Ask a Doctor: How do I balance chemotherapy treatments and work?

Q: What can I do to balance chemotherapy treatments with my responsibilities at work?

A: How you fare on the job will primarily depend on your specific treatment, your reaction to it and the nature of your work. Before you start, talk with your physician about how treatment and its likely side effects might affect your job. Be specific about what you do at work. Scheduling treatments late in the day or just before the weekend may help minimize their impact on work. Let your physician know how you feel. He or she may be able to change your medicine or treatment schedule or prescribe medications to prevent some side effects or relieve the symptoms of others.

Consider taking these additional steps to help balance your chemotherapy and career:

* Handle your most important tasks when you feel best.

* Adjust your workspace for comfort and convenience. Put the tools you need most where you can reach them easily.

* Talk with your supervisor about your schedule. For example, are part-time hours possible?

– Dr. Mark Womack, Tennessee Oncology; member, Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society

Submit your health-related questions for a medical doctor to lwilson@timesfreepress.com.