Lots of members on the Online Community must navigate when and if to go back to work. If you’re not sure what to do about work, you’re not alone. Every month, we’re featuring someone from Macmillan’s Digital Storytelling project. The Digital Storytelling Project is a way for people to share their experiences as a video. Today, we’re featuring Diana. Diana talks about her experiences going back to work. Diana is sharing her story today to help others who are considering when to go back to work.
Diana decided to go back to work after cancer treatment because she was feeling lonely. Work can look different for everyone affected by cancer. Some people may want to go back to work as soon as they can. Some people may need a longer recovery. It’s important to make sure you feel you have the right support to do what feels right for you.
Diana found she was having difficulties when she went back to work. She felt exhausted by the time she drove to work. She also felt cold at her desk.
While Diana was able to access some reasonable adjustments, she still felt she wasn’t coping. Diana needed more support from her employer.
Diana describes what her video is about:
Watch Diana’s video below:
Diana mentions in her video that Macmillan has lots of booklets to help people around work and cancer. You can access these online below or order physical copies:
There’s lots of support from Macmillan around talking to your employer and accessing the right support. Our work support team are experts in your rights at work. Our team are here to help you. Our Work Support team are available on our Support Line 0808 808 00 00, send an email or use live webchat between 8am – 6pm, Monday to Friday. You can also talk to our work support team on the Online Community in the “Ask a Work Support Adviser” section on the Online Community.
Diana was able to use her experiences to support a colleague who was diagnosed with the same type of cancer. Sometimes, talking to someone who can understand can really help.
Here on the Online Community, we have lots of cancer forums where you can find people going through a similar experience. Look through our list of cancer forums or use the search bar to find a group that feels right for you. You can join a forum by clicking “Join” under “Options.” You can then post in a forum when you’re ready by clicking “+new” or “+” next to the forum title. You can also scroll through other people’s posts and click “reply” to get involved.
It can be difficult to cope with feeling that you aren’t the same person you were before your diagnosis. What you can manage at work and at home may look different. How you feel about your job may be different too. Our Community News blog ‘Coming to terms with a cancer diagnosis’ talks more about coping with these emotions.
Diana’s video is all about making sure you take your time and get the support you need. Going back to work and recovering from cancer can be a different process for everyone. The Online Community and Macmillan’s other support options are here for you.
Diana’s video was created with the Digital Storytelling Project. Macmillan’s Digital Storytelling workshops support people affected by cancer to tell their stories in their own words.
We’d like to thank Diana for sharing her video with us. There’s lots of support available for you whether you’ve just been diagnosed, a loved one has been diagnosed or you are recovering from cancer treatment. If you need help getting the right support at work, please remember you can contact Macmillan’s Work support service. Why not take a look around the Online Community and read other members’ experiences at work?
Watch more Digital Storyteller videos:
Read more from the Digital Storytelling Project:
Read more about cancer and work:
