Return to work

Hi, 

I had 49 weeks off and only went back to work as I couldn’t afford any more time off as SSP had ended. 

I am still on chemo tablets for 6 months which aren’t so bad compared to IV chemo. 

It is between you and your consultant/oncologist plus work when you’re ready to go back. There is no set time frame as everyone is different. 

Have you spoke to any of these about going back to work?

Hello, 

Not yet, a couple of people have mentioned going back to work to me. I don't feel ready just yet. I was just looking for individuals experiences 

Thank you 

Hi Sparkles,  I have secondary breast cancer with mets in pelvis, spine, ribs and skull.  I am on Exemastane, Ribociclib and Denosumab.  I am 59.  I work in the job centre.  I have just put in for ill health retirement as there is no way I could go back to work.  I am on my sixth cycle now and the fatigue is really bad and also I could not sit in a chair all day.  I think that it is up to you when you feel ready or if you feel ready to return to work.  One thing I know is that you need to listen to your own body and do not let other people tell you what is best for you.  I had stage 3 lobular breast cancer when I was 47 and I was off work then for ten months.  It is a hard journey we are on and we need to take it at or own pace.  Good luck.

Lee x

Thank you Lee. I have counselling starting next month. I hope that will help me get my head around things. It's been a whirlwind the last 6 months

Hi Sparkles

Like Lee I also have secondary breast cancer diagnosed early March with recent diagnosis of brain mets. ( That explains a lot). Technically I'm still at work but primarily work from home. Most of the last 2 months I have worked 2/3 days per week. The rest of the time is recovery of side effects. I take a break/rest when I need to which my boss is understanding but my day starts earlier. 

Like Lee I take note of the signals my body sends and over time keep the boss informed and adjust work time accordingly. So far it's working in my favour but I may have to give it up later but I am not ready to.

Don't be influenced by others views on giving up until you are ready. Sometimes negotiating reduced hours or different roles can also help if you don't want to, but its all up to. Do what you feel is right. Counselling may help to shed some light on where you really want to be.

Sledge x

Thank you. Yes I still don't think I have processed what's happened in the last 6 months. Every day is different as well 

Hi Sparkles 

Yes I understand that too. I'm still adjusting and everyday I'm learning that I have something to change and get used to and what does it mean. Take each day as it comes.

Sledge x

Hi, I’m so sorry you are going through all this and have the additional worry of work.  It sounds to me that you have enough going on without the addition of work.  My employer phoned me every 6 weeks wanting to know if my treatment had finished and my thoughts on returning to work.  Have you spoken to MacMillan support?  I found them very helpful.  They can tell you what you are entitled to benefit wise and also help with filling out forms.  I had a lumpectomy on my right breast and radiotherapy for two weeks.  That was my dominant side and I never felt fit enough to return to work.  Give Macmillan a call on 0808 808 0000 and they can talk you through your options. 

I have spoken to Macmillan and have benefits in place. It's just scary knowing my ssp has run out soon and how cope in coming months. I have days where I feel OK, but other days not so good. Still dealing alot with emotions. I did go into my work a few weeks ago, but nothing has been mentioned about my return to work 

Hi My Grace is Sufficient 

Appreciate the advice about the forms, I'll be seeing the nurse later day and I can ask about, but I've also got work looking at it too 

The reality for me is my level of fitness will always deteriorate and I will not return to work once I give it up.

One thing I will say is I am a career oriented person. I love my job/career. I was 14 years old when I decided what I wanted to do and had people telling me I wouldn't achieve it. I'm now facing 60.  Invariably I proved them wrong. Yes there will be a time I will have to stop but I am not ready yet and happy to be working. It helps with dealing with my brain mets and my focus is still functional.

Now if I won the lottery I would rethink what I would be doing.

Sledge x