Going back to work

Hi Annamitch and a warm welcome to this corner of the Community although I am always sorry to see folks joining us. I am Mike and I help out around our various Lymphoma groups.

I don’t have FL but I was diagnosed way back in 1999 with a different type of low grade NHL Stage 4a so although my Lymphoma ‘type’ is different I do appreciate the challenges of this journey rather well.

I actually worked through out my first 12 years of treatments and was retired a few years before I had to have my big gun treatments (hit my community name for my story). My employers were great. I was in teaching in the early days so my timetables were adjusted to match both my treatments and also my various digress of fatigue.

Lets look for some of the group members to pick up on your post with their first hand experience.

To widen your reach for connecting with others I always highlight the Lymphoma Action website. Lymphoma Action is a small but very active UK Lymphoma Specific Charity who have lots of good reliable information, videos, webinars….

They run regular Regional Lymphoma Online Support Groups for both patients and Carers and a great Lymphoma Action Buddy Service where you can be linked up with someone who has walked the same treatment journey.

Always around to chat.

Think it's really up to you to decide.

I don't know how old you are or what your job is.

Can you afford not to work?

Hello Mike, 

Thank you for your kind greetings, much appreciated. 

I have a history as both an artist and tutor for both English and Art. I need to be financially independent but I am worried about making a work commitment that I won't be able to fulfil due to fatigue. I recently helped with some decorating and it made me feel ill for two weeks after. 

I have maintenance treatment every two months and this will go on for 2 years, so I am imagining my symptoms of joint pain, fatigue and poor sleep will continue at least til that's over. Are these common side effects? 

Yoga and walking seem very helpful in managing pain and I also enjoy a healthy diet.

Best, Anna

Hello,

Thank you for your message. I'm 50 and have a history of teaching art and english to adults and children.

I'm flexible to try different things but I'm just concerned I won't be able to keep it up due to fatigue.

Unfortunately, I can't afford not to work. 

Best,

Anna

You can only take it as it comes as everyone reacts ever so differently having treatments.

I have talked with a good number of folks who have had the 2 year maintenance and the stories go from ‘it was not a big problem” to “At times I found it challenging”

My treatment rhythm during my 12 years when I was Lecturing. For the first 4-5 years I was having 3 treatments per week for 15 - 20 weeks every year. The early treatments were often done at 7am at my local hospital then I would be teaching in the afternoon with my none teaching time used in the morning following my treatments to have a breather….. it did make it slightly challenging being prepared for my classes but my teaching subject and material was well developed so it was do-able.

For about the final 7-8 years my treatments were more demanding but only 2 treatments a week for 15 - 20 weeks every year. Again my timetable was adjusted to give me recovery time…… it was a touch bizarre for my students as I had to wear sun glasses for 24 hrs after my treatments…… it was also a reassign to collect a few nicknames

I was regularly developing a pace to life and making alterations to what I was doing at work but also during normal life.

Well your employer has to make reasonable adjustments for you, as you are classed as disabled.

You should talk to them and ask how they are going to help you back to work.