New to breast cancer

I went back to work about 5 weeks after my 2nd surgery on a phased return. I was pretty tired, but had been ready to go back.  However, I worked throughout my radiotherapy and towards the end, fatigue set in.   TBH I should probably have had a week or two off to rest and recover  as 5 weeks on im still quite tired-although nothing like the first couple of weeks

I was 64 btw

Let your body tell you when its ready, don't rush back unless you have to. Xx

Thanks Aia, I appreciate your take on this. I hope your recovery continues to improve. x

Hi Jax29bbec1c , sorry you’re having this dilemma. My take on it is, going back to work depends on many factors, including…. The nature of the job - physical or office based; the actual operation- some incisions are small and not very deep, others are much larger and may be deeper, due to the size and location of the lump; other treatments eg letrozole (Anastrozole in my case). In my case, I thought I’d bounce back in after 2 weeks but in reality I didn’t feel remotely ready. I was a special needs teacher - it was a very physically demanding job with my particular class.

In the end, I went back on a phased return after 4 months, which took me to 4 weeks after my radiotherapy finished. I was signed off by a variety of medics - GP, oncologist. I was lucky that my school was really supportive. 

Please go with how you feel. It was a shock to me and I felt really guilty being off so long but I definitely needed that time. Love and hugs, HFxx

I had lumpectomy 4 July and radiotherapy started 1 September, I’ve had 5 sessions, 4 to go. I refused chemotherapy, initially they wanted me to have 6 months chemo, then lumpectomy, then radiotherapy. Everyone is different but I would not have chemotherapy so asked what else they could do and they said, lumpectomy, then radiotherapy.

i asked why they hadn’t given me this as an option initially, they gave me stats, if I’d gone down the chemo route and it worked I would have 87% chance of being here in 10 years, my choice of lumpectomy and radiotherapy, if it works gives me 76% chance of being here in 10 years.

i am glad I chose my route. I felt great after lumpectomy for first 2 weeks then got a bit tired and a bit sore. That then went away and fingers crossed, so far no ill effect from radiotherapy. Boob a bit itchy but they give you creams and they work. They say tiredness may kick in after radiotherapy stops so I’ll have to wait until the end of next week.

the worst thing about radiotherapy is the daily trip to the hospital, luckily I drive and it only takes me 20/30 mins to get there. You’re actually only in the room for 10 mins, only getting the treatment for 3 mins and you don’t feel anything. 
 Feel like I have a hot water bottle under my blouse cos my boob is hot but not painful. 
I think the anticipation of what will happen is worse once you’ve done the first one it’s easy.

hope all goes well and remember you are grieving as well which you need to recover from .

I feel much the same as I always have I just go for treatment hope it will work but worrying won’t change the outcome so I just try to ignore what’s happening and live 

thanks for your input, and knowing how it might feel has really helped. I feel much more confident after reaching out on here. xxx

Thanks for your help, I haven't really cried yet,  just been 'going through the motions ' appointments, etc. My boob stitches have healed, yet under me arm they're still sticking out.  I too feel guilty for being off so long, and believe it would be a positive move getting back to work.  It's just the tiredness that's a huge issue right now. I also take the Letrozole at night so that the hot sweats dont affect my day. I have a meeting with the department heads a week after radiotherapy. (23rd sept) so fingers crossed.......How are you now? xxx

Hi Jax29bbec1c , I’m now nearly 7 years post diagnosis which seems incredible, I don’t know where the time goes. I’m doing ok, thanks. I’m still on Anastrozole which feels like a safety net but I’m weary of the side effects (joint pain, fatigue etc). I’m due to finish in December so I’ll be very interested to see how I feel without them. 
In spite of the side effects I still live a happy life and feel very lucky overall. I was able to retire early (at 61, several years earlier than I’d planned) which has made a huge difference. Xx

I am so happy for you,  and appreciate you sharing your experiences on here. You have enlightened me, thanks .

I will be starting the radiotherapy on Friday, and have just 5 sessions. Letrozole is bringing back my old menopause symptoms a bit, and over the next 5 years, I hope they wear off a bit. 

I decided to return to work 1st October,  and have a meeting with my bosses beforehand to discuss the way forward. My outlook is positive and I too feel very lucky so far. Thanks for reaching out to me xx

Hi I have just had a grade 1 lumpectomy & 2 lymph nodes removed, cancer had not spread. I have just had 3 days of a 5 day course of Radiotherapy,  like you I was very apprehensive, I am 71 in excellent health on no medication but I also feel different so I do understand what you mean. I am meant to take letrozole but the side effects are horrendous, so have decided not to. Its all physically & mentally exhausting, just be kind to yourself & take your time.