Stage 4 and working full time

Only you can decide if you can handle treatment and work! My husband is Stage 4 and still works, keeps our life more normal. Cancer has robbed us enough, so he likes to work, help with the kids, cut the lawn, stack our wood, be as normal as possible. Phil has had one year interferon, lung surgery, brain surgery, WBR, six rounds of biochemo, and TIL, and he still works his job. His employment is not a traditionally 9-5 office job, so that helps! Individual decision for each individual situation, but working helps Phil maintain a sense of himself and right now he is doing well. All the best to you, I follow your blog, and hope Anti PD1 kicks your melanoma to the curb! Valerie (Phil’s wife)

Only you can decide if you can handle treatment and work! My husband is Stage 4 and still works, keeps our life more normal. Cancer has robbed us enough, so he likes to work, help with the kids, cut the lawn, stack our wood, be as normal as possible. Phil has had one year interferon, lung surgery, brain surgery, WBR, six rounds of biochemo, and TIL, and he still works his job. His employment is not a traditionally 9-5 office job, so that helps! Individual decision for each individual situation, but working helps Phil maintain a sense of himself and right now he is doing well. All the best to you, I follow your blog, and hope Anti PD1 kicks your melanoma to the curb! Valerie (Phil’s wife)

Only you can decide if you can handle treatment and work! My husband is Stage 4 and still works, keeps our life more normal. Cancer has robbed us enough, so he likes to work, help with the kids, cut the lawn, stack our wood, be as normal as possible. Phil has had one year interferon, lung surgery, brain surgery, WBR, six rounds of biochemo, and TIL, and he still works his job. His employment is not a traditionally 9-5 office job, so that helps! Individual decision for each individual situation, but working helps Phil maintain a sense of himself and right now he is doing well. All the best to you, I follow your blog, and hope Anti PD1 kicks your melanoma to the curb! Valerie (Phil’s wife)

Hi Erin,

I wanted my husband to quit or try to get Soc security, they wouldn't approve it. He had IL-2 3 rounds to surgeries lung and intestine. He was in and out of the hospital and working for 2 years.  I felt he was under to much stress but he was worried staying home would make him think about it too much. He has been 3 1/3 years NED but even today when he says he's stressed I bring up that he needs to take a break, maybe the summer off and get another job, but he doesn't seem to listen. Only you know what's best for you, if you can work less spend more time doing what you want then do it. If it were me I would work less and spend time on things I always wanted to do. Maybe a less stressful life so I could focus on just getting better.

 

Good luck Erin, I hope the anti-PD1 takes care of the rest.

Rebecca

Hi Erin,

I wanted my husband to quit or try to get Soc security, they wouldn't approve it. He had IL-2 3 rounds to surgeries lung and intestine. He was in and out of the hospital and working for 2 years.  I felt he was under to much stress but he was worried staying home would make him think about it too much. He has been 3 1/3 years NED but even today when he says he's stressed I bring up that he needs to take a break, maybe the summer off and get another job, but he doesn't seem to listen. Only you know what's best for you, if you can work less spend more time doing what you want then do it. If it were me I would work less and spend time on things I always wanted to do. Maybe a less stressful life so I could focus on just getting better.

 

Good luck Erin, I hope the anti-PD1 takes care of the rest.

Rebecca

Hi Erin,

I wanted my husband to quit or try to get Soc security, they wouldn't approve it. He had IL-2 3 rounds to surgeries lung and intestine. He was in and out of the hospital and working for 2 years.  I felt he was under to much stress but he was worried staying home would make him think about it too much. He has been 3 1/3 years NED but even today when he says he's stressed I bring up that he needs to take a break, maybe the summer off and get another job, but he doesn't seem to listen. Only you know what's best for you, if you can work less spend more time doing what you want then do it. If it were me I would work less and spend time on things I always wanted to do. Maybe a less stressful life so I could focus on just getting better.

 

Good luck Erin, I hope the anti-PD1 takes care of the rest.

