Sick note before treatment starts?

I had my diagnosis back in October 2022, and asked for a sick note from that time so I could focus on getting to my scans and other appointments.  I needed time to understand and deal with everything, and I needed it and still do.  I’m now 5 weeks after radiotherapy and still off until middle on July.  Take the time, the Dr can sign you off sick for 3 months at a time for the first 6 months.  You are the most important person here, don’t worry about what everyone else thinks.

Hi MamaG

Absolutely 100% your doctor will sign you off for as long as you need. The emotional strain is huge and you don't want any more worry to deal with, bless you xx

1. Absolutely, like the others have said MamaG , speak with your GP, mine has been amazing. Time to look after you, the emotional roller coaster can be tough at times and you need to be able to be kind to yourself. 
   Hope the planning meeting and MRI go ok, the unknown and waiting can be a difficult time. 
   You can do this x 

My surgeon was happy to sign me off whenI was diagnosed before treatment started. I wouldn’t have been able to focus on work. 

I'm self employed so worked throughout all treatment, with just a few days off after each chemo cycle and a few days off after my lumpectomy. It was really tough, though doable. If I'd been a permanent employee with the chance of sick pay, I would have been off from diagnosis. It is so much to process, your head is all over the place. I think it has probably taken longer for me to fully process everything as I haven't had any time off with it.

Take the time you need. Sick pay benefit is an amazing thing to have, so use it when you need it. It sounds like you really need it just now.

I am lucky my work told me I didn't need a sick note I could immediately have six months minimum full pay. However as I can work from home I have had very few days off sick - week after lumpectomy and week due to chemo side effects. However I have been working reduced hours so my sock pay has been used for that. I am having in effect 2 days sick a week instead of four as I work 35 hours over 4 days.  I have found it very helpful from a mental health perspective to do a bit of work but they have been very clear I am in charge.

Thanks for all the replies, you have echoed my feelings exactly! I am going to ring my GP today and am sure she will respond well. I will keep in touch with work but will focus on my health and my family  ️️️

Def right decision xxx

I was signed off in March straight after my diagnosis , I couldn’t sleep think straight let alone manage an operating theatre !!Good luck with your treatment x

I waa diagnosed 2 weeks ago waiting for my pre op assessment next Friday. My dr has given me a sick paper for 50 days x