Going back to normal after breast cancer

Hi, so sorry that you have gone through this treatment-all of us on here can identify with the idea of having new kind of life, different to what we had before, which can actually be liberating if you embrace it. Listen to your body, rest when you can xx

Thank you so much for the encouragement . I will try my best to embrace my new life

Hi, have you thought about a Moving Forward course with Breast Cancer Now ?

You work through looking back and how to move forward .

Rest up after your radiotherapy x 

Hi AggieL welcome to the forum. I am pleased to hear that you are almost at the end of treatment. Define "normal".      I don't believe that any of us are ever normal again after Cancer. By that I mean a part of us is forever changed and things that mattered before seem unimportant now. Conversely things that we tolerated before we don't after Cancer. I hope that makes sense because it comes into our lives uninvited, at a time that is often inconvenient,  turns our whole world upside down, takes parts of us then leaves. We are left with the aftermath. If you can look up a paper written by a Psychologist Dr Peter Harvey entitled "After the Treatment finishes: What then". It is about this time aftet treatment and what happens to us and for us and I hope you find this helpful. Just take work as you are able and if you need more time off then you take it. 

This paper was referenced on the course️

Thank you all for your support. Extremely grateful  

Hi Aggie L , lovely replies already and I’d also recommend that paper by Peter Harvey. 
Re work, I wondered if you’ve discussed a phased return with your employer? Also don’t rush back straight after radiotherapy if you’re not ready as it can leave you feeling fatigued for some time afterwards. I was off work for a total of 4 months (which was a real shock to me, I thought initially I’d be back in a couple of weeks after my surgery), which took me to 4 weeks after my rads finished. And I went back on a phased return. If you need advice re working after a cancer diagnosis, the work specialists here at MacMillan are really helpful. The phone line is on the website. Good luck with it all, love and hugs, HFxx

Thank you for the advice . I was supposed to have my final 5th radiotherapy treatment on Friday,  however the radiotherapy machine broke down and still has not been repaired. I am quite anxious as it has been 3 days since my 4th appointment and the machine might not be fixed tomorrow.  Unfortunately there is  only one machine available. 

I’ve just recently returned to work. I have been off whilst having chemotherapy but once that was over I’ve returned for my own sanity. I’ve still got to have an operation (in August) and eventually radiotherapy but I’m hoping to continue working whilst having radiotherapy. I work in a school so I will be off anyway when I have the operation. I was nervous about going back, but everyone has been so nice. I’ve not gone back full time either, I’m doing 4.5 hours a day. 

I would say go back when you feel ready, only know if you feel ready. 

Hi Aggie L,

I  had a lumpectomy and lymph nodes removed four months ago and have just completed my radiotherapy today. I too have been off for three months. I had five days worth and although the radiotherapy itself was a lot simpler then I anticipated, it does make you feel tired and not always straight away.

My Consultant said, that sometimes the tiredness from radiotherapy might not hit you until four to six weeks after it’s finished, so bare this in mind. Please do not rush back to work, your body is going through a lot and it takes as long as it takes, your Manager has to accept this. As long as you have sent sick notes in then there is no problem.

You will get back to normal eventually, but be kind to yourself and give yourself time. You may also ge interested to know that there is a course called ‘Moving Forward’, which is especially for when you have completed treatment and thinking about your next, I am going to it and it is just two afternoons, there should be one in an area near you. Here is the website.

movingforward@breastcancer.org

I hope this is some help to you and wish you loads of luck.

Love and hugs.xx