New here feeling low

Oh Looby , you really are being too hard on yourself . You’ve been through so much . I’m so sorry to hear you’ve lost your husband too . Going back to work is hard physically and mentally , especially the work you do looking after others . I wonder if you could maybe shorten your hours to start with . You don’t want to burn yourself out . Please take care . Sending a hug XX

Hi  and a warm welcome to the board. I think you’ve answered your own question! Yes you need to slow down and listen to your body but it’s hard if you’re used to being busy. Have you gone back on phased return or straight full time? Maybe take a step back and reduce your hours? You will find that the operation knocks you for six and if you’re already on level 5 then it’s going to hit you even harder! Try to tell yourself that this is recovery and preparation time - go to work my all means - I found it to be a great distraction - but don’t work to the point of exhaustion. Now is the time to be eating well, exercising and building your strength up for the next step. 
Im sorry to hear about you losing your husband. Life can be very unfair at times but we’ll be happy to help and support you through your treatment and then you can pick your life back up

Take care

Karen x

Thanks NellyB. I know I’m hard on myself but I’m so stubborn. I’ve gone back phased return and going in later and leaving earlier.

Went back phased return but This week was the first week back on 4 days and it has really tired me out. I need to speak with my manager and go back to 3 or even 2 days. You are of course right in that I need to see this as recovery and prep time but I don’t want to let my colleagues down even though I know they won’t think that, it’s my headset I need to sort really, I’m that used to looking out for other people I forget about myself and at the moment I’m the one I need to look out for.

Hi, , please slow down and listen to your body. I think I am paying the price now for trying to carry on both through surgery, chemo and covid. My head and inclination was to keep going, but with hindsight this was probably a wrong move. Take care xx

Hi Gemmary, thanks for your reply. I am learning the hard way that I need to slow down. Everyone tells me the same and I’ve realised they are right. So sorry you are suffering but I understand where you were coming from.

Hi 

Something that has surprised me despite my training with mental health is how much cancer affects people's mental and emotional well-being. 

I was low between my long chemo / radio treatment while waiting for surgery and the waiting was hard. 

I called the Macmillan chat line and was able to access some counselling which has been invaluable to help me get through the surgery as well. 

I have one of them heads too where I start listening when things get tough enough.

Be kind to yourself and rest when you can. 

Take care

Kev

Hi Kev, sounds like exactly what I am going through now, feel like I’m in limbo till I get surgery over and done with!

I will ring the chat line and see about counselling sounds like a good idea.

Thanks for the advice Kev and hope your surgery was successful x

Hi Looby, I just don’t know how you are doing it. I had chemoradiation for 5 weeks, I was so tired. I’ve had bowel op and on chemo now, I’m wiped out. Please don’t over do it. Just put yourself first. Slow down and take care. Xx