When people hear the word remission, they believe the story has a happy ending. They imagine that once the treatment is over, life simply returns to normal. That you pick up where you left off. That everything goes back to the way it was before. But nobody tells you what happens next. Nobody tells you that cancer can take far more than your health. It can take your career, your confidence, your financial security, and sometimes even the identity you spent decades building. I know this because it happened to me.
The Diagnosis That Changed Everything I spent over two decades working in healthcare. Operating theatres were not just my job — they were my life. I started my career at the very bottom, working my way up through dedication, learning and a genuine passion for patient care. Eventually I became a Theatre Manager, responsible for leading teams and ensuring the highest standards of safety and care for patients undergoing surgery. It was a role I was incredibly proud of. Then I was diagnosed with lung cancer. The moment you hear the word cancer, your entire world stops. Everything you thought your future looked like suddenly becomes uncertain. Treatment became my focus. Surgeries, appointments, recovery, and trying to stay strong through it all. Like many people facing cancer, I put all my energy into fighting the illness. What I didn’t realise at the time was that surviving cancer would be only one part of the battle.
So sorry to hear, I guess you probably hear this quite a lot I’m only 22 and still in the process of fighting the battle but when I share my story I get told this a lot ( I hear a lot of sorry’s ) but it’s comforting being able to share my story with others and hear from others who actually understands what I’m going through.
Your words resonate with me. I was told the C word 2 days ago and half of me is thinking about the god awful experience I have coming up and half of me is thinking is that now the end of my working career....
Hi I'm so sorry that you have got to go through this. Don't think about work focus on you. Work comes later. I gave my life to an organisation who I thought would look after me when I needed them but turns out we are just a number. I had 6 months off and returned to a demanding job new management. It wasn't the place I left. I now focus on me and my recovery. I don't know if I will go back to my career or help others who have and who will be going through some tough times.
Honestly, I feel this so much. You do hear ‘sorry’ a lot, and while people mean well, there’s something different about speaking to someone who actually understands the journey. It takes a lot of courage to share your story, especially at 22, and you should be so proud of yourself. I’m really glad you reached out—you’re not alone in this at all
Hi it’s so annoying people saying sorry but I suppose that’s ll they can say. I just tell them I’m glad it’s me and not my disabled hubby or our daughters or grandchildren.
Each and everyone doesn’t want this battle but as one with so many like minded people that we can be rlly honest with we will keep fighting. Best wishes
