Struggling after returning to work

Hi Suzy52 ,

Im very sorry to hear of the loss of your mum. This must have been extra difficult when you were facing health struggles of your own. 

I think when considering returning to work, it’s important that we remember that we are all different. I’m sure there will be some that got back to work and others that never returned to work. What’s important is that you consider what is right for you and what you feel you’re able to do. 

Take good care of yourself and only go at a pace that is comfortable for you. 

Thank you for getting back to me. You are completely right, it is individual and also depends on your job too. I am a special needs teacher and my career meant everything to me before my diagnosis. It was more of a vocation than a job. But when my mum died suddenly from pancreatic cancer, on top of my own stage 3c vulvar cancer diagnosis, it highlighted how short life is. I think I need to find a new route forward somehow. I am glad to have finally joined this group though, just to know there are women out there who understand the nature of the surgery, treatment and ongoing struggles. I hope I can also help other people on here too.

Thank you so much.

Hi Suzy52 ,

You’ve been through a lot and need ti do what’s right for you. 

This group is so valuable. I don’t think people can  truly understand unless they have experienced this cancer. 

You’re most welcome. I am always here to chat. 

You are completely right, this group is just what I needed. On diagnosis, I found that not even my female friends had heard of this cancer. I felt guilty, as I also hadn’t heard of it and didn’t recognise the signs. It got put down to the menopause during lockdown and I was never seen, until it had progressed. One year after my treatment finished, I am actually finding it harder. Now the initial shock has gone, it’s the fear of recurrence and finding it hard to move on with the constant worry. I scrolled through some previous posts and saw your link to free Bupa sessions through MacMillan. I only clicked on the link yesterday and got a well-being assessment immediately. I have been offered 6 free sessions. So thank you so much for this information and support xx

Hi Suzy52 ,

I hadn’t heard of this cancer either and I found many people didn’t even know which part the ‘vulvar’ was. Not their fault at all, but it created extra explaining. I feel more comfortable explaining it now than I did back then. I totally understand getting over the shock and hitting the worry. The same happened for me. 

I am pleased you have accessed our counselling service. I hope it helps you to manage your worries. I haven’t used the service myself, but others have found it helpful. 

You’re most welcome.