Return to work

Hi

I hope you are doing OK. I was off four months due to initial diagnosis which completely floored me but also repeat surgeries. 

I knew the plan was chemo and radiotherapy so I returned to work and was able to work from home. My role changed a lot to accommodate me, previously I had worked as a social worker doing visits but the risk of infection was to much. My manager was very supportive and I worked from home doing a more admin based role. 

I was very tired during chemo and some days were a real struggle but radiotherapy was much easier and I worked more normally. It also helped keep me from overthinking.

Hope this helps but do whatever you feel comfortable.with.

Hi Cazzac1

• I am glad that your surgery went well. I took time off work after surgery as I had to go through chemo. Mid way herceptin treatment I started phase return to work. It depends how you feel mentally and physically.  People's body react differently.  I went through my own emotional turmoil as it felt ....time had frozen and everything material became meaningless..... down the line I told myself,  this is me time....and I explored new things..... making basket roses and embroidery....praying.....some days I felt too weak...but spiritually I kept myself strong....remember the job will still be there...listen to your heart and follow your intuition......if you feel the children  put a smile on your face and you have the strength then go for it till you start chemo...

Hi, we're all very different but I wasn't signed off at all during diagnosis, even though the oncologist offered. I have a flexible role and can work from home so I did that throughout chemo, herception and radiotherapy. I took 2 weeks off post surgery to recover plus a further 3 weeks vacation.   Obviously I didn't have the immune system risk that many roles have, but work was a great distraction to me and I believe helped my mental health and recovery.

I'd say do what feels right for you and try and leave as much flexibility as you can. Best wishes 

Hi, I am a primary teacher who has a senior role in school I had myself signed off from a couple of days before my mastectomy and I am not planning on returning until I feel 100% healed. I have just started my radiotherapy and they said that side effects can really take hold the week after treatment ends so I have not given my school a return date. 

I know that if I returned to work then people are going to be expecting me to just get back on to work again and no provision would be made for having had very major procedures. I also know that I would go full pelt back into it and could end up burning myself out quite quickly. As a headteacher you have major responsibilities but your higher responsibility is to yourself and your health. There is no easing yourself back in with a position like that and it is easy to fall back into normal patterns of behaviour even if you tell yourself that you will take it easy.

School will be there when you return. It may not be in the same place you would have had it had you been there but that will come. Only do what you are comfortable doing. There are no prizes for going in when you're not 100% but there is damage that can be done. 

Listen to yourself and be honest. 

H