Newly diagnosed.

Hey SDHall 

So sorry to hear of your diagnosis and concur it is quite a shock!

I had to reply because I was also diagnosed before starting a new job, although I was already out of my old job by then, so I understand how you feel about going into this new experience under those circumstances. I told my new employer straight away and they've been outwardly supportive, but it's always felt just that little bit awkward and I've never been quite sure if they're just saying the right things whilst secretly eye-rolling at being stuck with me in the background. However that has all changed for me since being on sick leave whilst undergoing chemo and work is now the last thing on my mind to be honest.

My cancer journey so far has changed the way I see my life and a lot of things I used to think were important or thought I really wanted, I don't anymore. Similarly things I used to think of as trivial and take for granted I now value a great deal. 

It's hard to know how this will affect your life at the start of it and I think it's great that you're acknowledging and considering this now. In the beginning, I was adamant I was just going to keep living my normal life alongside having cancer, but it hasn't worked out that way and I've adapted to a new normal life where my treatment is my absolute priority with other things kind of orbiting around it.

I'm so glad you've found the forum as, whilst loved ones can be great, I've found it invaluable being able to connect with people who really get it. I hope you find your way to making the decision that you feel is right for you with your job situation and wish you good luck with your treatment plan and follow up smear test. 

All the best. x

Hi SDHall 

If you are able to avoid making any decisions about work until after your appointment, I would do so. Cancer treatment regimes vary so much, depending on cancer type, grade, size etc. You might have an early stage low grade oestrogen positive cancer and only need a lumpectomy, a few days radiotherapy and some hormone tablets. In that case you wouldn’t need much sick leave at all. Mine wasn’t that story but the surgery and radiotherapy parts of my treatment didn’t really cause issues and I wouldn’t have needed any significant time out of work, maybe two or three days after surgery and the time to go to the radiotherapy appointments.  Or of course you might require a bigger operation or lengthy treatment which would definitely need time out. Hoping it turns out on the light side for you and that the smear doesn’t throw up more bad news.  

Hi SDHall this is really sound advice from Coddfish.  Is it possible to wait and see what happens at your follow up appointment?  Hope it turns out positive for you.

Lee x

Thank you so much for your response. I had to make up my mind this week and have decided to stay where I am, I know I'll get more personal support from those I've worked with a long time and an understanding boss. I agree about the eye rolling and outward goodwill but probably some frustration from a new team I have not had a chance to form a relationship with. Safe and supportive is what I need most 

Its great to be able to reach out to people who just get it without explaining or sympathy. I'm the first of my friend group to go through this, though I daresay I won't be the last. 

Good luck on the rest of your journey. I can't thank you enough for your insight.

Best wishes x

Thank you for your advice, unfortunately I don't have the gift of knowing more so have taken the decision to stay put. I'm devastated about losing an opportunity but in the grand scheme support and care from those who know me is a much more comforting feeling. 

Take care x

Thanks Lee. In my case timing could not have been worse I had to make a decision quickly I'm sticking with where I know.  Taking away the pressure of a new place and focus on recovery. Scared but positive. 

Take care

Hi SDHall I think that you have made the right decision.  You will get so much support from your colleagues at work and management that knows you.  This way is more comfortable for you and as you say you can focus on your recovery.  Good luck with your appointment next week.  Please let us know how you get on.

Lee x

I would've made the same choice in your position. The "comfort zone" gets a lot of flack, but sometimes it's exactly where you need to be. 

Thank you so much for your well wishes. x

Thanks Lee. CT scan on Sunday .it's getting very real. I started telling people at work as they keep asking if I'm excited about leaving. ..err well plans changed . I've decided to be open about the situation due to the circumstances. 

best wishes 

I started telling people at work yesterday, as they kept asking about leaving. There's a leaving party planned which I have asked to still go ahead as away of celebrating all my colleagues and especially those who have also been down this road!