Staying healthy at work is always a good thing, but when you're in breast cancer treatment, it becomes more important. Cancer treatments often come with some side effects, such as a weakened immune system, fatigue, nausea, pain or chemo brain. Since you may be more vulnerable to workplace germs right now, take some simple actions to stay healthy at work.
1. Keep It Clean
Wash your hands before and after meals, after restroom visits, and when you have sneezed or coughed. Use hand sanitizer if you can't go use a sink. Clean up your work area with disinfectant wipes and give special attention to surfaces that you often touch: phone, desktop, keyboard, tools, doorknob, handles. Don't let germs roost on or around you.
2. Just Say No Thanks
Don't accept food and drink from your co-workers. People mean well, but if there are any food-borne bacteria in that potluck casserole on the lunch table, your immune system may not be up to fighting it. Use your own cup, glass, silverware, and plate – don't use or reuse anyone else's dishes. Give your coffee mug a daily washing-up and dry it well. If you need to use a plate, use paper plates and plastic ware, then toss them out.
3. Play The Keep-Away Game
Avoid direct contact with anyone who has cold or flu symptoms. You don't need a fever, cough, or drainage issues. Don't be rude; just keep some distance from them. Many people will come to work while they are sick – they don't intend to spread bugs, but you know it happens. Stay upwind of smokers if you can, and get help to stop smoking, if you do.
4. Drink Up
Drink water -- at least 6 to 8 glasses (48 to 64 ounces) each day. Water is great for flushing toxins and drugs out of your body. Skip caffeinated beverages to avoid drying out your tissues. Unsweetened juice and sports drinks are also good for keeping you hydrated. Swear off alcohol for the duration, or for good.
5. Eat What's Good For You
Maintain a healthy diet, even at work. While fast food and vending machine snacks are quick and easy, those aren't as good for you as meals you can bring from home or buy at a reasonable restaurant. Go light on the meats and heavy on the veggies, spare the sugar, and don't order anything with hot peppers. Keep some sugar-free hard candies and mints on hand for those times when you have a dry mouth. Your body will thank you for being kind and gentle with all your tissues – after all, they have plenty of challenges right now anyway.
6. Mop Up Operation
Keep paper tissues on hand in your workspace. You will find that paper tissues come in handy for coughing, sneezing, and a runny nose. If you're having chemo and your nose hairs have gone away, your nose may drain more freely than usual. Tissues are also good for those moments when you feel the tears coming on, or when a friend or co-worker gets weepy. Try the tissues with moisturizer built in, if your skin is particularly dry.
7. Fan Away The Heat
Have a small fan handy to send your hot flashes flying. Chemotherapy and hormonal therapy can lower your estrogen and cause menopausal symptoms. Position your fan strategically so all you have to do it turn it on to get a breeze. If you can combine a drink of cold water with cool air from a fan, you'll be banishing that hot flash from inside and outside. Now that's efficient!
8. Spread The News
Let your supervisor and selected co-workers know about the ups and downs of your health. Make a list of tasks and critical information (routine duties, passwords, account names, etc) that your boss may need if you're away for a while. People who like you can be very supportive, on and off the job. If you need to delegate or get help with tasks, co-workers will be more willing if they know the reason behind your request. If you're going to be in treatment for a while and want to keep everybody posted without explaining over and over, set up a free patient information site on CaringBridge. Friends, family, and co-workers can sign up to automatically get your updates.
9. Take Things Easy
Take breaks if you need to deal with side effects of treatment, such as fatigue, nausea, or pain. Find a spot to rest – the bathroom, a lounge area or break room – and give yourself 10 – 15 minutes to relax and wait until you feel better. If your side effects don't ease up or respond to medication, let your supervisor know that you may need to go home and recover. You can't be efficient at work if you feel lousy and your co-workers will be affected or may feel uncomfortable if you are visibly ill. Do all of the routine tasks that you are able to do because keeping busy helps keep your mind occupied and your emotions on an even keel.
10. Time Things Carefully
Schedule treatment appointments late in the afternoon or end of the week, to minimize breaks in your workday and save travel time. Having a late afternoon treatment allows you time to go home and recover, if you are having fatigue or other side effects. If you know that your side effects will require more that just overnight recovery time, try to have those done Thursdays or Fridays, and extend your recuperation through the weekend.
Sources:
Will I be able to work while I am getting treatment? Working During Cancer Treatment. American Cancer Society. Accessed on August 16, 2010.
