Returning to Work

[Tam-56]

I owe I owe It’s Off to Work We Go! Any feedback on working in a child care center? After searching for work for over a year, this is the only job I could find for 70 year old senior! Very sad... I will be a part-time receptionist but may be asked to go into the classroom for teacher breaks. I guess I’m a little nervous about catching a virus from the preschoolers. If I get sick will I need to go off the Ibrance until I recover? I really need the money to pay down my medical bills.

[Rhwright12]

I work with children and have only missed 3 days (last October) since I have been diagnosed 3 years ago...but like others have said use precautions...take some extra vitamin C, wash hands and get some extra rest when tired...😀

[Tam-56 in reply to Rhwright12]

Rhwright12

It is encouraging knowing you work with children! When you were out sick were you able to continue with Ibrance or could you take a break? I’m going to take precautions and just stay positive and enjoy this challenge ... this disease has taken way to much of my life!

[Rhwright12 in reply to Tam-56]

I’m not on Ibrance...I take Herceptin/Perjeta...and yes they made me wait 1 week to have my IV meds...but like I said that was 1 time in 3 1/2 years...😀

[Tam-56 in reply to Rhwright12]

You have done well! I eat a lot healthier now than before I was diagnosed and take my vitamins every day. Thanks ❤️

[Maludagui in reply to Tam-56]

Hi 🌺😍 Enjoy your days. The job will keep you busy and active. Be well known. Use sanitizer, wash your hands, use disposable products, have your own pen, clean the phone if other people use it before you use it. Actually I also work in a school cafeteria and I have not got sick. Thank God Good luck in your new activities 🌺😍

[Tam-56 in reply to Maludagui]

Maludagui

I’m happy to hear you haven’t been sick in a school environment. Thank you for some good tips...wouldn’t have thought of bringing my own pens! ❤️

[Tam-56]

Sandra, Thank you for the tips to stay well. I look forward to working with children and families. I’m starting part-time 5 hours a day and see how it goes. I feel great most days but by 8:00pm I’m ready for bed. My elderly bearded collie gets me up every day at 4:00 am barking to go outside so the early shift at the school should work out well...6:00am to 11:00am

[Tam-56]

Thanks Sandra for the encouragement!

Just joined “Cure” Cancer updates research. Maybe collectively we can make a difference in funding for the cure. Scary the powers to be can’t count or maybe just using creative accounting methods for a reason.

Thanks for keeping us informed! ❤️

[MyMiracle13]

Congratulations on your new job! I’m on Ibrance too and I don’t stop taking it if I have the occasional cold or cough. It’s different if it’s the flu or if you have fever. Hope all goes well and that you enjoy being with the youngsters😄

[Tam-56 in reply to MyMiracle13]

MyMiracle13

Knock on wood, I haven’t been sick since I began treatment in May 2018. I love working with children...they have boundless energy! 👭

[MyMiracle13 in reply to Tam-56]

That is such great news that you haven’t been sick since May 2018. We actually started treatment at the same time then😄 but I have had probably 2 or 3 bouts of cold and cough since. Since I have lung mets, it’s difficult to deal with the virus. Really best to use preventive measures. Good luck and God bless!

[Merma]

I work as a teacher in an Elementary school. I’ve been on Ibrance for almost 2 years. The only time I’ve had to take a few days off was when I had a bug with a high fever. I was only off a few days and it didn’t mess anything up.

Preschoolers are so cute. Have fun in your new job.

[Tam-56 in reply to Merma]

Thank you Merma, I am getting excited about this new venture. Good to know I will rebound quickly if I catch a bug. Many of us here are in education! 📚✏️

[Andersl]

Congratulations and well done!!

You will be a great asset to them.

Sorry im not on inbrance but just wanted to congratulate you .

[Tam-56 in reply to Andersl]

Andersl

Thank you for the complement. I’m sure I’ll be challenged. Worked as an analyst at a Fortune 500 company for 21 years so this is totally out of my field. Will bring back many fond memories of raising my son and daughter! ❤️

[Andersl in reply to Tam-56]

Ah, another analyst! It wont be long before youre thinking of ways to improve the organisation. Once an analyst, always an analyst

[LibraryGeek]

Hi, I am on Ibrance and Letrozole for almost 2 years and am a school librarian, working with ages 4-18. I have only had a couple of mild colds in that time and not needed any sick leave.

Good luck and enjoy the job.

Jackie

[Tam-56 in reply to LibraryGeek]

Thank you Jackie, for your response. You have quite an age span of students. You must work in a large school system. 📚

[PJBinMI]

Working around children sounds like a great place to be! And I have really enjoyed reading the responses from others here who work in schools! About paying medical bills, at 70 I iimagine you are on Medicare. I hear only very positive things about the AARP Medicare Supplemental Insurance. You migh t pay less in premiums than you are now for your care. To boost your immune system, to help guard against infections, you could take ; 1 cup tart cherry juice, turmeric, fish oil and glucosamine/chondrotin. My onc has okayed those. Also, keep some Zicam in your purse or desk to use immediately if you get exposed to a sick kid (or adult!) Tam, I have wonderful memories of the day care center I took my daughter to for about two years. It was a happy, busy place with friendly staff. I hope you will look back on your time there with joy, a year from now, and be really glad you found this job! keep us posted!

