Back at Work

I decided to go back to work today. I did it with due consideration to the concerns that family and friends had. Two main risks - exposure to possible bugs at the workplace and lunch options to match the hygiene standards required for someone with low immunity. The oncologist also reminded me of the irony with chemo - because of lessening side effects after Week 1, patients can sometimes let complacency set in just when immunity troughs in Week 2 and 3.

I wore my face mask almost the whole time I was in the office. I stuck a red-coloured note at my work area to let everyone passing by know that I had low immunity due to a medical treatment and that I would speak to them on the phone if they have a bug. I covered my cup with a tissue paper because I hadn't thought of bringing a lid from home. I brought a fruit salad for lunch even though I would have loved some chicken rice.

Nobody in the office had any expectations of me coming back to the office during my 6 months treatment. Everyone has gone out of their way to show me their utmost support. They've been reminding me to rest as much as I can and consider working from home if I felt the urge to work. But as perverse as it may sound, I miss being in the office. Or rather, I miss going about my routine on a regular work week. Don't get me wrong, I would love to be on a family holiday if I could. But staying at home just to let the day pass makes me lethargic and restless all at the same time. Makes me feel more sick than I really want to be.

I may not be able to do this in the later part of the treatment. The doctors did say that the lethargy builds up as the treatment progresses. Which I guess is another motivation for going into the office whilst I still feel I can. My wife was concerned that I am underestimating the risks and being idealistic about things. I wonder where she gets that idea from? :) I think having the right state of mind is important. Not to be reckless, but to keep the mind engaged, without compromising on the necessary precautions.

I should also mention that right now both my younger kids are having a cold. As it is the school holidays, they are at home the entire day. Ironically, that means that the office may be a safer place for me.

Verdict on today? I felt energised.