Rebecca

This was a biggie to wrestle with for me.

I could stay on SSDI indefinately for myself and my 2 girls or not.  I was torn between creating memories for my girls and getting things in order in the likely chance I wasn't going to make it until Christmas, or working because it is what I loved to do.

In the end I went back to work.  Both girls were in preschool or day care and I would devote my time to them when they weren't there.  I worked because I loved my job and worked hard as hell to get to where I was, and I made a difference and was of value.  I decided not to let cancer dictate my life and give up my job because I may make it into the 3% club and have a durable remission from IL-2.

It is difficult to live your life two ways simutaneously.  On the one hand I didn't have to worry about retirement savings, and everything I earned would go for my girls future, I had that second beer and helping of dessert, but on the other I kept hope I would be in the minority and survive this thing.  Working provided me that out.  I didn't suffer in Dr. Kho's organic chemistry class, or Dr. Scott's Molecular Biology for nothing.  I became a vet and I really really love what I do.  It is part of what makes me, me.  I wasn't going to let cancer steal that part of me.

Once I came to the conclusion that it wasn't selfish to keep on working, and was providing some sense of stability for my girls, and not having the opressive sense of my immenent mortiality, it made sense.

Fortunately I now regret the second Krispy Creme and beer.  I have to go on a diet and start saving again for my retirement.

I am in the 3% club.  NED since July 2010.

I hope that helped some.  Do what is in your gut and your heart.  There is no one right thing to do, it is as individual as everyone's journey down this road.

This was a biggie to wrestle with for me.

I could stay on SSDI indefinately for myself and my 2 girls or not.  I was torn between creating memories for my girls and getting things in order in the likely chance I wasn't going to make it until Christmas, or working because it is what I loved to do.

In the end I went back to work.  Both girls were in preschool or day care and I would devote my time to them when they weren't there.  I worked because I loved my job and worked hard as hell to get to where I was, and I made a difference and was of value.  I decided not to let cancer dictate my life and give up my job because I may make it into the 3% club and have a durable remission from IL-2.

It is difficult to live your life two ways simutaneously.  On the one hand I didn't have to worry about retirement savings, and everything I earned would go for my girls future, I had that second beer and helping of dessert, but on the other I kept hope I would be in the minority and survive this thing.  Working provided me that out.  I didn't suffer in Dr. Kho's organic chemistry class, or Dr. Scott's Molecular Biology for nothing.  I became a vet and I really really love what I do.  It is part of what makes me, me.  I wasn't going to let cancer steal that part of me.

Once I came to the conclusion that it wasn't selfish to keep on working, and was providing some sense of stability for my girls, and not having the opressive sense of my immenent mortiality, it made sense.

Fortunately I now regret the second Krispy Creme and beer.  I have to go on a diet and start saving again for my retirement.

I am in the 3% club.  NED since July 2010.

I hope that helped some.  Do what is in your gut and your heart.  There is no one right thing to do, it is as individual as everyone's journey down this road.

This was a biggie to wrestle with for me.

I could stay on SSDI indefinately for myself and my 2 girls or not.  I was torn between creating memories for my girls and getting things in order in the likely chance I wasn't going to make it until Christmas, or working because it is what I loved to do.

In the end I went back to work.  Both girls were in preschool or day care and I would devote my time to them when they weren't there.  I worked because I loved my job and worked hard as hell to get to where I was, and I made a difference and was of value.  I decided not to let cancer dictate my life and give up my job because I may make it into the 3% club and have a durable remission from IL-2.

It is difficult to live your life two ways simutaneously.  On the one hand I didn't have to worry about retirement savings, and everything I earned would go for my girls future, I had that second beer and helping of dessert, but on the other I kept hope I would be in the minority and survive this thing.  Working provided me that out.  I didn't suffer in Dr. Kho's organic chemistry class, or Dr. Scott's Molecular Biology for nothing.  I became a vet and I really really love what I do.  It is part of what makes me, me.  I wasn't going to let cancer steal that part of me.

