Working Fulltime?

[Hihif]

Are you able to work full time while taking Palbociclib and Letrozole?

[nstonerocks]

I work full time as a school nurse. It is a ten month a year job. Some days I’m dragging by the time I go home. Sometimes I feel pretty normal. In the morning my joints sometimes hurt a bit but that feels better as I move around more. The money comes in handy but I really need the health insurance. It covers almost everything. I have to figure out how I will manage if I retire. I’m 64. I have to say that when I was newly diagnosed the job helped me focus on something besides cancer. I feel lucky to be on these meds and be able to have what looks like a normal life from the outside. A very verbose answer to your question.

[Hihif in reply to nstonerocks]

Do you have a low White blood cell count or nutrapenia?

[nstonerocks in reply to Hihif]

I only had to take a several week break when I first started it. My wbcs last month were 3.4 after my week off. That’s low but manageable. I did have a mild pneumonia last December and was hospitalized on IV antibiotics. That was at the height of flu season and several students also got pneumonia. I think my wbcs were in the twos when I was admitted and bounced up to 6 in a few days. My neutrofils are good. It certainly isn’t optimal but there are “well” people at work who also get sick. I recovered quickly. I find if I am eating healthfully and drinking my green drinks I feel better. If I eat crap I feel worse and more fatigue. I struggle with my carb intake. I do best on reasonable protein and lots of vegetables but who doesn’t crave chocolate or a sleeve of Oreos when they are stressed? I try to take my vitamins and chaga mushroom tincture. The tincture is supposed to be good for Immunity. Trying to keep stress at a minimum is also a constant work in progress. I’m prone to stress and I am trying to get a meditation practice going. I’m not sure I’d be better off not working as I don’t do well with lots of unstructured time. Ideally maybe work 3 days a week but I’d lose my health benefits. Lots of conundrums! Some days I just wish I didn’t have all this to deal with...but don’t we all? There are days when it gets to me. After a private pity party I shake it off and keep going. All day long I listen to students and staff gripe about minor aches and pains. Everything is surely relative.

[Hihif in reply to nstonerocks]

Thank you for sharing, You are strong! I also need great health insurance and need to work since I’m head of household. My WBC was 1.8 after round 1 and now it’s 2.2 halfway through round 2. I’m trying to figure out if I’ll be able to work as part of my long term planning. Sounds like it is possible but very challenging. I’m not sure I could handle listen to students and staff complain about minor stuff when I’m going through all this. My eyes would pop out of their sockets, I might say something inappropriate or I’d eat a handfuls of raw almonds. Reaching for Chocolate or Oreos sounds like a way to get through the situation and keep your job. I really like how greens and eating healthy are very helpful for you. How many days were you in the hospital? Did you have to go off the medication to support your immune system fighting? For me, My situation is more challenging than I imagined since I also have lymphedema. I’ve gotten a health physiologicalist to support me through this process. This is simply because most people just don’t understand what we are going through. Currently, I’m losing around 1.5 lbs a week. My goal is to weight what I did before giving birth to my son. Hoping my WBC goes up and I have more energy so I can be like you and have a more structured schedule.

Stay strong! You are doing great! I hope that I can be as strong as you are!

[nstonerocks in reply to Hihif]

Believe me I’m not that strong. I was a hot mess for a long time after diagnosis Regarding the pneumonia, I was in the hospital 3 nites and did not stop the Ibrance. I work with a nurse colleague and it is often a struggle to be appropriate. At least we have each other. I have a husband who has a decent job so I don’t have all the responsibility you have. My one son is grown and out of the house. He has issues and stresses me out but at least he is out of the house. Sad huh? My insurance is so much better than my husbands he is on my insurance. I have to figure out what happens when I turn 65 soon and or retire. I won’t be taking my benefits with me. I also need to lose weight.

