This is just so hard

Hi Jay1 

A big welcome from me . Sorry to hear about your situation . I can’t answer it directly  as I came here for my mum , also a stage 4 patient since 2009 and she has just started continuous treatment but  using a single targeted treatment. She is also much older than you so a completely different perspective.

However a couple of points you might find helpful .

Macmillan has teamed up with Bupa to offer six free counselling sessions . It’s in response to the reality that half the battle is with the mental health aspects that accompany this process . 
Our helpline staff can assist with the details and some may be possible remotely if you feel that might be of assistance .

The other aspect the helpline team could advise you on employment rights . They have all the up to date information on the legislation and would be happy to chat this through with you . I guess the aspect regarding your fitness to return and at what level would require some medical input but no harm in finding out .

Additionally bowel cancer U.K. has a forum and supports from people who are on continuous treatment and you might find it beneficial to link in with some of the Long term users to see how they balance it out in practice .

Take care ,

Court 

Thanks for your reply ot was really helpful. 

Hi Jay1

I'm so sorry that you are dealing with this I am in a different position to you however I worked in Education for a while and know what joy that can bring but in todays stressful attainment targets and endless paperwork it can be exhausting 

Do you have a good relationship with your head? 
I realise that you will be covered by sick I myself was out for three months a different reason but my head encouraged me to be with my son. She had cover I was only assisting and teaching art not so important as you 

It must be so difficult  I wouldn’t change careers yet  

If you feel at a later date you’d like to get back teaching part time it may be possible  I just realised I didn’t ask what key stage you are  do they even call that now?

I think it may be a good idea to list pros and cons and talk to your head and really think what you want  I hope that the school will support you in whatever you decide 

Take care Jay  I hope that your treatment goes well 

Best wishes 

Hi Jay

I have incurable cancer and have been on continuous chemo (with a few necessary breaks) since September 2020.  I have been on quite a few different treatments and am now on Regotafenib after some recent spread, which is 3 weeks of tablets and one week off.

I see friends when I am feeling well and also family for meals etc, we go on short breaks to the coast too.  I'm not saying it is easy because it isn't,  I get as much rest as I can and just try and live a "normal" when ever possible. 

I hope this is helpful to you. X

Hi Marycl

Thanks for sharing. 

Your post gives many of hope 

With Kind regards