Like So Many Others, Julia Louis-Dreyfus Returns to Work After Treatment for Cancer

It’s estimated there will be 1,735,350 new cases of cancer diagnosed in the United States this year, according to the National Cancer Institute, and almost half of those cases will involve people between the ages of 20 and 64. That means a huge number of Americans are likely balancing cancer and a career.

For a lot of people, cancer will make it difficult to continue working, however, many survivors tells us that having a job to go to is a welcome distraction and provides an element of normalcy. Tiffany Dyba, 36, is undergoing treatment for breast cancer and continues to work as a career coach and consultant. “For me, it was extremely important, as someone who loves my work, to not give that up. That said, the way you work will undoubtedly change,” Tiffany tells SurvivorNet. “You never know how you are going to feel after treatment, so it is so important to take space for yourself and remain flexible.”

 

 

Melissa Berry, who works in PR and also began running her Cancer Fashionista blog after her diagnosis, says she initially wanted to quit her job, but continued through treatment. “In hindsight, it was a flipping blessing that I had to work, because it was the one piece of me that felt so normal,” Melissa says. “If there’s one message I can share … if you can work, or if you can keep at least part of your work in your world while you're going through your treatment, give it a try, because it will really give you a sense of positivity.”

While work may help mentally, it’s still important to consider if you are physically able before going back. “Some patients can work through their treatment, others cannot,” says Dr. Elizabeth Comen, a medical oncologist and advisor to SuvivorNet. “The key is that they have open conversations with their doctor about what their needs are, what their work entails (especially if physical labor is involved), and sort through what options they may have with their employer.”

For Sharon Spencer, a breast cancer survivor who works in guest services at the Barclays Center, getting a new job after completing her treatment has been therapeutic and given her a sense of purpose. “I just think it’s so wonderful that I had a second chance to even work again, [working] is such good physical and mental therapy for me,” Sharon says. Her message: “Take one day at a time, try to get through that day. Deal with tomorrow tomorrow and today today.”

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