Benefits of Working Through Cancer Treatment

I was extremely fortunate to be able to work full-time, from home, during breast cancer treatment.

I also know that working or having flexibility during treatment isn’t possible for everyone, and that’s completely valid. 

Some people experience side effects that make working too hard or physically impossible.

But if it is possible for you, even part-time or from home, it can come with some unexpected emotional benefits.

Why I Continued to Work

One study found that 77% of women with breast cancer, including those with early and advanced disease, felt that working aided in their recovery.

I also found it helped with my recovery. For me, continuing to work while undergoing treatment (except for my infusion days) helped me: 

✅ feel productive

♥️ have a sense of personal fulfillment & purpose

🕗 add structure to my days 

Most importantly, working gave me something else to focus on besides the “C” word and feeling sick. And on my really hard days, I gave myself permission to step back and rest. I was able to nap or lie down between meetings, work unusual hours that best suited me, and even just take on fewer projects.

It wasn’t about pushing through—it was about staying connected to a part of myself that I enjoyed and that helped me feel normal.

#factfriday