Question about breast cancer treatment and working?

That would never, ever bother me. Know why? because patients will know, that you know first hand what they are going through, You will also have first hand knowledge as to how chemo effects you. Instead of book knowledge, you'll can tell a patient, "I know just how you feel" It's not glorious and I'm not trying to make it out to be. I've been where you are. Many of us have. I'm not ashamed to go out bald and you shouldn't be either. Now, people understand more and more about these things, You are going to help a lot of patients more than you know. It's your badge of courage. When you sick because of chemo, they know it's not contagious. I would want you to take of me. All those cancer patients who will be going through any type of chemo or radiation already know that they may loose their hair. Seeing you isn't going to scare them, if anything, it will bring them to ask YOU, "What's it like?" and you can tell them. You know what else it's going to tell them? There is life after chemo. It may reassure them that their life isn't over because of chemo. They too can go back to work. You are showing them, there's no need to give up. If you feel up to it, go to work. When you get over tired though, go home, relax. Chemo can drag you down and make you so fatigued and I don't even have to tell you why. You know. So go for it. My gosh, I admire you. Fight, never give up. God bless you so much.

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It wouldn't bother me in the least. I know that when I was going through my breast cancer treatment, the occasional medical professional who revealed that they had had cancer themselves made me feel that here at least was someone who knew what I was going through.

No, I don't think it will make people feel worse to be reminded that they'll lose their hair. For many people, that's the aspect of chemotherapy they dread most. Many of us who've been through it feel that it's far from the worst thing. To see someone who's lost their hair carrying on as normal, and looking ok with a bald head, may well be reassuring.

Please don't be discouraged by the person who's implied that you're vain and shallow. Nobody knows what it's like till they're actually faced with it themselves, and whatever you feel about it or decide to do about it is ok.

Wigs are hot, and scratchy on a bald head. One alternative, if you feel you'd be happier with hair, is this:

http://www.hatswithhair.com/ProductUnderhair.aspx

You still have to wear a hat, but the fabric that covers your head wicks away moisture and feels cool and comfortable, and you can have it styled however you like.

One thing - take the time off that you need during chemotherapy; it's great that you're planning to carry on working, but you have a demanding job. I hope you won't feel you've failed if you find you have to have more time off than you expected.

Best wishes for the rest of your treatment

I know everyone has a different level of comfort with displaying/or not their head. For me, I feel like my wig and lipstick are my power. I have an everyday wig and a short sassy wig to work out in. It gets hot when I work out, however, day to day I do not feel hot in my wig. I love it, have gotten loads of compliments on it and it is not too hot. As a patient, I would not feel bad if you were my nurse, I think it would actually open up patients to ask questions they might not ask someone who has not gone through what they have. If you are open to questions, It would be good, if you feel like me that it empowers you to wear a wig, you should do that. Each story, each person is different, but don't worry about making us feel worse, that would not happen. Good Luck.

I don't know what you mean by alternative but I wouldn't be taking any chances on anything other than the specialist at the hospital. I have had two lumpectomies and radiotherapy. The first in 2003 and the second in 2005. I have just been told I am cancer free at the moment.

I would find it a comfort to be treated by a nurse who understood FULLLY what I was going through.

One of the best nurses I struck going through my treatment was one with "peach fuzz" regrowth who had just been through it all!

Good on you for continuing to work, I found it was fgood to keep that contact with normalacy, but make sure you get enough rest. Part time work is often a good compromise.

I dont think it would bother me at all..

Actually, if anything it would probably make you feel a little more at ease. Knowing that the person treating you knows exactly what you will be going through.

I think NOW Is not the time to be VAIN, there's NOTHING WRONG with you having a BALD HEAD or letting everyone SEE IT! Do you really think these people have FORGOTTEN they are going to loose their hair? YOU are making WAY TO BIG of a deal over your soon to be BALD HEAD! My sister-in law died of brain cancer. She never look more beautiful than when she had her bald head! She didn't worry about what ANYONE thought and didn't HAVE to have it covered to feel "normal"! SHAME on you for even giving your bald head a second thought or worrying about what ANYONE thinks of it! I mean we've seen women bald before by CHOICE so what's the big deal? Some of them actually look good like that! Demi Moore still looked great with her shaved head! FORGET your baldness and concentrate on getting well! NOBODY gives a damn about your baldness!