Can You Work During Chemotherapy? What You Need to Know

How cancer may affect you at work

If you are feeling well enough after cancer treatment and have a sense of energy levels to engage in daily routines such as work, then try to maintain a balance between your work and treatments. Do not take on any unrealistic expectations while undergoing chemotherapy; that would cause extra stress and anxiety.

Try to prepare yourself for the ways cancer might affect you at work:

• Take leave or time off during any major treatments
• You may experience fatigue and weakness
• You can experience pain or stress 
• Might experience trouble in thinking or chemo brain

Working during chemotherapy: what you need to know

Many cancer patients choose to work during chemotherapy. If your oncologist and the employer allow you to work, then continue to manage both together. Working during cancer treatments is often overwhelming for some people. If you are feeling well, have an energy level, and have low levels of symptoms and side effects, then resume your work after some time. Talk to your employer if you can’t physically be present at the office; request an opportunity to get a remote or work-from-home mode. 

In some cases, cancer patients are able to go to the office during their chemotherapy treatments. However, working during chemo can be possible, mainly depending on the patient's type of cancer, type of chemotherapy drugs, and drug dosage. Make some arrangements to restart while you are working during chemotherapy. Ask for prior permission for the chemotherapy appointments.

Tips for balancing work and chemotherapy

If you are planning to restart work during your chemotherapy and cancer treatments, then here are a few tips you can use while balancing out work and chemotherapy.

These may include: 

• Openly communicate with your employer and co-workers: Communicate with your employer and co-workers about your health condition. Most of the companies would allow you to work remotely, with flexible hours and temporary reassignment or less work.
• Prioritize your health and energy levels: Try to plan your work hours or work around doctors' appointments or chemo sessions. Many patients would feel fatigue 2-3 days after the treatments; complete your tasks earlier or schedule small tasks during those times.
• Inform your employer prior to the chemo appointments: Get your leave approved prior to the treatment day to avoid any mishaps.  
• Ask for help while experiencing side effects: If you are experiencing any side effects during your work hours, ask help from your employer or co-workers. 
• Take leave when necessary: When you are feeling physically, emotionally, and mentally low after the chemo session, take 2-3 days of leave to manage the side effects of treatments. 
• Ask for remote or work-from-home opportunities: If you can’t take leave from work but can’t travel due to low energy levels, then ask your employer for remote or work-from-home options to reduce travel and save energy. 
• Manage side effects actively: Work with your medical team to manage several side effects of chemotherapy, such as fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. 
• Always carry necessary medicines: Always carry your essential medicines with you even at work, and do not miss taking tablets on time. 
• Stay hydrated and keep a healthy diet: Drink plenty of water and eat your food on time. Keep yourself hydrated and nourished to avoid dehydration and weakness.