Hello Ladies,
After seeing my Consultant & was confused by her explanation of my surgery. I spoke to the BCN & when I received my outcome letter, I understood a little more.
I had a partial response to therapy the tumour from my breast was 37mm with 10-50% residual tumour remaining. However, she managed to get clear margins & I’m relieved the cancer has been removed. I was overwhelmed by the size of the tumour as I had such a difficult time with my chemo. This was the first time I’d heard about the size of the tumour they removed. Following mammograms & MRI scans I was told the tumour was much smaller than that. There was a further discussion at the MDT meeting & it was mentioned about me having full clearance of my lymph nodes.
I then had another USS to see if there was any of the original cancer in my lymph node. Fortunately the radiologist couldn’t find anything suspicious. My consultant & oncologist then advised me to have a course of TDM1 - Kadcyla for 6 months, then a course of radiotherapy. If any ladies can offer me any positive feedback on TDM1 I would be grateful. My consultant explained i will probably be having treatment into 2027, which I’ve found daunting.
To add to my anxiety, work was continuing to put pressure on me. Asking when I’m returning. They sent me a letter inviting me to a meeting to discuss my ongoing employment. In the letter it said be prepared for a potential outcome of being dismissed under ill-health capability. They hadn’t even offered me an appointment with OH. I wish I’d have thought more before I made such a hasty decision. My head is completely fuddled.
This sent me into a tailspin & I decided to resign before the meeting. The company has accepted my resignation. I feel I’ve completely played into their hands! I have never been dismissed from a job & I thought this would have a negative effect if I decided I wanted to work again.
I thought I would feel relieved after making this decision, I now feel I’m grieving for a job I loved. I’m aware there have been a lot of changes & not for the better since I’ve been off sick, I also know some of my colleagues are under a lot of pressure. How I’m currently feeling & starting further treatments this week. I know I don’t need additional pressure/stress.
I’ve also had people tell me that cancer is a protected disability & the company just couldn’t get “rid”of me. Even though I understand my job couldn’t be left open indefinitely. Some people have informed me the company may have discussed a severance package for me to leave.
I’m gutted now, but don’t feel I could ask them to overturn my resignation as I still can’t provide a return date. I’m not getting paid now & a severance package would have been extremely helpful.
Love Fairycake x