Waiting for results

Hi Freethinker welcome to the forum..I am so sorry to hear what is happening for you right now.. The cause of Cancer is still totally unknown to date so no one knows what contributes to its development and it is still so very random.. I suspect, dependant on those results they may want you to stop anything that's hormonal. I worked in the NHS when I had my op for the same type of Cancer and I was off for 6 months and seen regularly by occ health in that time..How long can you reasonably be off without causing any problems workwise? It's the Radiotherapy that did me I was so tired with it but everybody is different. I think you listen to your body, see how you feel and you decide when you are ready to go back to work. Please do keep in touch and let us know how the results work out for you. Sending gentle hugs Gail x 

Hi Freethinker , lovely advice already, and I totally agree that we’re all different and are affected by any of the cancer treatments in different ways. In my case, I thought I’d be back at work a couple of weeks after my op (haha in retrospect), but in reality was off for 4 months in total. This took me to 4 weeks after my radiotherapy finished (3 weeks, back in 2019, but nowadays a week is quite common). Like you I had a physically demanding job (special needs teacher) with a lot of moving and handling, as well as students with unpredictable behaviour/ movements. This was a real shock to me, I just hadn’t expected to be off so long. But I was lucky to have a very supportive school. 
Some folk here have gone back much more quickly but I think it depends so much on the type of job. And again we are all different. 
Good luck with your results appointment, it’s a horrible limbo stage, more waiting. Love and hugs, HFxx

Thanks so much for reaching out  Gail...it's such a relief to speak to someone who has been in a similar situation! My family, friends, and employer have all been supportive, but like me, they have never had to deal with anything like this before.

I have only been off sick since the day of my operation and am expecting to be considered by Occupational Health when it comes returning to my job. I have already asked to be allocated to light duties (I'm a front line prison officer...so not exactly fantastic for a woman of fifty-eight as I have to be able to restrain prisoners when necessary!!!) and I'm hoping they will let me go down this path, especially as i'm informed that breast cancer is considered a disability by the Civil Service.

But as you say Gail, I'll just have to kind of roll with it for now and concentrate on whatever treatment  is needed and get me better.

Your support is very much appreciated and the gentle hugs mean a great deal and are sincerely reciprocated.

I'll keep you updated on my results go. I'm feeling a wee bit calmer about it now.

Katy X

Hi HappyFeet1...It's been such a relief to read your response and that of Gail Granny59.

This is like taking a journey into the unknown for me, despite having had 2 breast surgeries years ago for Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia.

I originally went to the breast clinic after experiencing pain in my right breast and wasn't due for a mammogram for another 18 months. So when I was told they had found an anomaly in the right breast I was pretty shocked!

Now I feel quite fortunate, in a weird sort of way, as my consultant has told me that a lump might not have appeared for at least 6 months, if at all.

My husband is being super upbeat, and I suspect it's just to keep my spirits up, as like me he's kind of bricking it!!!

Fortunately I have a lot of excess annual leave to take as well as sick leave, so i'll take as much as I need to take.

And you're absolutely right about me feeling like i'm in limbo right now. On one hand I can't wait until I get my results next week...but on the other I'm dreading it!

I'm so glad that things worked out for you HappyFeet1. It's encouraging to speak with you and get your advice and it's very much appreciated.

I'll keep you in the loop about my results and treatment plan.

Katy x