4 weeks post treatment

Hi Eleni D

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting through treatment.

It's still early days in your recovery and while my pain didn't go in and out other aspects of recovery did and still do, so I would have said it's normal but if you are worried contact your medical team.

I finished treatment 6th November and was back in work full-time by the end of November, while I coped I did get tired and still do, if finances had allowed I would have taken more time.

While it's considered good practice unfortunately employers are under no legal obligation to let you have a phased return. In my opinion a cancer diagnosis highlights if you have a decent employer who puts employees first unfortunately alot seem to fall short. If you can afford to give yourself all the time you need and don't rush. Sending hugs. Xx

Hi Bungle1 and thanks for the reply!

Looking through some of the messages it does seem that people react differently to treatment and although side effects are similar, it affects people differently.

Thanks for clarifying about the phased return, it is good to hear about the legal side. I really do want to go back to work and get back to normal, but if the soreness is still there I'm not sure I would cope! I have up to 8 weeks on my sick note so fingers crossed the soreness will go by then.

Happy Easter!

Hi

Well done on getting through your treatment.. amazing achievement..

I still has some painful bm and come close to little accidents a few times..when I had the runs I did have more soreness..but not extreme pain..

I went back to work 6 weeks post treatment phased return 3 hours a day for 2 months until i see my dictor for 3 month scan results...my work have been amazing..but I work from home so don't have the pressure as you do for actually going into your workplace..

Speak to your gp or your oncologist if you don't feel fit enough fir going back..maybe give it another few weeks....I found a huge diffrence on how I feel week 8 than how I did on week 4..

Be kind to yourself and don't put to much pressure on yourself to be back to normal.. you body has gone through so much..everyone heals differently..

Stay positive ️ 

Oh yes we all react and cope differently with treatment. You've got another 4 weeks so hopefully things will be better by then but if not don't rush put yourself first. Happy easter to you too. Xx

Hi Eleni D ,

Welcome to the MacMillan Online Community & congratulations on completing your treatment, it’s not an easy journey is it?

I found very much this is how my recovery went, the fatigue was a prevalent side effect for me & right in the very beginning & I’d have a day where I’d potter around then have to rest for a couple of days, then soon after I would find I could do a couple of days where I felt more energetic & I’d only need one days rest to recharge.

I returned to work around 5-6 weeks post treatment & was lucky enough to start on a phased return, I couldn’t have started straight back full time at that point, I’ve since gone part-time. As Bungle1 has mentioned, if a phased return isn’t an option & if you can afford to extend your sick leave then take all of the time you need. You also may be surprised at the improvement that happens over the coming weeks.

Sending lots of healing thoughts your way. 

Nicola 

Thanks for the encouragement. I've generally been quite upbeat through the whole process, but have started to wonder if I will ever be back to normal, or near enough! I think because I thought i was getting better last week, when this week came and I felt worse I started to question everything.

Fingers crossed! 

Hi Eleni 

The law considers a cancer diagnosis to be a disability and gives you certain rights and protections. I’d suggesting calling the support line to chat through the rights you have to reasonable adjustments at work (the number to call is in my signature) and Macmillan have produced a booklet I’ll link to here which you may wish to read

Work and Cancer

Sarah xx

Hello Eleni

Another welcome from me! 

It really is still very early days in recovery for you, and unfortunately there are periods when symptoms worsen and then get better again.  I would take off more time if you can.  I feel so sorry for those who are still having side effects but have the additional worry of getting back to work - this is coming from someone who stayed in bed until lunchtime at the very least for a few months after treatment ended but I do realise that I am fortunate in being retired and the pressure is off.

Wishing you lots of luck in getting a solution that works for you.

Irene xx

Thank you, that booklet is really helpful.

I’m glad. There is a lot of information on the site about working and cancer and this link gives information about reasonable adjustments at work. You have been through difficult and demanding treatment and I hope you’ll get the support you need to return to work.

Reasonable adjustments

Sarah xx