Ask HN: Have you undergone chemotherapy treatment?

1 points by Wonnk13 9y ago ↗ HN

Over Christmas I went into surgery to have a tumor removed from my colon and I was diagnosed with stage 2 colon cancer (T4M0N0). We're now weighing the pros / cons of chemotherapy.

I'm curious if anyone was able to continue working while being treated? I'm 28 and pretty fit, but I know this stuff is probably going to knock my socks off to some extent. I do really want to keep my brain engaged to the highest extent possible; ideally I'd like to continue working from home four days a week. Anyone have any anecdotes they'd like to share?

2 comments

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dfraser992 9y ago ↗

I'm sorry to hear of your diagnosis. I was diagnosed with stage 2 melanoma back in Aug, a month before I was to start grad school. It got revised upwards, it was thicker than they initially thought, but the lymph node biopsy showed it hadn't metastasised. I dodged that bullet... so I don't have any advice.

But I would say keep the focus on your health. It was a emotional roller coaster for a bit, surprisingly, and I compartmentalized for awhile. I'm sure going through chemo will be even more 'fun'... I would have deferred going to grad school. Good luck!

senior_james 9y ago ↗

My cousin in almost in your position exactly (and is a software developer).

Stage 2 colon cancer, has a tumor, they couldn't remove it and is now undergoing chemotherapy.

This all happened 3 years ago. His tumor is still there and he's on his second round of chemo.

I visited him many times and some weeks are better than others. Sometimes he's great and can work a few days a week. Other times, he's so sick from the chemo, he's bed-ridden for weeks at a time.