I have been back to work for two years, but am now feeling that i cant cope with the stress, as always tired and feel it is getting harder and harder to concentrate. I had mast,chemo and radio 2007 and am on tamoxafin.
As well as getting over breast cancer I am visually and hearing impaired and suffer from depresion.
I would love to give up work, but worried about money as my wages are a big help to the family i am married with two teenage children
Not sure where to turn.
Hi Westy, Would you be entitled to Disability Living Allowance to help with the financial worry? I think you need to speak to someone who can look at the whole picture and your health needs. Have you thought of either contacting the Breast Care nurse at the hospital you attended, or the Citizen’s Advice Bureau, or is there a Maggie Centre near you to go and talk to someone about your problems. Or even your GP could refer you to someone who could advise. I am sorry to hear you are having such a tough time. We are thinking about you. Take one day at a time. LOL from Scottishlass XX
Hi Westy
I had a mastectomy and reconstruction, chemo and radio in 2006. I went back to work full time in 2007. I had decided I was going to work full time for one year if possible as I really like my job (it can be quite demanding and stressful) and then go job share. I did nearly two years but then began to feel as if my job was taking over and I did not want that to happen.
I went job share in April this year (work three days) and found that it makes a big difference. I don’t know if this is an option for you. I know it means less money but I felt it was worth having some of my time back and I don’t feel so rushed.
I think you should also take the advice of Scottishlass and look into the suggestions she has given. There may be some help there for you. You could try contacting or looking at Macmillan Cancer Support website as they are very good too.
Please take care and look after yourself.
Love
Thistle xx
Thank you ladies for your support, I will try the options you have given me, I will talk to my husband about how I feel as well, must admit if I give up work I will feel that I have let myself down.
cheers Westy.
Please do not think for one minute you are letting yourself or anyone else down. After all we and our familes have been through I think we have been very strong, although we all have our down moments. So,please have a good think and talk it through and come to the best solution for youself and your family.
who would you be letting down if you gave up work? really think about it! I think we all feel like we have to prove we have done the treatment, now we are totally back to normal, and its all a thing of the past. I dont think our lives can ever go back to how they were before, however trivial the chnges that we make are…
and if this makes you feel the slightest bit better i am still in my pjs at 2 pm! (how cool am i)
Anna x x