Back to work Wednesday

I can't give you personal experience as I'm retired but I can say that the expectation of those around you that you are back to normal is hugely way off the mark and adds to anxiety.

Have a look at this piece, by a psychologist, about recovering from cancer. Maybe print a few  to give out 

Recovery from Cancer

At the start of our journey there is always the uncertainty how things will pan out.  I think between surgery I played out many scenarios in my head  

1 not returning to work.  

2 change careers.  

3 Stay off work a little longer.

4. Return to work part time.  

I made my decision that I would return to work but for the first couple of weeks I would work mornings only.  The few days leading up to go back I was very anxious but once I was back into a routine I was fine.   

I do recall someone saying although we have recovered physically but we have had a lot to deal with emotionally.  The time I had off taught me that my home life should come 1st rather than the other way around. 

Best wishes

Mick 

Hi there.

Don't understimate how tired you will be when you are back. Make sure you take the time to look after yourself, plan in some "care" time. Also dont be afraid to say "no" to what you can!

I was only off for 1 month after my tongue surgery, and went back on a gradual phased return over 6 weeks, and still found that hard going.

Hi. I like Dani and retired but over the last 6  years in here many who have had to return to work have done a phased return often over several months. Is that a possibility for you? Might be worth thinking about speak with your superiors. The article that Dani has highlighted I printed copies off for family  and friends.  Yes we’ve been treat med and yes we may look well but often there’s underlying issues that will pop up. 
Good luck and best wishes. 

Hazel 

Thanks Dani. Your right. It seems that as my treatment is over and no cancer found on last surgery and had time of to recover it’s like it all never happened to a lot of people around me but it’s all very still for me and now i am.left wondering about reaccurance and the constant reminder of what I have been through as the top left hand side of my mouth is numb and always will be as nerve had to be cut through. Thank you for the info

Hi Mick thanks for the reply. Yes it has taught me how home life is so much more important that work. I have agreed to go back the first 2 wks by using 2 days holiday and shorter hours the other 3 days to have a staggered return. Can review it at the end of the wks. Hoping I only need to do this over2 wks then back full time. Thank you

Hi. I have a gradual return planned for the fist 2 weeks. 2 days holiday each week and shorter hrs the other 3 days. This is being reviewed at the end of each week. Thank you for your reply to my post

Thanks hazel. I have a staggered return to work planned for the first 2 wks. 2 days holiday each wk and 3 days of shorter hours. I am hoping  this for 2 wks will be enough b4 I go back full time

No problem just don’t let work overtake you do it at your own pace. You know your body and cancer fatigue is real. The fear of reoccurrence will diminish but for now it’s real and only  other people like you say can understand that who have been through treatment. I am the odd ball in I never gave reoccurrence a thought but many do. 
Hope  Wednesday goes well and please let us know. 

Hazel 

Hi LittleN. I had a phased return to work after my mandibulectomy in 2013.My surgeon gave me 6 weeks off work but I did not feel ready to go back so soon so he extended it to 8 weeks.  Like you I was very apprehensive about it and felt rather overwhelmed doubting myself and wondering how I would cope. I did find that everyone at work was very supportive and that the thought of returning to work was worse than the actual reality. It did make me think through carefully work and life balance. I was back at work for 6 weeks and doing well but then had to have a course of radiotherapy which was another story and had to have more time off work.

Take it a day at a time and you will get back into the swing of things. You will regain your confidence.

Lyn