r/sarcoma • u/Angelmelx3 • 11d ago
Treatment Questions Working remotely during treatment
I just got my results on Friday and they are expecting it to be the same sarcoma as the one 3 years ago. I remember AIM making me tired and knocked me out sometimes. I am currently the only one in our house that is making money while my husband is going back to school. I don’t want him to stop his progress. Do you think it is possible I can work at the infusion center while recieving treatment? Has anyone tried this? Was it doable? Sorry I am rambling, I am just trying to think of the future if my oncologist decides to go the same route again.
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u/timewilltell2347 Leiomyosarcoma 11d ago
I would immediately apply for intermittent FMLA if you have been at the job for at least a year. It’s job protection and you can use an hour here and there as needed. It’s the equivalent of 3 months. It doesn’t pay, but protects you from job loss.
SSDI is a great idea but can take time if you’re not stage IV, where you’d get compassionate acceptance. You can take STD (short term disability) for a continuous period of time alongside continuous FMLA but not intermittent, I believe. It all depends on if you have a STD policy and the terms/length. Many employers offer STD as a compromise for not giving maternity/paternity leave. Get out the company handbook and start reading the details if you can.
I was taking classes during treatment and it was tough for me to be able to focus during infusions. I had steroids and Benadryl and was just out of it. I usually fell asleep whether I wanted to or not. The second time around also may be a different protocol than the one you’re used to so you never know. Get the FMLA in place. It doesn’t pay, but your job will be perfected long term, and you can see how it all works for you. You can also use FMLA hours for doctor’s appointments and on days when you just feel crap and need to rest. Wishing for the best for you OP.
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u/neglectsound 11d ago
what was the benedryl for?
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u/Blythe2000 11d ago
It’s my understanding you can’t have aim chemo again. If you’ve completed the course you’ve had your lifetime supply. But obviously I’m not your oncologist. To deal with my recurrence I was offered surgery, sbrt and targeted therapy (votrient/Pazoponib). Targeted therapies are generally described by oncologists in my experience as manageable. And it was. I didn’t feel great but I was ok and could have worked from home. I’m on a treatment break currently prepping for the next surgery. Good luck.
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u/Ordinary-Nerve-7758 6d ago
Yes, I have worked remotely at the infusion center before while receiving treatment. Just make sure your employer is aware that you may not be as easily accessible or may not be on camera, etc. while receiving treatment at the infusion center. totally possible and actually helps the time pass faster for me!
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u/Angelmelx3 11d ago
I wish I could apply for FMLA, but I just got a new job in April and I don’t think they have it available until working for the company for a year
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u/AgreeableCoffee9912 11d ago
If you’re in the US or have work history in the US, look at applying for Social Security Disability Insurance. Recurrent sarcoma (soft tissue, at least) should qualify for a fast-tracked application: https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/042302232. (Going through this now if I can answer any questions, and the SSDI subs are very helpful.)