Once I came to the conclusion that it wasn't selfish to keep on working, and was providing some sense of stability for my girls, and not having the opressive sense of my immenent mortiality, it made sense.

Fortunately I now regret the second Krispy Creme and beer.  I have to go on a diet and start saving again for my retirement.

I am in the 3% club.  NED since July 2010.

I hope that helped some.  Do what is in your gut and your heart.  There is no one right thing to do, it is as individual as everyone's journey down this road.

I’m stage four and still working full time. It helps keep things normal. People ask why I don’t stay home, I want to ask them why they think it is their business!

I’m stage four and still working full time. It helps keep things normal. People ask why I don’t stay home, I want to ask them why they think it is their business!

I’m stage four and still working full time. It helps keep things normal. People ask why I don’t stay home, I want to ask them why they think it is their business!

im stage iv and working full time also. 3 rounds of bio chemo and going for 4th round in May. Good to do something to take mind off of thinking about situation. Hang in tthere and do what feels right by you.

im stage iv and working full time also. 3 rounds of bio chemo and going for 4th round in May. Good to do something to take mind off of thinking about situation. Hang in tthere and do what feels right by you.

im stage iv and working full time also. 3 rounds of bio chemo and going for 4th round in May. Good to do something to take mind off of thinking about situation. Hang in tthere and do what feels right by you.

 

Hi Erin,

I had a little different situation than you as I retired some 16 months after my stage IV diagnosis.  Prior to retirement however, the only time I missed from work was for regular scheduled doctor appointments and the one month off when I had IL-2.

Dick

 

Hi Erin,

I had a little different situation than you as I retired some 16 months after my stage IV diagnosis.  Prior to retirement however, the only time I missed from work was for regular scheduled doctor appointments and the one month off when I had IL-2.

Dick

 

Hi Erin,

I had a little different situation than you as I retired some 16 months after my stage IV diagnosis.  Prior to retirement however, the only time I missed from work was for regular scheduled doctor appointments and the one month off when I had IL-2.

Dick

Continue to live and work Erin. I am stage IV and worked full time for the last 2 years until Feb.1 of this year when I retired from the USPS.That was only because there was an incentive to retire early.Do slow down when you must just to recharge .Remember even when we were cancer free we all can tire occassionally.All the best.Beat the Beast.  Al

Continue to live and work Erin. I am stage IV and worked full time for the last 2 years until Feb.1 of this year when I retired from the USPS.That was only because there was an incentive to retire early.Do slow down when you must just to recharge .Remember even when we were cancer free we all can tire occassionally.All the best.Beat the Beast.  Al

Continue to live and work Erin. I am stage IV and worked full time for the last 2 years until Feb.1 of this year when I retired from the USPS.That was only because there was an incentive to retire early.Do slow down when you must just to recharge .Remember even when we were cancer free we all can tire occassionally.All the best.Beat the Beast.  Al

If you are able to, and want to, why not work? When I see that those at Stage IV are working and going about their daily lives, it gives me hope and I'm sure I'm not the only one who sees it as such. For you as the patient, it has to feel good mentally and emotionally to be able to go about your normal business. It's a good way to say, "Screw you, melanoma!"

If you are able to, and want to, why not work? When I see that those at Stage IV are working and going about their daily lives, it gives me hope and I'm sure I'm not the only one who sees it as such. For you as the patient, it has to feel good mentally and emotionally to be able to go about your normal business. It's a good way to say, "Screw you, melanoma!"

If you are able to, and want to, why not work? When I see that those at Stage IV are working and going about their daily lives, it gives me hope and I'm sure I'm not the only one who sees it as such. For you as the patient, it has to feel good mentally and emotionally to be able to go about your normal business. It's a good way to say, "Screw you, melanoma!"