Think about juicing or green smoothies. I am hardly a health “nur’ but it makes such a difference. Check out Kris Carr’s website for some recipe ideas. She also has a stage 4 Cancer. She is inspiring. It is a struggle for me to live with this. I’m exploring Buddhism which helps. I. have some supportive friends and my husband. I certainly have more gratitude for the good things in my life than I had. I hope you can reduce the lymohedema. Did you have lymph nodes removed? I was mbc from the start so no nodes removed. You are right that no one can truly understand the enormity of what we face. That’s why we are here for one another! ❤️

[HopeinNJ]

I am working full time as a nurse. (I’m 61) I work in a hospital and become concerned at the end of my IBRANCE cycle as my neutrophils do drop. I try to stay out of patient rooms or wear a mask when they are low. The generally bounce right back up after a week off. This medication IBRANCE is so well tolerated for most. It’s a God send. Fatigue is my biggest side effect. Letrozole seems a little harder with the joint aches and pains, yet nothing I can’t deal with.

[Rhwright12]

Hi! Good to see others working. I sometimes feel I’m in my own little category in this. I’m 47. And also work full time in the schools as a behavior specialist...I enjoy my work and feel not working would drive me crazy with boredom... Eating healthy and staying active makes me feel better...I use organic greens in a smoothie daily and take 4 exercise classes at the Y weekly...stay strong and keep moving we can beat this thing! Lots of love and prayers coming your way..for nothing is impossible with God! 🙏🏻💕

[Kcuocci]

Hi I have been on ibrance and letrazol for almost 2 years. I am 46 and still work full time. There are days I’m completely dragging but it helps me to feel like my old self - being with people and being busy has really helped me not dwell for too long on the situation. I work in Human Resources. Actually listening to people’s often petty problems has helped. Shows me how much time is wasted on nonsense! We need the good benefits and the $ but I also need the distraction. I asked if I can work from home one day a week which has helped give my body a rest from the commute,

[blms]

my oncologist said his patients have very few infections even with low counts. My counts since January on Ibrance have been between 600 and 2800 when I am off for two weeks. The 600 scared me but I am just extra careful during the times I am under 1200. It’s a good reminder to keep washing your hands and wearing your mask and gloves during those times. But I also feel good when my counts are really low. My current dosage is 100 mgs. And after first month in thus dosage I have not been tired. So that was encouraging.I also make a dr Gundry green drink every morning and take supplements.

Plus matcha in morning and tons of cabbage type vegs.

Slovenia Kettering site states scientific positive results for melatonin and theanine for extended longevity for cancer patients and chemo. So look into that! We can talk mire detail later about that.

[Gmaoftriplets]

Yes, I have continued to work full time since I started my treatment last year..I get tired at night but other than that I feel great..

[Hihif]

That’s awesome!

[Lisa-n-AZ]

I'm 52 and a 1yr after diagnosis, I decided to retire. I am greatful for the opportunity to retire. I had a high stress analytical job. Not being a 100% was putting my customers' financial well being at risk. I have fatigue, chemo brain, muscle fatigue, and anxiety. I applied for SSD and was approved in 5 days. My family pushed for me to retire so I could spend more time on me. The first year after diag working was important. It made me feel normal. I'm now 6 months retired and loving it.

We all need to do what works best for us.

[Halfpint2 in reply to Lisa-n-AZ]

Please tell me more about SSD for people like us with Stage 4. I need my job for the insurance.

[HopeinNJ in reply to Halfpint2]

I don’t think you’ll have a problem qualifying for disability. Insurance is an issue.

[Lisa-n-AZ in reply to Halfpint2]

I applied for SSD 30 days after I stopped working. I was on long term disability through work. I applied for SSD under a "compassionate allowance". Stage IV breast cancer qualifies. I provided my scans, biopsies, and a form letter from my oncologist ( similar to what I provided for my LTD.). I applied for SSD on a wednesday and was approved the following Monday. My first check is scheduled to arrive the 3rd week of July. There is a 2 year waiting period for medicare to start. I have since submitted for my state retirement (28 years government service).

