Hello everyone. It's been a while since I posted a blog and wanted to share what has happened since my 'all clear'. I couldn't go back to the work I was doing because of standing for long stretches of time ( left with Lymphoedema in foot and lower leg so proud owner of 'sexy' compression stockings!). I have signed on at the local Jobcentre and they have been very helpful and arranging for me to see a Disability Advisor to see what kind of work I CAN do. I had mentioned to my wonderful friend who came on this journey with me that I felt I would be useful working in a Cancer environment/help-line etc but thought it was just wishful thinking.
BUT, this week my local hospital has started advertising for positions in the new Cancer centre that has taken over 2yrs to build but will open in May. I had walked past this wonderful building every day as it rose up from the ground and felt an affinity with it even before my diagnosis. One of the vacancies is for a Cancer Information and Support Assistant and as I checked the job spec's it was EVERYTHING I said I had wanted to do, supporting patient's and their families when given distressing news,giving non-medical advice re services at the Centre on the phone etc. The only thing that was a problem was the spec's said it was 'essential' to have ECDL. Well, computers and me do not get on. I can use them ie I can email/use the internet /use Word etc but they keep going haywire when I use them lol. Now, normally I would have thought "oh well, can't apply for that then" but this time I took the bull by the horns and phoned the contact number and spoke to a very nice lady. I explained that I was highly experienced in working with the public (30 + years front-line worker in NHS) and that I had recently been treated for Cancer myself so had a personal understanding of how it feels to be given this diagnosis. I had experience in working in stressful situations over the years BUT I couldn't meet the ECDL part of the 'essential' requirements. I explained my problem with computers but said I could send faxes,photocopy,shred and laminate documents (other requirements for the job). I wanted to know was it worth me applying or would I be wasting people's time? She told me to apply!!! She said that my experience outweighed the computer problem lol! So, I have and now have fingers/eyes/toes crossed that I get an interview. I will let you know if anything comes of this.
I think of you all often and 'pop in' now and again to offer support to new members on the forums if I can.
Oh, and some positive news, my eldest daughter got engaged last week and told me the wedding will be 25th Oct THIS year!!!! I'm taking my Mum with me up to Lincoln next weekend for Mother's Day treat to visit my daughter and now we will be looking at wedding dresses, how exciting!!!!!
Take care one and all
pheonix xxx
FormerMember
and stuff the ECDL. I am self taught on need to know basis and look what I have achieved!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You can always find out. But it would be good if they will pay for you to learn it. It would be useful to you and being taught is easier than trying to figure it all out for yourself.
It just goes to show that the right job for you is within your reach. Good luck. You would be ideal for it. I think it would be lovely to go to the advice centre and find you there, even if I didn't already know you.
It will be lovely to help choose the wedding dress. I had come into some money, so just donated a cheque. My husband didn't want me to have to lock horns with my very difficult mother on how it was to be. It was a lovely dress in the end.
That is great news. Sometimes 'fate' takes a hand and guides us down the right path, like my daughter marrying a guy with same name born on the exact same day... the 'Twilight Zone' lol!!! This job sounds as if it was made for you. Fingers and toes crossed for your successful application.
just read your blog good luck i hope you get the job. you would be great at it. thanks for your support to me keep us posted and congrat to your daughter brilliant news. take care sharon xx