I think that's true, but I also think when people see someone who looks "fine" it's hard for them to believe how serious it really is

I think that's true, but I also think when people see someone who looks "fine" it's hard for them to believe how serious it really is

I think that's true, but I also think when people see someone who looks "fine" it's hard for them to believe how serious it really is

Hi Erin,

I’m stage 4 about 2 years now. I worked part time while I did the one month high dose interferon. Had 3 surgeries the 1st year and just took time off needed to recover.I also took time off to do biochemo treatments and worked in between. Full time for me was 3 1/2 days a week. I was self employed doing diagnostic ultrasound on pregnant women. I love my job.

My last treatment was anti PD 1 which showed pretty dramatic progression at the 12 week scan. I also started to experience significant fatigue- just really dragging trying to get thru the day. My next treatment is chemo with Avastin, Abraxane and carboplatin. I decided at that point I would stop work. I applied for SS disability and was approved. No check for 6 months and you are not allowed to work at all during that time.

I’ve been off about a month now. I’ve had 3 chemo treatments. The first one really wore me out. Easily fatigued and out of breath. I couldn’t work like that. The good news is that 2 of my palpable tumors- one was completely gone in a week and another one has significantly decreased in size. My LDH also dropped about 500 points. So, it looks like it’s working.

This is a tough transition. I miss my job and the people I work with, but I can now rest when I need to. My weight dropped to 105 lbs, so I consider eating to be part of my job. I try to do some exercise every day even when I’m tired and have sought out a great place that offers classes for cancer pts. I’ve started doing some yoga and meditation. I’m spending more time with my husband and daughter as well as my other sisters.

Obviously, I still hope I recover to the point where I could return to work, but for now this is how I’m living my life. And, I’m glad to be here and doing it!!!!!!!

Thought I would give you a different perspective.

Julie

Hi Erin,

I’m stage 4 about 2 years now. I worked part time while I did the one month high dose interferon. Had 3 surgeries the 1st year and just took time off needed to recover.I also took time off to do biochemo treatments and worked in between. Full time for me was 3 1/2 days a week. I was self employed doing diagnostic ultrasound on pregnant women. I love my job.

My last treatment was anti PD 1 which showed pretty dramatic progression at the 12 week scan. I also started to experience significant fatigue- just really dragging trying to get thru the day. My next treatment is chemo with Avastin, Abraxane and carboplatin. I decided at that point I would stop work. I applied for SS disability and was approved. No check for 6 months and you are not allowed to work at all during that time.

I’ve been off about a month now. I’ve had 3 chemo treatments. The first one really wore me out. Easily fatigued and out of breath. I couldn’t work like that. The good news is that 2 of my palpable tumors- one was completely gone in a week and another one has significantly decreased in size. My LDH also dropped about 500 points. So, it looks like it’s working.

This is a tough transition. I miss my job and the people I work with, but I can now rest when I need to. My weight dropped to 105 lbs, so I consider eating to be part of my job. I try to do some exercise every day even when I’m tired and have sought out a great place that offers classes for cancer pts. I’ve started doing some yoga and meditation. I’m spending more time with my husband and daughter as well as my other sisters.

Obviously, I still hope I recover to the point where I could return to work, but for now this is how I’m living my life. And, I’m glad to be here and doing it!!!!!!!

Thought I would give you a different perspective.

Julie

Hi Erin,

I’m stage 4 about 2 years now. I worked part time while I did the one month high dose interferon. Had 3 surgeries the 1st year and just took time off needed to recover.I also took time off to do biochemo treatments and worked in between. Full time for me was 3 1/2 days a week. I was self employed doing diagnostic ultrasound on pregnant women. I love my job.

My last treatment was anti PD 1 which showed pretty dramatic progression at the 12 week scan. I also started to experience significant fatigue- just really dragging trying to get thru the day. My next treatment is chemo with Avastin, Abraxane and carboplatin. I decided at that point I would stop work. I applied for SS disability and was approved. No check for 6 months and you are not allowed to work at all during that time.

