Any primary school teachers on here?

Hi there 

I'm a primary school teacher too - Ive been off for 5 weeks already and probably won't be back til after summer. 

i thought I'd be bored going from 14 hour days to nothing too, but have found ways to keep busy. There are free online open university courses - I did a  'reading for pleasure' one which will be useful back at work. I've also taught myself to crochet and caught up with box sets I never get chance to watch when I'm working. . 

It's important you take time to heal - don't go rushing back it's such a full on job once you are back in the system,  use this time to look after yourself. 

I’ve been struggling with tiredness since my diagnosis, and I’m stocking up on knitting patterns! I have found a lady who claims she can teach me to crochet but I’m so fixed mindset about things I can’t do very well she will need help I think!!

As a teacher of over twenty years I’d say just say no to 14 hour days too.

 Thanks for replying x

Hi Louise 21. 
I am an EYFS teacher. I started my time off after 2 lumpectomy as the first surgery didn’t clear the margin. The second surgery cleared all the cancerous tissues. Yes you do need to listen and follow your breast care nurse. My treatment includes 8 cycles of chemotherapy, radiotherapy then endocrine treatment between 5-10 years. The chemotherapy will run right through August, if there are no delays at all. 
People experience varying degrees of side effects, in my case, a week of nausea, vomiting and fatigue. During my good week I booked to join the workshops of Look Good feel better. They are excellent support for people who have cancer. The different workshops include Nail care, Styling for confidence, Skincare and Makeup and yoga, etc. They are all free. Some are virtual and others are face to face. It is also great that they send us some goodies to use such as some makeup to use after the Skincare and makeup workshop. Also remember to carry on being active. Even a short walk helps. The weather is improving now so it’s nice to go out and explore outdoors, remembering to avoid the crowds. We are now vulnerable so need to be careful.
I am sure that you will find ways to occupy your time. 
All the best wishes .

I’m a KS2 teacher so opposite end of the scale to you! School have been amazing which is reassuring, and are very keen for me to become permanent which is a huge confidence boost given some of the (insert expletive) people I’ve worked for over the years. I’ve only been there four weeks on Monday!!

Hi Louise 21,

It does make a difference when we become fortunate to work with amazing school and colleagues. My school has been great too. Keeping me on the loop all the time and my head and deputy head are amazing too.

Keep well.

Hi

im a primary school teacher. 
 I was diagnosed in June 2021. I had a lumpectomy on 2nd August 2021 and from 1st September I was off sick, started chemo 1st October and then radiotherapy in March. I went back on a phased return after Easter 2022. 

I've been teaching for 26 years, I'm 54 and I felt very fatigued going back fulltime.

Dont underestimate how you're going to feel. If you need chemo and surgery I reckon you're looking at 9 months off sick. If its just surgery/ radiotherapy it will be considerably less.

Lou 

That’s the length of my contract! Good to know though thank you x

Secondary school teacher  I've been off since day if my diagnosis. No way could I face teaching when so much else happening. I work in quite a challenging environment too. I am only 6 months into a contract  so I'm out of sick pay by next month! School have been good do far. But I can't tell them anything as I don't know anything as of yet. I've had surgery and now awaiting results.