Good prognosis guilt.

Thanks, this forum has been really helpful and supportive. Should have joined sooner. X

This sounds so familiar. I preface any conversation with how caught early and how fortunate I am. I think it is a defence mechanism partly so I don't stop and think about how scary it has all been and still is. I also didn't want my children to be frightened or my work to decide they no lobger could rely on me. Now the Radiothetapy is over and I am trying to get to grips with the electric pains in my breast which the oncologist advised will last for several years and can feel quite scary at times (is it the lump growing back? Is it my heart?) and the side effects of Letrazole. zit os now thst the emotions are trying to take hold. But I still pass people I know at the shops and when they call out 'how are you' I always just shout 'fine'. But I'm not fine. Not really. Not yet.

Sorry for all the spelling mistakes. I have a cat nudging my arm for my attention as I type lol

This is so familiar. I tell people who know I've had cancer that I have been lucky. Good prognosis, no chemo.

I don't want to worry anyone.

Actually I have been flipping unlucky in having cancer full stop.

I am tired, sore after finishing rt but because I've insisted I'm fine so far, I find it hard to say Actually I feel crap at the minute as the perception of others is that its done and dusted.

Exactly this. The tiredness hit me yesterday, only walked to local shops (about 20 mins) but every step back was an effort.

I get that. Response is always , I'm fine. definitely protecting others feelings. 

It is a relief really to hear I am not the only one struggling with exhaustion. I kept thinking I shoyld be back up to normal strength by now. But I'm really nit. I have told work I shall be back next week as I can't see the fatigue disapoearing any time soon and I just get more down sitting around at home feeling sorry for myself. I think I need the distraction of work again after a few weeks off but I know they will be expecting me to back to full strength and firing on all cylinders!

Hi Mag. I had a total of 4 weeks off for my treatment in 2 blocks of 2 weeks and found going back to work helpful as it gave me a structure and distraction plus some sense of normality. Like you I found being off made me feel more sorry for myself but I was fortunate that I healed quickly after surgery and RT went ok too.

I have a very supportive employer and was able to work flexibly for the first couple of weeks each time i went back so if I felt tired I had " permission" to log off a bit early ( we're still working at home) which I did need a couple of times so hope you get the same support.  A cancer diagnosis is recognised within employment law so your emoyer has to make reasonable adjustments as needed.

What I also noticed was my sleep pattern has got much better which I put down to a combination of daily structure and activity, acupuncture and time passed. 

Hope your return to work goes well xx

I worked right up to having surgery. In my head, I thought 4 weeks and I'd be back at work.

I've had 3 months off...

The surgery recovery took around 4 weeks but what I hadn't factored in was the letrozole, absolutely flooring me with fatigue. 

Just finished rt and it's sore.

My sick note ran out at the start of rt, so I asked my gp for a note to cover another 2 weeks and she said not to rush back and I have a note for 2 months. 

I'm with you Mag123 in feeling tired but I'm going to request a phased return from next week. I have a stressful job but a good boss who is happy to let me ease myself back into the fray. Plus I  can work from home.

I feel very disconnected, so I need to get back to a routine.

Mag123, don't let work push you, as already mentioned you have a right to reasonable adjustment and you need to protect your health as you are still recovering.

I'll be thinking of you next week xx