Can you work during chemo without FMLA coverage?

I am praying that your paperwork for STD is approved. It upsets me to hear that anyone has to go through what you are going through. I know it's difficult but focus on recovery because God has the last say so about your health, money and everything. Best wishes to you!

Many people do successfully work through chemotherapy, though experiences vary greatly depending on individual circumstances and treatment plans. This sounds like a stressful situation with multiple concerns about job security, health risks, and the practical challenges of balancing treatment with work responsibilities. Consider discussing workplace accommodations with your employer even without FMLA coverage, and don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare team about infection prevention strategies for your work environment - they may have helpful guidance for your specific situation.

I am working, but I am on chemo “lite” so it is easier to manage. I feel good day 1-4 but fatigue for a week after that. Ask your doctor how you can expect to feel on each days of your treatment cycle. Work with your manager to schedule days off during the times you can expect to feel worse than other days. Good luck with your short term disability.

Use gloves don’t be ashamed. Also wearing a mask. Don’t be ashamed to do that. That’ll help with the your possible neutropenia ,hydrate and rest as much as you can. It sounds like a like a terrible predicament. Sorry to hear that Sheila how much chemo do you need to do?

Jennifer l I will go thru 5 months of treatment. A mix of 2 drugs at every other week for so long. Then a 3rd drug weekly. After that 4 weeks of radiation. Just got my port put in on the 14th. Very nervous about them sticking me thru that. The area is quite sensitive. As far as work my STD was approved till November 22nd then more paperwork will need to be submitted. And im supposed to get back pay. So I'm good for now anyway. It was a real stress reliever to get the email with the approval. Hopefully it continues thru treatment. I am also on SSDI for severe Narcolepsy. But I manage to work 20 hours a week. It gets quite hard because my body is used to the meds so I still fight to stay awake while working. I can't imagine working with the extra fatigue from chemo on top of the fatigue from my narcolepsy. I won't be able to function on my job or drive to work or home safely. Then all the other common side effects from chemo.

Sheila you’re 100% right. P. S I was afraid of the pain with accessing my new port There’s a cream to put on the numb the area. We need a script for this I didn’t have it yesterday and my port was so sensitive but the needle was not so bad! Deep breathing helps It’s gonna be okay!