This is my story....not legal advice. I did it without an attorney., buy I did a lot of research on-line before I applied.

[Hidden in reply to Lisa-n-AZ]

I don't understand. I read this all the time about iv under the compassionate allowance being approved for SSDI. My application has been in progress for four months already. I was stage iii invasive when first applied but now it has progressed to stage iv metastatic. The nurse navigator has made sure to send my new medical reports to SSDI. The lady handling my medical records (not making the decision) says that as of now, I would be denied. She is holding off sending to SSDI doctor to review until she gets a copy of my lung biopsy which has to prove that the irregular shaped nodules on both lungs are indeed from the breast cancer. My onco even wrote a letter. I don't get how other people get it so quickly. I am seriously close to broke. Single, no family and went through all my savings. I am afraid even if the lung biopsy proves that yes it has spread from my breast cancer that they will delay making a decision to see if the treatment (ibrance and falsodex) will work. I have been out of work for over six months. If I dont get SSDI, I will be in a shelter within week. I was diagnosed while unemployed so I didnt have the cushion of short and long term disability and using sick and vacation time.

[Hidden in reply to Lisa-n-AZ]

But even with compassionate allowance, you still had the five month unpaid waiting period, correct.

[cookie789 in reply to Lisa-n-AZ]

I don't understand disability. I called my local Social Security Office and was told if I am able to work ANY job I don't qualify for SSD. I must be out of work 12 months to qualify and have proof I cannot hold down a job. I told them of the Stage 4 diagnosis. No matter. I cannot "decide to retire". I am 48 years old. Bless you Lisa-n-AZ if it worked for you, but I am frusterated with the government for different rules for different people.

[PJBinMI in reply to cookie789]

It's too bad that is what you were told. I'd be surprised if the mbc diagnosis doesn't qualify you if you have worked enough quarters. If you are being treated at a cancer center or large practice, there is likely a person working there who knows about the resources available, including SSD. I called the closest SS office when the idea of "retiring" early started sounding appealing to me, about six months after the mbc diagnosis. It had been suggested to me that when I called them I should mention that I have stage IV metastatic terminal breast cancer to be sure that the person I spoke with knew that my application would be fast tracked due to the terminal nature of this cancer. I think SS handles those of us with conditions that are considered terminal faster than other applications. This was in 2004 in Michigan. I was told that I could not apply until I had actually stopped working. So I phoned the day after my final day of work and was given an appt for 8 am the next day. I had copies of my pathology reports and other lab results and all the radiology reports from scans, MRIs etc, the "evidence" that I do have mbc. It was approved within 2 weeks though I did not get the official letter telling me that for 2 or 3 months after that, and had to wait the standard 5 months, which stretches to 6 or 7 until we actually get our first check. It stretches out longer because we are paid each month for the previous month, so the 5th month payment arrives in month six, and when in the month we receive it depends on where our birthdate falls in the month. I was born near the end of the month so my check arrives on the fourth Wed. of the month, making it nearly 7 months from the time I applied until I started receiving disability checks. I opted to have them via direct deposit and they have always arrived as promised. I understand that direct deposit is mandatory now. The application process can be done on line now. Do talk with your onc about this....some are really helpful and make sure that they get your medical records sent in right away. The application process does have us describe how we are limited. Think about a bad day not the best day, and give concrete examples, such as "fatigue and muscle stiffness slow me down so much it takes me over 7 minutes to get out of bed and walk into the bathroom, an activity that I used to be able to do within about 30 seconds, " or "my short term memory is impaired and I have a hard time with what used to be routine tasks and have forgotten simple things, like adding eggs to a cake recipe and including spoons when i set the table." I was fortunate that the day I was at the SS office apply for SSD, I was having a rough day and when the interviewer handed me 3 sheets of paper to review and sign, it confused me. Later it occurred to me that had probably not hurt "my case." Now I can laugh about it. but it sure felt awkward at the time. I hope you are able to do what is going to be best for yourself in the long run and that you will soon know that you will qualify for SSD.

