Awake and up all night

Im living with cancer and work is pressing to go back. I dont feel like im ready but don't want to loose my job 

Evening Cindy, and a warm welcome to our group.

I'm really sorry to hear about your problem, and I'm not entirely sure, but I think there are things in place that prevent employers from demanding cancer patients return to work before they're fully able to. Maybe others here know more about it, but maybe your HR Department could be helpful.

Good luck, but don't feel under pressure to go back until you're good and ready sweetheart xxx

Hi, well now 2 weeks post op & recovering well at home. Surgery removed as much as safely possible of brain tumour & now awaiting follow up appt to confirm type & treatment- expecting to have both radiotherapy & chemotherapy to attempt to put it into remission. Feeling well & surprisingly calm & in a good headstone, just taking a day at a time and focusing on being as fit & well as possible for treatment. My brother was a brilliant support & stayed with me for 2 weeks & will come back if needed. My friends too are amazing, making sure I get out & don't spend too much time at home alone. And I've been to my usual art & craft groups, helping things feel normal. I still occasionally use the YouTube meditations I'd found if I wake in the night as I find they help me drift off again, though I'm generally sleeping much better. I'm deliberately choosing not to read the brain/glio forums, as I want to focus on keeping my mind in a good place without looking too far ahead, and just be guided by how I am and the advice from my consultant and team. Sure I’ll be posting here again, but for now, think I'll get back to sleep. Thank you all for your previous comments of support xx

Should say headspace above! Don't you just hate predictive text!

Hello Homebird, for when you drop back in. Thank you for sharing your news and it's great to know you're on the mend and feeling so positive. It's good you've got support and getting out again, and the art groups are a brilliant way to focus on your normal activities.

All the very best for when your results and treatment plan are revealed, and your spirited determination will keep you in good stead. Sending you warmest wishes and hugs and yes, predictive text is a sod! xxx

Good morning, 

I am sorry to hear work is being a bit difficult. I am no expert in employment law, but I have read that having cancer and even if cured we are protected under the equality and diversity act. Which states we are covered and have a protected identity like any other disability (gov.uk) So work should be being doing all it can to make reasonable adjustments to support your return. 

I would suggest to give the helpline a call as they will have more knowledge around this area of employment. Also if you're in a union or have a HR department you can contact them too. 

All the best, 

Jamie 

Hello Cindy (Cindy09 ) 

I am so sorry to read your post and that your employer is pressing you to go back to work.

If you have a cancer diagnosis the law considers this a disability and your employment is protected and you have various rights. Here's a link with plenty of information for you:

Work and Cancer - Your rights.

I hope this helps you - if you have any specific questions you can get additional help with this link:

Ask an Information and Support Adviser 

If I can do anything else for you, please do get back to me.

Best wishes - Brian.

iv not long called the criss line and they was only one person manning the phone s and i got told someone be they alk night i had a cry on the phone with the criss line. 

Morning Doreen. Did the call help you at all love? You sound like you've got the blues xxx

I'm so confused by these... "so called chat forums" thought they would be more active. 

I hope talking to the crisis line helped x