Hello, I’m new to the group

Hi TMS and welcome to the community. Sorry to hear you've had a bit of a rough ride and are still recovering. It must have been a difficult year. I'm lucky in that I'm retired but all the people on here who have gone back to work have done so on a phased return. I suppose you can only try a few hours a day and see how it goes. You have every right, moral and legal, to take things slowly.

Let us know a bit more about yourself. We have "experts" here in all sorts of recovery.

I had tongue cancer and got away with just radiotherapy but there are a few folk here with some extensive neck dissection treatments who'll be able to help better than me. I'll tag Peter and Linda who both have experience LindaWT PFJTHS

Have you had a chance to read this excellent article by psychologist Dr Peter Harvey

 AFTER TREATMENT

I often return to this when I'm feeling low

Best wishes

HI TMS1402  Dani tagged me.  I was lucky that my neck dissections did not really cause me any significant problems.  I have posted in the past some guidance on returning to work.  Not sure if that is the one Dani has signposted, but here is the link return to work | Mouth Cancer Foundation

Hi TMS

Welcome to our head and neck community sorry you’re still feeling rough  

I am Hazel 3.5 years post radiotherapy and 2 sessions chemo no surgery for tonsil cancer with several affected lymph nodes . I had 35 radiotherapy sessions snd the radiation fatigue was still hitting me up to last September. So as for work as Dsni has suggested a phased return snd see hiw you go. I am retired so used to slot a 20 min power nap into my day snd that sorted me. Not easy when you’re working. The treatment affects us in different ways 

Good luck Hazel 

Hi TMS and welcome to the forum.

I was diagnosed with base of tongue cancer in May 2018 and had robotic surgery and a neck dissection followed 6 weeks later with radiotherapy.

I'm really interested to hear how your difficulties with speech and swallowing manifest themselves.

I assume you're being seen by speech and language?

Linda x

Hi TMS

i had surgery 6 weeks ago and I work full time as a practice nurse. I understand your concerns as I’m having similar anxieties. I’m 52 and have the old style Nhs pension which I can claim at 55. To be honest, I wish I could claim in now and go part time as think I may struggle with communication difficulties. To be fair I don’t think we can afford for me to drop my hours at work, such a worry. 
are your employers supportive?? I so far have been well supported by my work as apart from a 3 week return, I’ve been off since mid September when I had my first op. 

Elaine x

Hi Elaine,  that old NHS pension is a godsend.  I bailed at 55 and never looked back.  Hold on for that magic age unless there is an option for medically retiring early with them making up the pension shortfall.

Hi Peter, love my job but can’t wait for 55 then I can go part time! Sounds pessimistic, well it is but I don’t want to slog my guts out and work full time to then peg it a couple of years later (would rather get it early and enjoy for as long as possible as never know what the future brings). 
elaine