[cookie789 in reply to PJBinMI]

Thank you for your post. I definitely have worked enough quarters--I have been in the workforce for 33 years ( started working at 15 and have worked continuously since ) contributing to Social Security with each paycheck. I live in a rural community and am being treated at a local onc office. I don't know if there is someone there who handles these questions, but I doubt it. As you said in your post, I was also told I could not apply until I was no longer working. If it works the same now as then, I would not get my first check for appx 7 months. No work and no money coming in for appx 7 months !!!!! Whoa !!!! Also, I am still able to do most things, housework, etc with breaks. And my memory is still great. Maybe I am not as "disabled" as I think, even with my terminal diagnosis.

[PJBinMI in reply to cookie789]

Some with mbc are able to qualify for state programs that provide some money and/or Medicaid. Some have short term disability that will cover the wait time for SSD to begin but a lot of people have serious income short falls. I've read that the most frequent "cause" of individual bankruptcy is serious medical problems. I think it's shameful that we don't provide a better safety net for everybody in this situation. Living with mbc is hard enough without having to worry about supporting ourselves! And the states vary alot in what they offer.

I live in a rural area, too, but there is a great cancer center about 50 miles away and our local hospital is now part of one of the medical conglomerates that sponsors the cancer center. So there's a satellite program here just a few miles away. I started at the main cancer center and now my onc only sees patients at another small town satellite program, so I go there to see her but can have any infusions or injections here. I've been very pleased with the quality of the care I get, though I did go to a big cancer center to see a bc specialist for a second opinion right after initial staging.

I hope you can keep on working as long as you want to.. That can sure make life seem more normal.

[Hidden in reply to cookie789]

See my response above. I feel the same way as you. I was not told I would have to be out of work for a year but my application started when I was stage iii and now it spread to stage iv and they have all the records. I am told they will have to see the lung biopsy first to ensure that the tumors are from my breast cancer. Some people seem to get it so easily and I am close to broke and they are giving me a hard time. I was a legal secretary but the point is I am having severe breathing issues and I thought once you became stage iv, it was a guarantee compassionate allowance. Apparently, not for me.

[cookie789 in reply to Hidden]

I don't get it either. So many different responses----some no big deal, get it in a flash, and others struggle. But we all have Stage IV. ?????? I think you need to look into an attorney. I am going to hold off for now and continue working as long as I can. But when I can no longer work I plan on hiring an attorney to pursue the idea of SSD. Government---what can you say. Loop holes and cracks in the system. Playing with our lives.

[Hidden in reply to cookie789]

Most Attorneys will only take it after you have been denied twice. They work like personal injury attorneys. They will not take a case until you have been denied. And if you are denied on initial application and reconsideration (meaning someone else will look again and 85% of the time agree with the first examiner) that you have to request a hearing which in NY takes about 17 months but you can't work then because SSDI will say if you were able to work, you are not disabled. They get 25% of retroactive back pay but the most they can get is $6,000. The hospital lawyer told me at stage iii invasive I could probably get it but would have to get denied and go through a hearing and it could be two full years but then you would would more than like, depending on the Judge, get it retroactive and that is how attorneys make their money. So they usually don't want to take a case until you have been denied at least twice.

[Hidden]

My friend's husband had a massive heart attack and could no longer work. He was denied twice by SSDI. They hired an attorney after that and it took another two years for hearing date before Judge. He then was approved for SSDI but the Judge did not approve retroactive pay meaning the date he stopped working which for some people could be like $30,000 or more. The judge did not grant him that so he just started getting it but then they had to pay his attorney $6,000. My friend was beyond upset. I mean she was the one working and holding the family together. And what is up with the five month waiting period. How many of us can afford that, especially single people with no other income.