Hi I’m new here had a call diagnosis in Oct 23 and since then been carrying on as normal but my job involves a great deal of physical excursion and I’m curious as to is it possible to do to much as the fatigue kicks in a lot when I get home
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@Mrprice hi and welcome and I am sure the many volunteers will provide you with all the links shortly.
Just a quick question, what type of blood cancer have you been diagnosed with?
I have joys of the rare Polycythaemia vera (PV), had it for years apparently, did have it affect my daily life a lot, still waiting on the treatment plan.
But I work freelance driving and delivering, the photography side means a lot of walking, but the cancer did slow me right done with shortness of breath.
It all depends on your mind set as well as your physical strength, there is no one size fit all rule.
I, like many on here, have and are learning to balance the needs of life and work with having the inconvenience of some random hitchhikers wanting to highjack the body.
Based on my own experiences, especially now I know what is wrong, try to not beat yourself up on the bad days, plan to get breaks in or break down the jobs if you can.
Frustration with yourself will only make things worse, but you are already finding that out.
I also had to learn to build up my strength after the car crash which revealed the cancer, so learning from small steps to the toilet to walking several miles a day or hiking, has been a journey, but knowing why you sometimes need to walk slower, think about your options rather than be a Marvel (other alternative superhero’s are available) character and if, as is often the case in work, let some of the slackers do the work they are actually paid to do for a change. They will get used to it.
Rest when you can, crash and not feel guilty when you get home and enjoy the good days, because they really are good
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Hi @Mrprice a great big welcome to our forum and @clickinhistory has given you a brilliant response.
The Blood Cancer UK website gives some brilliant information Blood Cancer UK | We’re here to beat blood cancer
If you would like to speak to someone the Blood Cancer UK support line is also there for you on 0808 2080 888, opening hours apply.
When I was diagnosed and working full time I did work/sleep/run a house rather but that was 20 yrs ago. There is more to life.
I will give you a link about fatigue and it also has a section on work
Blood cancer and fatigue | Blood Cancer UK
My fatigue is also brought on by what personally stresses me as well as emotionally, physically, psychologically and practically.
I found writing a diary of my day and how my fatigue was helped.
Sometimes my fatigue comes on immediately and it is all too much, other times it can come on 24 hrs later.
I found it was all about getting to know how I tick.
Sometimes I need a nap or a sleep, other times fresh air and reasonable exercise.
Be kind to yourself and please do keep posting
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Hello @Mrprice
Welcome to the Forum and thank you for posting your questions and current situation.
Fatigue can be multi-factorial, so it’s important to understand what is causing it - certainly a physical job can be a huge contributing factor, but on top of that, as @Erica says, it can be psychological or physical.
Make sure to tell your Doctor or specialist nurse, as they may want to rule out things like anaemia or low grade infections, which can be the cause or worsen fatigue symptoms. Some hospitals/GP surgeries can offer Fatigue management courses, so ask about that too. Do consider that your diagnosis may have affected your mental health too, this is very common, but under reported, so please ask for support if you think this may be a contributing concern.
Are you able to discuss you workload with your boss, and maybe limit the amount of physical exertion or share the hard tasks with someone else?
Finding a work/life balance is key to staying well and having quality of life - though easier said than done sometimes!
Please know you can call our support line if you wish to discuss anything further: 0808 2080 888.
Take care of yourself. Heidi.
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