Hi. I returned to work after almost 8 months off, grade 3 multifocal ILC, had therapeutic mammoplasty, both sides, few lymph nodes removed. 4 x 3 wkly EC then 12 x paclitaxel, repeated serious reactions during infusions so changed to abraxane part way through. Then 10 radiotherapy sessions and now on letrozole. Kept work informed and even helped out with some projects while off. I never complained.
On return I was told I should cut my hours or retire and that they couldn’t schedule me for anything as maybe I wouldn’t be feeling well.
I protested but eventually reduced some hours. Since then I’ve been ignored, told to shut up when I accidentally interrupted someone (chemo brain) and too many more incidences to recount. My role has been reduced and distributed to others.
I tried to say about equality act but was talked over. I’m good at my job and don’t want to leave or retire. I feel so betrayed and don’t have the strength to fight this. I feel more stressed by this than my treatments.
Morning few things register with work that you have a disability. Then tell work via email so it’s written what you can do and what reasonable adjustments you require. If you have access to a union join them as these can assist you and support you in this. You are worthy and sound like you just want to get stuck back into work. Take care zx
Well done for getting through the surgery, chemo and radio. You’ve certainly achieved a great deal there! I hope the Letrozole isn’t treating you too unkindly as I’ve heard the side effects can vary wildly from person to person.
Sorry to hear about the issues you’re having returning to work. I would recommend contacting the Macmillan helpline here and chatting this through with them as a starting point. They’re open 8am-8pm every day and the number is 0808 808 00 00.
There is also a link below from their website about discrimination at work as some of things you’ve described in your post sound like they might fall under this category but definitely have a talk with the experts and see what they advise.
Sorry to hear about the problems you have been experiencing at work. You don’t have to do this on your own. If you are or become a union member (if that is possible in your job) you will be able to have a union rep to support you with any meetings. I know it is a drag, and chemo brain doesn’t help, but try and record as many of the incidents as you can as these will help with which direction the union will take. If you don’t want to or can’t join a union I am sure that Macmillan can advise on where you can get the support. I hope this helps and that you manage to get a better response from work. Try to stay strong, there are people out there who will support you,
So sorry to hear you are having such a horrid time at work. This organisation working with cancer may be able to help and offer some advice how to deal with situation. Hope things settle
Hopefully you belong to a trade union as they supported me years ago when I received poor treatment after returning to work.
Or some people ask for an occupational health review with an independent outsider.
The only two ways I know that have been used to address work issues after cancer treatment.
I’d also try Local cancer support charities who may be willing to discuss your problems.