Hello, I’m having maintenance treatment for ovarian cancer following diagnosis last April. I have a seven year old and I’m a single parent.
I’ve returned to my teaching job, though I’m now in mainstream rather than the specialist unit where I was before. I’m working 3 days a week - one less than previously - but even with the reduced working week, I’m finding it so tough.
There is usually a huge pile of marking, washing up or ironing to do and quite frequently all three. I’m exhausted. I just about manage but, you know, all of this can lead one to question whether just about managing is really enough!
if things don’t go well at work (I’ve got a challenging class) I feel it more keenly than I ever did before. I find it really hard to pick myself up after a difficult day
I would love to hear from other teachers (and non-teachers too) about how they have managed and any changes they made.
Katie
I am full of admiration for you to be managing ovarian cancer whilst holding down your teaching job, running your home and taking care of your seven year old. Those are all tough gigs! I can only say that I am dealing with one of these. challenges, and it’s not teaching or looking after a youngster, which no matter how much joy they bring is a full on job.
I haven’t got a care plan yet (seeing my Consultant today now) but I have so much pain that I’m barely keeping house and there is only Hubby and me. I hope someone will come along who has a more shared experience that you can benefit from. Until then I’m just going to send you a hug and tell you your doing a fantastic job and I hope that there are suggestions that can give you some ease in dealing with all that you are facing . 
Hello KateH, Thank you for your message,, well I guess we are all just trying to help each other in the best way we can. I just know that your job can be stressful at the best of times. My lovely Daughter in Law is a teacher and I have seen how much work has to be done well beyond the school day, with marking planning, meetings, as well as all the work and research that goes into making your classroom a bright, interesting, fun, inviting place to for learning it’s another full time job,! My lovely daughter also works in education and although happy in her present job, was very stressed and being made unwell in the last setting. These great women have their own homes and families to look and do have the support of their partners, and we try to help too. Nevertheless I feel that it takes a very special kind of person to teach, encourage, listen and help youngsters be the best they can be. So you just give yourself a gentle pat on the back when you’re achieving all this whilst trying to regain your health. Much love and respect to you. Still hoping that someone will be out there to give you the practical strategies to help you. I do hope that your Head and colleagues are supportive, there is help in dealing with employment on the site too. It’s just that I haven’t had to look for that.
I was dreading to go to my appointment, although I knew from my previous meeting with this consultant That she would do the very best for me. In 2020, yes that year, she did a very difficult Hysterectomy for womb cancer. The Ovarian Cancer is a new cancer. So I will hear in the next couple of weeks if and how we can proceed. The good thing is that pain management is going to to be a priority too and I feel that that will make a huge difference to life. I came away feeling better, not with rosy specs on but feel with the real support of my Consultant, Health care professionals, my GPs, Nurses, my Hubby and caring family, that I will still have a good life. I value this site more now than ever. I will just have to look for all the Positives whilst not ignoring the negs to make a good life 
Gonna have to keep reminding myself of that!
All the best to you
Lorna
