Work

Heya Michelle, 

Plenty of people find that after a cancer diagnosis, their mindsets change. What they were once happy doing as Jobs, relationships they were in, friendships they had, aims in life that they had - all seem different and not as good as they once were. Almost like a wakeup call where the cancer points out that really and honestly, you weren't happy doing what you were doing, and perhaps some relationships with people are a bit toxic.

So if you're not happy where you are, have a think about where you'd rather be and what you'd rather be doing. Then make a plan and go for it! No time like the present, as if you can get through cancer, you can do anything!

Lass

Xx

Hi Michelle,

Good to hear from you again. How is your Dad?

I think a cancer diagnosis makes you evaluate your life, and priorities. I also think until cancer hits you feel invincible, then you realise you're not, and life is more precious. Work was important until my husband was ill, then I think we both realised that health is more important. What is the point of working all your life, with no time to actually enjoy life? Of course, money will be the deciding factor. xxxxxx 

Hi Michelle

Are you able to go part time? I am lucky in that, being a civil servant, partial retirement is an option. I was quite happy working full time but my husband has health issues and with my cancer diagnosis as well we reassessed our priorities and I dropped to working 3 days a week last September with a view to becoming fully retired when he collects his state pension in July 2022. He only works 3-4 days a week as well so we have Friday afternoon, week-ends and Mondays together and we're really enjoying it - although he does get under my feet at times!!!

Hi Michelle,

I had surgery only in August 2017, then my surgical menopause kicked in, I work full time and started back to work on a phased return, eventually I agreed that I'd condense my hours and take a Wednesday off, that was a bit much, doing the long days, so then i took every second Wednesday off, that took me till early 2019 when in my wisdom I decided I was good for full time again. Anyway, I ended up exhausted and depressed to the point that I actually applied for another job, I didn't get it and I'm still at my old job, but what I did do this summer was get some antidepressants from my gp, I was quite set against taking them but I have to admit I feel back to my usual self,  I'm still really tired, but at least I love my job and life again. 

Ive kind of summed up 2.5 years of self doubt and forcing myself out of bed and into work but if you want to chat more or find out the whole story send me a private message, I'm happy to share everything if it helps

lots of love

xxx

I was already partially retired before my diagnosis. I loved my days off but enjoyed my job too. After being off work a year I was dismissed but in that time I’d come to realise that I didn’t want to and couldn’t go back.

I admit it will be hard losing the salary but I have my occupational pension. We will manage (my husband still works full time). 

Having cancer makes you think of everything differently I think so work somehow isn’t the all encompassing thing it once was. 

So it’s completely understandable how you are feeling!

x

Thanks for the replies ladies. I've been to the docs and been signed off. They now think I've got a hernia. Xx have hospital app on the 27th. Xx 

You certainly do look at things differently. Money is the root of all evil tho. Xx 

Michelle x 

Hi All

Update still off sick had hospital appointment yesterday for the lump they think is a hernia I need a CT scan he isn't sure what it is. Great more worry. 

Michelle 

Any update?

Hi, 

No still waiting for CT scan date. 

Anyone know if I handed in my notice would I be able to claim benefits? X 

Michelle 

Hi Michelle,  I don't think you would be able to? Might be wrong. I think Lass seems pretty good on this sort of stuff ?  Sorry you are having such a tough time. Keep you chin up, or in my case your chins.

Gentle hugs

Xx