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time to give up work

Pigginheck
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Hi I’m currently working over 40 hours a week in a hospitality company, I was diagnosed with secondary bone cancer nearly three years ago and am taking various medications to keep it at bay, but the last few weeks although I have been able to do my work now I’m feeling very tired, it’s quite a busy role cleaning multiple kitchens and stocking them for the next event and so on and I’m feeling it is getting to much, I’m thinking I might have to give my notice, I’m really struggling with sickness, lack of appetite, weight loss, tiredness but I’m scared to give in. My partner has saved for our future and I’m feel guilty to stop working and have to watch the pennies and not be able to earn a living, my mind is in constant turmoil because I know I don’t feel well but feel I have to carry on. Any advice please x

  • Hi Pigginheck,

    Thanks for getting in touch and welcome back I see that you are on other groups. I hope this is helpful for you.  I’m Kate one of the Cancer Information Nurses Specialists here on the Macmillan Support Line. I am sorry to hear that you were diagnosed with secondary bone cancer and that you are struggling with symptoms.

    It is important to get assessed and contact your team if you are finding that your symptoms have changed or worsening.

    When having a diagnosis of secondary cancer, it is important to find that quality of life balance and prioritising what is important to you.

    I would advise for you to speak to your manager to make them aware of how you are feeling. They are there to support you if you want to keep working. There may be an Occupational health service attached to your company or an Employee assistance Programme that may be helpful to you.

    You may be able to do less hours if you are financially able to do this. This may help bring some balance back into your life if you want to continue to work. There may be other options for you also If you are not able to work due to your increasing symptoms. For example, you may be able to retire early.

    I would advise you to contact our welfare rights team who can help you access benefits you may be entitled to as you are living with cancer.

     

    I hope this information is useful. Please don’t hesitate to get back in contact by email, webchat or phone, if you need further information or support.

    The Macmillan Support Line offers practical, clinical, financial and emotional support. You can call us free from landlines and from most mobile phone networks* on 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week, 8am – 8pm.

     take care.

    Kate,

    Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

     Ref KE/DW

     

     

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