Return to full time work

I think this is a personal choice. I was able to work full time from home throughout chemo, lumpectomy and radiotherapy, just taking a few days off after each cycle, a week off for the op and no time off during rads - I asked for afternoon appointments so that I could do a full day's work each day.

I am self-employed though so if I didn't work, we had no income.

If I had sick-pay through work, I think it would be best not to return full time until after radiotherapy. It may set better expectations for work too - they can plan better if they know you're not back full time some weeks, only to reduce down again.

I am a couple of years past main treatment and I still work from home full time. I can't imagine having the energy to go into an office now, and still having a life outside of work. I know I am very lucky to be able to WFH and have that choice.

Hi I returned to work full time a month before my chemo started. My direct team knew about my diagnosis but not the wider people I work with. It felt difficult initially when people ask if you’re ok now, and I’ve had a couple ask me directly about my diagnosis which was hard, but in a workplace people talk.

Staff noticed I’d had a short hair cut, in fact a wig…… 

I’m now 4 sessions in and am working full time from home as this last session I found very difficult and have ended up with a bit off a cold. I’ve had chemo every 3 weeks and have had to take a week off each time due to the side effects.

Everyone is different and when I returned to work I was asked what is more important the work or the social side. I am lucky and I can honestly say I enjoy my job. I felt that both elements were important to me. When I returned and people asked me if I was ok I had a generic answer of ‘I’m getting there…’ 

i also wanted to keep things as normal as possible although we all know this journey is far from normal, those who knew have been brilliant and those who don’t well at least I think they don’t know treat me normally……. 

Good luck and do what is right for you!! 

Hi F1 petrolhead, I managed to return to work full time when on radiotherapy. I took my moisturiser with me and then applied it after before heading into the office. I did have any problems with tiredness as such. Maybe a little tired by the end of the day but nothing like what I had read of severe tiredness. I’m still having Phesgo and carry on as normal the day after. I can’t go to work the same day as that as I have pre meds first and they make me sleepy. Everyone is different how they react. As you are working from home it might be easier but don’t push yourself maybe you could work a lighter schedule and just do a few hours each day (if your work are in agreement) rather than all full days. 
Wishing you all the best.

Hugs from cuffcake x x x x x

Hi, I didn't take any time off during chemo, also predominately work from home, and I managed ok though I have a lot of flexibility in my diary.  I think it's a personal choice, but working allowed me to be distracted and not think about the cancer so that really helped me. Best wishes 

Hi

It’s a very personal thing. I finished radio in Jan and have still not returned to work. I speak to my healthcare team regularly about the symptoms I have and they advise me accordinally. Listen to your body, only you can decide when the time is right. Good luck !

I work part time (4 days a week). I had a few days off after every chemo and then was back at work. But it was from home and my manager has been great so I have finished early some days if tired and there has been no pressure to rush back. My chemo was a Friday so I had the bonus of the weekend to recover. I needed to work for my mental health and have felt relieved to be able to work.

I also had my last round 3 weeks ago and I am back at work almost doing my normal hours, still from home. Still with the flexibility of tweaking my hours if needed.

I am going to work whilst waiting for radiotherapy and then see how I feel during radiotherapy. I am having it over 15 consecutive days. The consultant has suggested taking a few days off at the start to see how I feel and then work if I am up to it. But I am expecting to have the third week of radiotherapy off work as I get more tired and I have been told to take a few weeks off afterwards to recover.

But like all things with cancer treatment it is going to be very much a wait and see which I hate. So I would see how you feel both physically and mentally. 

Thanks for this. I've managed to work throughout the majority of my chemo and agree it's been great for my mental health. I will ask my oncologist about working during radiotherapy. I too had my chemo on a Friday so had weekend to recover a bit. I'm hoping to have my radio on the afternoon so that I can work mornings. Thinking of I get tired at least I can go straight to bed after and have proper sleep. I've got four weeks Monday to Friday. 

Some of the cancer charities offer coaching support for returning to work or looking for work. Try working with cancer - I think that might be what they are called or something similar. Some charge for the sessions but my colleague applied and was successful in getting a grant from DWP. - the grants are available for anyone trying to get back into work after illness. Not means tested either. Search gov.uk