Hi. How are you after the op? I think it probably depends on how you feel and how quickly you recover from the op. Are you having radiotherapy or chemotherapy at all? Also it depends on the type of job you do too probably. I work from home and teach so it's not a physical job.
I had a lumpectomy last year in May and radiotherapy in September and was off for 6 months. My employer arranged a phased return until February because of the side effects of the hormone therapy and radiotherapy and I went back full time in March. It's the fatigue I've found hardest to cope with as when it hits I can't do anything. Thankfully my employer has been really understanding and my timetable means I can have a break in the afternoons.
It very much depends on how you are recovering/feeling and your job. I work in a pressured role but it is home based and went back after two weeks. I could have gone back after a few days if needed as it desk based but my manager insisted I use the sick note I had been provided even though I was feeling okay. I also had the week off when I had radiotherapy. I could have worked around the appointments if required but again my boss insisted I take it off. x
The op was almost a week ago. I’m not too bad, no pain just discomfort with the occasional stab. I feel like a slug on sedatives most of the day, but then I am 62 and massively overweight. I think maybe it’s psychological fatigue too as it has been a whirlwind from getting the screening call back letter, biopsy results, surgery only a matter of weeks. I don’t know about any follow up treatment yet. The histology results are due in about three or four weeks where I’ll find out if it’s invasive and the margins are clear etc.
i work for an agency and don’t get paid if I don’t work and can’t afford too much time off, two weeks maximum. I suppose what I was asking was if anyone went back to work after a week and regretted it?
Hi Jane7570 sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I think it is much too soon to return to work after a week and your job does sound physical. Have you been on the www.gov.uk website and looked at Entitledto. If you put all your details and partners details (if you have one) if you are entitled to any benefits. I wish you well on your cancer journey. It is hard but you will get there.
The journey from diagnosis to the end of treatment is definitely so full on. Having a support team from the hospital and talking to people here and on other forums has been so worthwhile.
My weight is an issue so I'm on the national exercise referral scheme now to try and improve my health and lose some weight but it's so hard and I'm not a natural gym person. Lol. I do feel better but it's a long journey ahead to improve the arthritis pain too.
Hope you have good results. Look after yourself. x
I had a lumpectomy beginning of February and definitely wouldn't have felt able to go back to work after a week. As you say the emotional turmoil is debilitating as much as the surgery itself. Have you spoken with MacMillan about your finances as they might be able to offer advice?
