Hello
I had breast cancer and used that part of the community before. After a lumpectomy and radiotherapy I was given the all clear.
Less than 2 years later I was diagnosed with angiosarcoma, I've had a full mastectomy with partial diep flap reconstruction and was floored for weeks with a post op infection. I ended up being off work for 7 months, I'm back at work now.
My surgeon recommended I apply for ill health early retirement but I don't know where to start. I don't want to speak to HR prematurely. Having worked in management for years I know HR represent the company more than the staff. I'm worried about the financial consequences depending on the decision and being offered alternative work or diminished hours, also being skint but maybe dying in a few years while still working which is pointless.
I love my job but I am done in all the time and my fitness although improved is not great. I feel at least 10 years older than I am. I also have further reconstruction surgery scheduled within the next 6 months. I don't think that will aid recovery.
I would really appreciate any advice from anyone who has gone down the ill health early retirement route.
Many Thanks in advance
Hi Hetseflets
Sorry to hear you are joining us here on the sarcoma forum. My name is Steve and my expereince of cancer is via my wife you has Leiomyosarcoma. After two lots of chemotherapy her cancer is stable and has been that way for over 10 years now.
I have not been down the ill health retirement route myself but was a trade union representative who helped some members who were looking in to this. Where I worked it was quite complicated in that first they had to get a recommendation from the organisations occupational health service and then that had to get past the pension scheme's occupational health assessment too.
There is a guide I found here that might be useful, you mgiht also like to consider talking to someone on the helpline to see what options you might have.
<<hugs>>
Steve
