Many cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment wonder if they can continue working during this time. Chemotherapy can cause significant side effects that may make working more challenging. However, working through treatment is possible for some patients. There are several factors to consider when deciding if you can work during chemotherapy.
How will chemotherapy affect your ability to work?
Chemotherapy aims to kill fast-growing cancer cells in the body. However, it also damages healthy cells, leading to side effects. Common chemo side effects include:
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Hair loss
- Mouth sores
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Nerve and muscle problems like numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness
- Skin and nail changes
- Appetite changes
- Concentration and memory problems (“chemo brain”)
- Increased chance of infection due to low white blood cell counts
These side effects may make aspects of your job more difficult. For example, fatigue may limit your stamina, while problems concentrating can decrease productivity. If your role involves a lot of social interaction, body image changes like hair loss may also be challenging. Understanding your potential side effects can help you anticipate obstacles to working during treatment.
What type of work do you do?
The type of work you do will impact your ability to continue working during chemotherapy. Those with office-based jobs or flexible schedules may have an easier time working through treatment than those with physically demanding jobs or inflexible schedules.
Some examples of jobs that may be more suitable during chemo include:
- Computer-based work that can be done from home
- Administrative work with a flexible schedule
- Consulting or advising roles
- Teaching opportunities with schedule flexibility
- Self-employment or freelance work
Jobs that involve extended periods on your feet, heavy physical activity, operating heavy machinery, or other safety concerns may pose challenges. Talk to your employer about potential accommodations that could enable you to continue working.
What is the intensity of your chemo regimen?
How your chemotherapy is dosed and scheduled will also impact your ability to work. Regimens with high doses spaced over long intervals may cause severe side effects in the days after each treatment. This can make working very difficult in the days following chemotherapy.
Regimens with lower doses given more frequently may have milder side effects that are more manageable when working. Oral chemotherapy drugs taken daily or weekly at home may allow you to continue working with less disruption.
Discuss the expected side effects and schedule requirements of your planned chemotherapy regimen with your care team. They can help you anticipate effects on your ability to work.
Your individual health status
Your current health status aside from cancer will influence how you tolerate chemotherapy side effects. For example, people with underlying health conditions or poor stamina may have more difficulty working during chemo. Older patients tend to experience more severe side effects.
Talk to your doctor about how your health history could impact your ability to manage a job during treatment. Being realistic about your limitations is important to avoid overexerting yourself.
Your financial situation
For many cancer patients, taking time off of work during chemotherapy is simply not financially feasible. Even if you have health insurance, copays for treatment and medications can quickly add up. Continuing to work may be necessary to help you maintain your insurance coverage and pay your bills.
However, you also do not want to push yourself so hard that your health and recovery are impacted. Finding the right balance requires careful consideration of your work responsibilities and financial constraints. Speaking with a social worker at your cancer center can help you identify available resources.
Transportation and location needs
Since chemotherapy is typically administered at infusion centers, you will need to consider transportation to and from treatments. Depending on your treatment schedule, you may need to take time off for appointments frequently, such as daily, weekly, or monthly.
If your job has a strict attendance policy, you’ll need to determine if it can accommodate your chemo schedule. Those who must travel long distances for treatment will also have greater transportation demands to balance with work.
Communication with your employer
To create the best plan for working during chemotherapy, communication with your employer is essential. There are several things you will want to discuss:
- Your treatment schedule and how often you’ll need to take time off
- Side effects you may experience that could impact your work
- Adjustments or accommodations that could help you continue working
- Whether remote work or a modified schedule is possible
- Job responsibilities that may need to shift if your role involves physical demands
Being open with your employer encourages problem-solving and flexibility during this challenging time. You may qualify for job protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act or Family Medical Leave Act. An employee assistance program through your workplace may offer helpful resources and advice as well.
Accommodations to request
Here are some accommodations you may want to request to make working more feasible during chemotherapy:
- Flexible scheduling to allow time off for appointments
- Working from home on days you feel unwell
- Occasional extended deadlines to allow for fatigue or other side effects
- Use of sick days or vacation time to cover treatment days
- Temporary reduction or adjustment of duties and responsibilities
- Remote participation options for meetings when you cannot be present
- Ergonomic equipment to help you stay comfortable and productive
Tips for working during chemotherapy
If you will continue working during chemotherapy, here are some tips to help you manage:
- Plan treatment on Fridays or days before non-work days to allow recovery time
- Take medications to prevent side effects like nausea and bone pain
- Drink plenty of fluids, rest, and eat nutritious foods on non-work days
- Accept help from coworkers with heavy workloads or physical demands
- Save complex tasks requiring concentration for high energy days
- Schedule frequent breaks to rest and recharge
- Work limited hours or part-time if possible
- Don’t feel guilty about taking time you need to care for your health
The key is pacing yourself. Listen to your body and take it day by day. Do not hesitate to make adjustments if your energy, side effects, or treatment schedule change.
When time off may be necessary
Despite your best efforts to continue working, there may come a point when time off is necessary to focus on your health. This does not represent failure. Everyone has different limits in what they can manage when seriously ill.
You may need to stop working during chemotherapy if:
- Fatigue or other side effects become disabling
- Your cancer or treatment complications require hospitalization
- You need to change to a more rigorous treatment protocol
- Your job performance is suffering significantly
- Stress at work exacerbates your health problems
- You need to travel for treatment
Stay in touch with your medical team and employer so time off can be coordinated smoothly. Stopping work temporarily does not mean you cannot return once you are feeling better.
Legal and financial considerations if you stop working
If you do need to take extended time off during chemotherapy, be aware of the legal and financial implications, including:
- Know your rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act, Family Medical Leave Act, and any state laws that protect those with serious medical conditions. These laws may help you take medical leave and return to your job.
- Check if you qualify for short-term disability benefits through your employer or the state. These can provide some income if you are not working.
- Speak with a social worker at your cancer center to access financial assistance resources for those undergoing treatment.
- Discuss continuing your health insurance coverage with your employer. You may be able to stay on their policy through COBRA.
Though challenging, with good planning it is often possible to take the time you need while protecting your job status and finances.
Conclusion
Working during chemotherapy treatment is feasible for some cancer patients but not advisable for others. Consider how your chemo regimen, health status, job duties, and finances will impact your ability to work. Clear communication with healthcare providers and employers is key to creating a plan that works for your unique situation. Listen to your body and do not be afraid to adjust your limits as needed. With the right supports and balance, staying employed can be maintained through treatment. Most of all, honor what your body needs during this time to stay as healthy as possible.