I’ve been off about a month now. I’ve had 3 chemo treatments. The first one really wore me out. Easily fatigued and out of breath. I couldn’t work like that. The good news is that 2 of my palpable tumors- one was completely gone in a week and another one has significantly decreased in size. My LDH also dropped about 500 points. So, it looks like it’s working.

This is a tough transition. I miss my job and the people I work with, but I can now rest when I need to. My weight dropped to 105 lbs, so I consider eating to be part of my job. I try to do some exercise every day even when I’m tired and have sought out a great place that offers classes for cancer pts. I’ve started doing some yoga and meditation. I’m spending more time with my husband and daughter as well as my other sisters.

Obviously, I still hope I recover to the point where I could return to work, but for now this is how I’m living my life. And, I’m glad to be here and doing it!!!!!!!

Thought I would give you a different perspective.

Julie

I worked full time for 10 months and then stopped. I needed time off. I did 30 months of anti pd 1. I am stage 4 and NED for 3 years now. I think its good to work as it does get your mind off of it all…a part or "normal" life is important…however most stage 4 are fighting for their lives and I doubt they can physical and or mentally in some cases, work full time. As stage 4 a person is fast tracked to get SSI/SSDI. I don't know that they approve stage 3 people and I know many of them doing interferon have a real difficult time.-Lynn

I worked full time for 10 months and then stopped. I needed time off. I did 30 months of anti pd 1. I am stage 4 and NED for 3 years now. I think its good to work as it does get your mind off of it all…a part or "normal" life is important…however most stage 4 are fighting for their lives and I doubt they can physical and or mentally in some cases, work full time. As stage 4 a person is fast tracked to get SSI/SSDI. I don't know that they approve stage 3 people and I know many of them doing interferon have a real difficult time.-Lynn

I worked full time for 10 months and then stopped. I needed time off. I did 30 months of anti pd 1. I am stage 4 and NED for 3 years now. I think its good to work as it does get your mind off of it all…a part or "normal" life is important…however most stage 4 are fighting for their lives and I doubt they can physical and or mentally in some cases, work full time. As stage 4 a person is fast tracked to get SSI/SSDI. I don't know that they approve stage 3 people and I know many of them doing interferon have a real difficult time.-Lynn

I am stage IV with mets to lungs and brain.  It was a very difficult decision for me to stop work, but I did.  I was working 10 hr days as a teacher in a men's prison, and didn't really feel secure in working there with some of the physical problems I had as a result of my 1st brain met. I also didn't feel that I could handle the long days. In addition, I was blessed to have insurance that covered most of my salary.  When I left my job it felt as though I was giving up and letting cancer win. I've realized though that this was probably the best choice I could make, and it allows me to stay strong in the fight. I still miss my job, but I meet with the others there often, and stay busy between family, exercise, and Drs.

I am stage IV with mets to lungs and brain.  It was a very difficult decision for me to stop work, but I did.  I was working 10 hr days as a teacher in a men's prison, and didn't really feel secure in working there with some of the physical problems I had as a result of my 1st brain met. I also didn't feel that I could handle the long days. In addition, I was blessed to have insurance that covered most of my salary.  When I left my job it felt as though I was giving up and letting cancer win. I've realized though that this was probably the best choice I could make, and it allows me to stay strong in the fight. I still miss my job, but I meet with the others there often, and stay busy between family, exercise, and Drs.

I am stage IV with mets to lungs and brain.  It was a very difficult decision for me to stop work, but I did.  I was working 10 hr days as a teacher in a men's prison, and didn't really feel secure in working there with some of the physical problems I had as a result of my 1st brain met. I also didn't feel that I could handle the long days. In addition, I was blessed to have insurance that covered most of my salary.  When I left my job it felt as though I was giving up and letting cancer win. I've realized though that this was probably the best choice I could make, and it allows me to stay strong in the fight. I still miss my job, but I meet with the others there often, and stay busy between family, exercise, and Drs.