Short Term Disability

[Odnad]

I'm starting EBRT in October. My doctor has said he would support me in taking short term disability. I will be using this benefit as I feel I will benefit from being able to concentrate on my health during this time. I'm curious as to how many of you took off work while receiving radiation treatment and how much time you took off?

[805guy]

I strongly considered it after diagnosis but realized if I did take a leave of absence, my time acquired for retirement would be affected. Instead, I took half day sick time for about 2 months. I would take the morning off, making sure I got a full night's rest, then exercise, and off to my treatment at noon. I had practically no side effects other than urinary urgency for a while but that subsided. My zap took no more than 30 minutes in and out. I would then have lunch, then work for the remainder of the day. Really worked out for me. Take everything into consideration for what works for you. Good luck!

[LeenieC]

I think you are very smart to do that. My husband actually retired before starting his treatment, and he was glad he did. It took a huge chunk of his day, and the mental and physical stress were significant for him. Between the prep and the treatments, which sometimes started late, and the anxiety of it all, it was a lot to handle. But he was a young 74, ready to retire anyway. He’s doing fine now, and enjoying retirement! It might be easier for a younger person to go back to work during treatment, but a full time job with daily treatments must be quite challenging. Best of luck to you!

[FredNick]

Hey Odnad. I’m going to take the time off. I start RT in October. I have extended sick leave (> 1200 hours). My plan is to take the whole time off during RT, roughly 5-6 weeks). My focus will be on a routine that supports my mental and physical health. RT in the morning, come back home and rest up a bit and then hit the gym. Come home and get some things done around the house and also rest of course. I also will be changing my diet and going with less fat and salt. I’m hopeful this routine will run smoothly and help me fight all the potential side effects of RT along with the hormone therapy. My wife is already taking the brunt of some of the side effects of hormone therapy so it’s important for me to take care of myself so I can take care of her. Good luck.

[Mascouche]

In order for my disability insurance to kick-in, I would first have to stop working for 19 weeks. 19 weeks!!!! This was not financially possible for me. Since I took ADT, my memory is horrible so I don't know for certain but I think I ended up taking two weeks of vacation or something like that.

[EvFC]

My husband will be starting EBRT soon and he is planning to take the full 5 weeks off. I am glad he is.

[Xavier10]

Just time off to drive to the clinic and get the radiation treatments. and of course, the other things. disability? Nah

[PrettyUnhappyGuy]

I had over 15 weeks of accumulated sick leave, so I took six weeks off. Did I really need it? Yes and no. The days I went for radiation took about 2-3 hours each time every other day (did five sessions of SBRT) and I didn't really feel like working after that. Then the side effects of needing afternoon naps, plus I was in a bad mental state at the time so just wanted to be left alone. However, disability would have been a loss of income so I would only have taken two weeks if I didn't have the generous sick leave policy my company provides.

[Clippedwingz]

I’m 55 and about to take STD for 4 weeks of IMRT and another few weeks after wards to recover. Do I need it physically? Maybe not. But my job is stressful as hell and I want to commit to my health during this time (new diet and exercise regimens that I can build habits with).

I’m on Xtandi and Orgovyx and while I’ve managed the side effects well so far (4 months) through exercise and better diet, lately I’ve just felt more run down and just need a break. Work will always be there if you have paid leave from your employer.