Starting my radiation in 2 weeks for tongue and neck. No chemo. For those who have been through it, did you work during it and afterwards (side effects worsen in weeks after treatment stops). When/why did you stop working or reduce hours? How long after treatment ended did you get back to normal. I want to keep working part time If I can as I might go crazy lounging at home. Thanks
After starting radiation I was able to work as a full time as a Veterinary Technician for about 3 weeks, then my mouth got too sore if I talked much, so I worked part time the next week. After that I was having trouble with pain because even when not seeing clients I'd have to talk some, so I think I worked 1 day of week 5 and I've been off since. If I had a desk job where I didn't need to talk I may have made it all the way through.
Everyone on the internet, doctors nurses, etc all say it varies a lot from person to person, but I hope that helps!
First 2 weeks went smooth for me after 2 weeks burns and skin peeling and itching was terrible so I couldn't work ,coconut oil helped me a lot for itching
I was one of those annoying types who endured radiation quite well. I’m retired but rode my bike the 2 km to the hospital for most of my radiation appointments. My plan to ride to my final appointment was foiled by sleet. Even though I was able to maintain most daily activity, toward the end my mouth had sores, was very dry and my neck started to get red. The biggest impediment to working (for me) would have been the afternoon fatigue. I was really tired in the afternoon and usually napped. Good luck.
Thank you for the replies