I'm sure I could if I ask but as I'll need time off before the operation to self-isolate (I have to do it for a week as teaching is considered high risk for covid) and after the operation I'm worried if I take too much time off now that I'll have no sick leave pay later on.
Do you have any experience on this? I should probably speak to the Macmillan helpline about it. xx
Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. It is a big shock.
I was fortunate that work was supportive and let me have the space to deal with the diagnosis. I don't have the same pressure, in that I'm not 'performing' in front of a class of students every day.
Is there someone at work you can discuss this with? I told my line manager early on, along with some trusted colleagues, so that some people knew and could support me if I did get emotional. Once I'd told a few people (by email - I couldn't bring myself to tell people face-to-face at first) it became easier. And focusing on work, and handing over things prior to going on sick leave, gave me something else to focus on.
Each person's journey, and coping mechanisms, are different. There is a lot of support on this forum.
I work for the nhs and have been off for 6 months. Maybe look into your sick leave policy. Would have thought public sector work is generally the same xx
Thank you for response. The personal manager responded last night when I emailed her to inform her about the diagnosis. She had previously given me her number so I may call her today to discuss the situation. Its so hard as I start crying the moment I talk about it.
Before the Easter break I had a day in class and I did enjoy it but I didn't have the diagnosis then so everything is much more real to me now.
I guess I just have to try and see how I get on. My GP said she's happy to give me a sick note if I feel I need it.
Thank you. I will discuss it with work and see what they suggest too. I'm new to teaching so I don't think I'm entitled to may sick days but I'll ask personnel and find out.
It is hard to talk about. I let people know that I may get emotional - but that was how it was, and I decided early on that I was looking after me first (and not the feelings of others, except in some very specific circumstances). People like the personnel manager should understand.
See what your personnel manager says. She should be able to offer advice.
I see that you're new to teaching. A friend who is a teacher was off work for several months (ovarian cancer in her case) and work was supportive. But entitlements may be different if you haven't been employed for very long. Again your personnel manager will be able to advise on what you're entitled to.
I hope you are getting the support you need and you can take things one thing at a time, have you had any other tests or spoken to the Oncologist? I found waiting harder than getting through the appointments, but with the appointments come knowledge and power to move forward. Please take one thing at a time, don’t Google and scare yourself, go with what you know for your treatment. You have got this.
I have Triple Negative cancer (named it Carol) I’ve decided Carol can do one and she’s in the process of being evicted thanks to the wonderful teams in the NHS, I have the diagnosis, it is what it is. I am thankful to live in a time that we have both the NHS and the tests and treatment available to come out the other side. One day at a time we will get there.
You need to put you first, I fully understand work is so much of who we are, my work is not nearly as important as yours but routine and purpose keeps us on track, but please do remember to look after you so you can bounce back even stronger after this.
