatment, the ist storm we worked for 19 straight hours with four hours off, so everyone is different. Semper-Fi Bob

curly -
would you be able to work from home / work part time? The talking did bother my husband if he did it too long, but was able to manage if he could rest periodically.
Maria

After 5 years, talking STILL does me in, damn dryness....

I was going to try to work from home but I have to be in the city for treatment anyway so it is not like I do not have to travel in you know? I am not sure how much they will go for that anyway. Kevin, I went out a bought a water bottle holder for my purse which came today. Figure I might as well be prepared. Thanks so much for all the replies.

A water bottle is something most all of us carry at one time. I still have mine in the car.