New here. Feeling Anxious. Trying to Keep it Together.

Hi Engee please go and speak to the Head, I'm a retired teacher and I know the pressure you feel to carry on. But please you need to rest and look after your health, you should be on full sick pay so take time out to recover. Also contact the Macmillan website they offer lots of advice and support in all areas. Do you have family or good friends to support you? Please take care big hugs xx

Hi Engee

Welcome to the forum and I am sorry to hear that you have been diagnosed with breast cancer and need chemo.  You have nothing to be sorry for it's tough getting a cancer diagnosis and most of us have been where you are now.  If you feel ok after each chemo session it's ok to walk home, in fact the walk will probably do you good.  Could you arrange for someone to pick you up if you don't feel well enough to walk home particularly after the first chemo session?  After my first chemo session I felt like I'd been hit by a bus but after that I didn't feel too bad.

Wishing you the best of luck with your treatment.

Best wishes

Daisy53

Hi Engee, some hospitals can help with transport or there might be volunteers in your local area that do hospital pick up and drop offs. In Wiltshire it’s called the link scheme.

As each cycle of chemo goes on you will get into a routine with symptoms and will get to know which days are good days and which ones are more difficult and can plan around. I used to order shopping on line and made sure I had meals in the freezer just in case and a variety of drinks to keep my fluids up and soups were good to have in.

I used the cold cap. I didn’t find it uncomfortable but it does mean you will be in the department longer. I never wore a wig but my hair was thin by the end of treatment and kept falling out for a few weeks after treatment. I believe it protects your hair follicles and prevents permanent hair loss which can unfortunately happen (rarely).

There’s loads of good information on this site, so keep checking in. The monthly chemo threads are good so you can follow each others progress until you are out the other side. I’m 2 years out from treatment now.

Take care x

Thanks so much for your encouraging words. I'm meeting with the HoD next week before my treatment starts. Hopefully, my issue will be escalated to the School authority for support. I'm keeping hope alive.

Myclosest family lives in London and I've not told any friends in my locality except few colleagues. I'm still trying to manage the information and how far I can pull through without being a burden to people, if you see what I mean.

But I will always lean inwards to Macmillan every step of the way. 

Grateful! 

Thanks Daisy53 for your encouraging words. I will try walking but if it becomes a challenge, I will have to make arrangements for drop off and pick up. But honestly, I have no one to call on. I don't want to be a burden to people. Maybe using the services of local Uber will be the last resort.

Your tone is reassuring...indicates you are doing OK .

Keep winning the fight.

Hi Gilliebean,

I really appreciate your contribution and kind words. Means so much to me. Once I know the timing of the treatment, I should be able to plan transportation ahead. I will also ask my Breast Care Team if such arrangement is available, even if I have to pay for it I won't mind. I just want to be able to make it home in good shape.

I will use the cold cap if it's available to save my hair, as much as possible. Did you pay for the cold cap therapy?

I still have so many concerns but I will take it one day at a time.

Grateful!

Engee

Hi, I clearly don't know you personal situation, but I found that telling people was a huge help, and people were desperate to support and didn't see me as a burden at all.  I find generally people are kind hearted and happy to support others, in a way it makes us all feel good to help someone else. I'd encourage you to be open as far as you can and ask for, and accept, help.

Now, practically speaking, right after each chemo I could easily have walked, and in fact on many occasions I did. It was 4-5 days later that was tougher for me. But in saying that, I worked throughout, all I did work from home and was able to be very flexible on my hours.   This blog post (I blogged throughout) might give you some tips.  Chemo blog

Best wishes for getting through this.

So glad you're seeing your HOD but HR need to know as you will get a sick certificate after op or even GP. If you knew a colleague was having all the treatment you are receiving I bet you would support them? Help wherever you could eg do their break duty, registration etc so please let them know do not struggle on your own. Cancer can hit anybody any time, there might be a walk in Macmillan centre at the hospital and transport. Please look after you and no setting cover work or marking!! Also let your Union know as they are there to support you. You need every one around you to fight this and be strong for your daughter. Big hugs I live in London wish I could help you, god bless xx

Your strength will be in keeping calm and showing trust." Isa 30:15

Speak to your chemo unit about the transport situation. I wouldn't be walking back especially all that way. There maybe a transport service or a volunteer who could take you home. And speak to Macmillan as they should be able to help