I have had to make a painful decision

Oh Helen, this was the first thing I opened on my iPad this morning and felt so sad for you. It is not an admission of failure to stop work due to health reasons. Once you’ve embraced the slower pace you can get your life back and maybe your better health too. Lots of people give up work and actually find the lack of pressure is a healing process without realising it! Your health is of paramount importance! I trust your GP/even oncologist can offer some solutions to your current ailments? Wishing you the very best

Helen, you have fought so hard and should not feel like you have failed, in fact far from it. I am not working at the moment and like you I have always worked. I go to different cancer support groups and do some of the craft clubs or have a complimentary treatment which still keeps me active but if I do feel tired which is often then I won’t attend and there is no pressure. 

wishing you all the best

Maxine

Hi, I was so sorry to read your post, but as others have said, this is about putting your health first.  My only suggestion (and no knowing what you do) is to ask if you can reduce hours to a low level of part time work rather than giving up completely?  I just wondered if this is worth considering, and maybe if not now, in the future,  best wishes 

Thank you so much. I am sure you are right. The g p and consultant are pushing me to do it so i must and to be honest i am so tired i kmow its for the best, its juat going to be hard to start with. It's nice to have you all there it helps so much.

Thankyou all

Helen

ENJOY THE BEST OF THE WEATHER SOONEST HELEN!!

Hi Helen 

like the others have said maybe a complete break would be good, a shock to your mind but kind to your body. As you will have time and space be open to new ways and different ways  of doing things.

be open and you may surprise yourself! You are definitely not a failure, this is space for you.

keep writing here , a diary if you like, of your shifts in perspective, I’d be interested to know how you get on!

J x

Hi @Helen2021, definitely not a failure to give up work due to your ongoing ill health. It’s totally understandable to feel that way but try to keep reminding yourself that it’s NOT YOUR FAULT!! None of us asked to get cancer. 
Like you, I went back to work after ‘active treatment’. Still on ongoing hormone treatment. I hadn’t had even a day off sick in years (was a special needs teacher) and thought I’d just need a couple of weeks off for the op. In reality I was off for 4 months, which took me to 4 weeks after radiotherapy finished. I was very lucky to be fully supported by school, went back on a phased return, but could never work up to going back full time. The best I managed was alternate days so 3 days per week. I felt guilty when I was off, guilty when I couldn’t face 2 days in a row, and guilty when I couldn’t actually cope with the job at all. Eventually I was signed off sick long term and eventually retired on ill health grounds. A very long, anxious and painful process but the right decision. 
I am now very happy to be retired, albeit earlier than planned. My sanity saver is walking, see my profile for my raves about Nordic walking which helped my post rads breast lympheodema. I am mainly to be found on the Walking back to happiness thread these days. 
Good luck with it all, sending love and a big virtual hug your way, HFxx 

Thank you all so much. I always turn to this site when down and despairing. It's so lovely to feel part of you all. I have just woken up again, bad day so drained, but you all give me hope.

Sorry you feel so rough.  Talk to MacMillan benefit advisor to see your entitlements.  You can also claim PIP while working .  Again MacMillan can help you with forms. 

community.macmillan.org.uk/.../1758036

1. Have you got support for your lymphoedema as that alone can drain your energy x sending hugs xx