[Tam-56 in reply to PJBinMI]

PJBinMI

I buy frozen organic tart cherries at BJs ...is that the same as what is in cherry juice? I have them with frozen blueberries topped with scoop of almond yogurt. I do make turmeric tea occasionally. I’ll buy some Zicam just in case.

I have AARP Passport that pays for my lab work but have a 20% copay on scans and any biopsies. That’s where it gets expensive. I get my Ibrance free through Pfizer program that hopefully they will extend through next year. 🤞 I guess I’m poor! AARP has been good to me through this so far.

I do look forward to working with the little ones.

I have two aging Bearded Collies 17 and 14 that are a lot of work but hey we’re getting old. Part-time work should work out well for them too!

Thank you for your kind words and support. ❤️

[PJBinMI in reply to Tam-56]

I don't have a clue if frozen tart cherries = tart cherry juice but your concoction sounds delicious! I mix the cherry juice with orange juice. It is pretty sour on its own. It looks awful mixed with the orange juice but tastes good. I buy turmeric capsules. Our only current dog is a tiny (5 1/2 pound) mutt who is shaped alot like a new born lamb, with long spindly legs and ears too big for his little face. He's a rescue--found half frozen and emeciated in a snow bank on Christmas Eve in 2012. He ended up at the police station and my cop husband drove around with him on his lap and the heat turned up until his shift was over and by the time Animal Control was open again after the holidays, we were hooked! He's only been the only dog for about a year. Our two dachshunds died about two years apart, both from cancer. We are up to a ridiculous number of cats--7, ages 1--12, so you know we are animal lovers! One of our major extravigances these days, lol. We have to clean animal fur out of our computer regularly! I sure hope you will love that job! If one has to work with this cancer, that sounds about as good as it gets!

[Tam-56 in reply to PJBinMI]

I love kitties too! When my kids were young we had three hilarious cats. Gone now but what fun and gave kids responsibility to care for them. They lived to around 14 but all died the same year from kidney failure.

Had to be a Christmas miracle for your husband to find that pup when he did and such a lucky pup to find a loving forever home. 🐕❤️

My Beardies are rescues too, adopted two years apart and are best friends. Last November the younger one developed a seizure disorder and was diagnosed with diabetes too! Other than that they both are doing well considering their ages.

I’ll hunt for the cherry juice! 🐾🐾

[kcc9993 in reply to PJBinMI]

Just writing to chime in that, yes, the turmeric capsules absorb better than food form. Specifically, turmeric that is hydro-soluble absorbs better.

[Have-faith]

Hey that's great with the job and the hours sound manageable. Kids are so funny. It will also be a good distraction for you. As everyone else has been saying use common sense, wash hands alot, drink a lot of fluids to internally wash away any germs. I think this was meant for you.. Is it an easy commute for you?

[Tam-56 in reply to Have-faith]

Have-faith

Oh I hope it works out! My second love is libraries!

My commute is less than a mile! ❤️

[nstonerocks]

I work as a middle school nurse and have only had to stop Ibrance when I got pneumonia. It was a year a lot of people including kids got pneumonia with the flu. I was hospitalized but not very sick other than that I’ve been fine. Think the fact I have mbc made them treat me more conservatively and the rest and food was good! Have to say pediatric germs seem more contagious than adult, and I do wipe down my phone and surfaces periodically. Hand washing! Don’t keep tissues on your desk for common use. Do not share writing utensils. Having said all that, you will be an asset to your job and the kids. It makes me so angry that older people are so discounted and devalued in our first world society. It also angers me that you have to pay off your health costs. You should get it paid wrapped up in a gold box!!! The kids will charm you, it will take your mind off things. They will grow to look for you and seek you out. Rest when you come home. Let us know how it goes. Congratulations. Good for you putting yourself out there!

Nancy

[Tam-56 in reply to nstonerocks]

Nancy

The gold box sounds good to me but I guess the best things in life are free. But I sure agree with you about discounting seniors! There are way too many seniors as Walmart greeters these days!!

The children have a way of melting hearts and putting things in perspective. Thanks for the great tips, Nancy. I’ll show up prepared! ❤️

[morty87]

I am a High School teacher and I practice good common sense. I wash my hands regularly and I try to keep my room clean. I have Kleenex and hand sanitizer for myself and the students to use. I also keep a can of Lysol to spray if I have a student that has coughed or been sick. I spray after they leave the room as not to make a big deal out of it.

Going to work each day has definitely helped my peace of mind. It has created a sense of normalcy as well. Congratulations on the job and good luck!!!

[mariootsi]

I hope you enjoy your new job. Just take precautions, hand washing etc.