Working with cancer

Hello Fighter33

To work or not to work during cancer is always a personal decision that is made by yourself and your doctors. It also depends on what you do and how many hours you do etc.I don't know who has told you that you should have worked but if you were diagnosed with cancer in October and have had 2 surgeries then it sounds to me like it was a sensible decision. You have given your body the best chance of healing and given yourself time to recover. It sounds like you may be having further treatment and may need to focus on that. 

I was told by my consultant that working during my treatments (surgery, chemo, radiotherapy) was not a good idea - I needed to focus on the treatments and avoid infections. Looking back I was far too unwell to even consider going to work. I still have not returned and am giving myself a chance to recover fully. 

Jane

Thank you so much jane2511. It was actually my dad who said it. He said I could’ve worked between treatments? I work in a care home who have actually had COVID back. I work on the domestic side and full time. I get very tired so quickly at the moment and don’t understand why? My breast care nurse and surgeon said it’s a six to twelve month recovery time. As I’ve has lymph nodes removed too I feel I’m at higher risk of infection and we all know what care homes are like for things like that. Especially this time of year too. I really hope you are now on the road to a full recovery.  Fighter33

Hi Fighter33,I don’t think so.You have made the best decision for you and it is a personal one.I had bladder cancer and was full time carer for my late disabled mum.I became more and more unwell and had to put mum into respite care.I was very reluctant but it was best for her.Aa soon as I had recovered from life saving surgery I got mum back home.You have to do what is right for you,best wishes Jane x

Tiredness is very normal. Both emotional and physical. Listen to your BCN and surgeon and don't be afraid to take their advice.

Your job is clearly very active, with long hours, and a risk of infection. Working in between treatments would likely have delayed your overall healing and recovery. I know in my case I really needed the time in between appointments and treatments to recover.

Sometimes people can be well meaning and perhaps Dad is struggling with you having cancer treatment and in a way if you had gone back to work it may have been easier for him to deal with/cope with. With you being off work- it might be that it is making it more real for him? I would just say what your BCN and surgeon have said- that it is a good 6-12 months recovery and this may in fact may need to be longer- if you are having more treatments.

Jane

Hello Winkers. Wow you’ve been through rough times. Thank you so much for the support. He’s made me feel awful for not working. I think you’re right though,I did make the right one. X

Thank you Jane. Your supportive words are helping me feel better about my decision. I get he’s finding it hard with my diagnosis but it’s harder for me. I’ve asked him to every appointment to help him understand what’s going on but I don’t think he’s been listening. I know I have to put myself first but words hurt. I can’t cope with it all. 

It's really sad that you are being bothered by what other people think. It's your life so do what the heck you like. Work is vastly overrated. Why not put your feet up and watch daytime TV while eating hob nobs. Who cares ? Best wishes and God bless.

Ah thanks Simon. I’ve really been letting him get to me,it’s hard not to when you’re feeling vulnerable. Haha,I’ve been doing just that but without the hob nobs but now you’ve mentioned it I feel a trip to the shops coming on. Thank you though. Best wishes to you too. 

Cancer is tiring.I’m sorry your dad is not being more understanding.I’m sure he wouldn’t have wanted you exposed to infections working in a care home though.It is hard not to take remarks personally but you have to try and ignore them.Love Jane xxx

Thanks winkers. He just doesn’t understand any of it. I’ve taken Simon’s remarks on board and went and got some chocolate hobnobs and I’m now in front of the tv ready to binge watch. Yes it is hard and I should be used to it by now. Guess I’m a little more sensitive at the moment. Xxx