Has anyone managed to go back to work in a front line shift work job whilst undergoing chemo? I work as one of the emergency services (the one everyone hates) and miss my job. My back wound is still not healed but I would like to think that once it has healed I could work at least the 3rd week of chemo. My employers have been brilliant and will manage my return however suits but I am wondering whether it is worth talking to them about going back for 1 week every 3 for a couple of months whilst on chemo or whether the shifts/customers(!) etc might be too much. I miss work as I sit here hearing sirens going past, 
I don’t know if working as a nurse compares in any way with ‘front line shift work’ in the emergency services. I work permanent night shifts and managed to work one week in three when having chemotherapy five years ago. My manager at the time was brilliant. She allowed me to pick the shifts I wanted to work and made sure that I always had another trained nurse with me in case I felt unwell and needed to go home. I found it was really good to get back no ‘normal’ for a while and forget about cancer. I got a few comments from patients about the head scarf I was wearing at the time - couldn’t bear to wear a wig - mostly complimentary and some patients thought it should become part of the uniform! I know there is an issue with infection - I am guessing you work in the police - which might apply to you to a certain degree as well but I did not have any problems and my consultant was happy for me to work. If you are able to pick when and how you work I would say go for it and see how it works out. Good luck with whatever you decide
best wishes
Anne
Hello Ostrich
Sounds like we do the same job! I’m not on shift work and have to say that I didn’t work at all during my treatment. Physically I didn’t feel too bad during chemo but I was a mess emotionally and couldn’t face going in. My management were fantastic - I did a phased return in April and am now back to full duties and feeling great.
All I can say is don’t overdo it - but it sounds like you’re in a good frame of mind - so good luck with whatever you decide. Where are you in the country? If you’re south do consider getting to Goring - I had two weeks there after my treatment finished - it did me the world of good and really helped get me in the frame of mind to get back to work.
Let me know how you get on
Tracey x
Hi Tracey,
I haven’t been signed off yet - 18 months in the job when WHAM BC! Due to be signed off in March but will probably be delayed now but I obviously need (and want) to get back to front line/shift work. Occ Health have said I can work one week in 3 if I want and feel up to it but it could get messy as I would need to be signed on and off all the time. I am going to Reading on the 1st Dec for some intensive physio, good food etc. Can’t wait! Can only manage a week due to chemo commitments but they say I may be able to go again at the end of chemo.
xO
Hi O
I believe we share the same employer and although I have not had chemo, I was placed on a phased return following bi-lat mx/recon. I saw occ.h. and I was able to literally say how I wanted to return. You shouldn’t be signed on and off if you work one in 3, you are technically back to work whatever shift pattern you do. You shouldnt be classed as on sick leave in between your working week. I think your way is better than coming in for short shifts every week as I did. I was constantly feeling guilty going home ‘early’ when there was still work to be done.
Jackie.
Hi Jackie,
Think I have just answered a post you made re your back scar.
Haven’t decided yet what to do about work and don’t have a choice whilst my back is dodgy and it make take another 6 weeks or so to heal so I’ll have to see after xmas (at least I wont have to work new years eve!). When I do go back full time I intend to go straight back to front line and do shorter shifts. I know its not nice leaving when everyone else is busy but its often like that at the end of a shift on changeover anyhow its just they are not your team.
Hi Ostrich
Would echo the thoughts about not having to be signed off and on. if you are working this would be classed as a reasonable adjustment under the disability discrimination act (check your abscence policy). Once I was signed back after surgery I wasn’t ever signed off again. If you do work one week in three be sure you are doubled up like AnnieE. My real mistake was not being doubled up when I had a whole day of teaching to do and felt lousy. The next cycle we had a double up scheme worked out.
Hope the back’s healing
Lv Crispy
Hello again
You will love Goring - the staff are wonderful and the food is amazing!! I had such a great stay. I missed my kids but it did me so much good. If you get a good crowd there you’ll enjoy it all the more. I love being back at work - when does your chemo start?
Hi Misty,
I have cancelled my rehabilitation until the 12th Jan as my back wound is refusing to heal and I want to be able to swim, sauna etc but I am looking forward to it! I started my chemo on the 28th Oct and have my 2nd on Tuesday. Dead jealous re work, sigh! Likely to be March if I can start as soon as I finish chemo,
Shame you’ve put it off but you need to be fully healed - the pool is lovely. I didn’t use the sauna - wasnt sure about lymphoedema risk after node removal.
I’d finished my chemo and rads when I went there - but felt so self conscious in my wig. I even wore it in the gym, but did get a swimming hat for the pool.
Have you got a wig lined up?
Hope your next chemo goes ok - I had six lots of FEC and didn’t find it too bad . Don’t rush back to work - I’d previously only had three days off in the last five years and didn’t feel guilty about being off for nine months. My management even suggested I stay off longer but I went back to an important enquiry with hours to suit and haven’t looked back! I’m part time - three days a week but am thinking of upping my hours. I’m in the middle of a two week training course - home for the weekend, and feel like I’ve never been away!!
Hi,
I felt I had to put it off as I wouldn’t even be able to swim with a gaaping back wound. I will still be doing chemo when I go as my last isn’t until 10th Feb but I am honestly hoping to go back to work 2 weeks after. I’ll have been off 5 months then and I am already gagging to get back to work after 2 months but then I’ve only been in the job a short while.
I have a wig. The NHS one looked awful but I found one on ebay for £30 and its the bees knees. Better than my own hair and doesn’t look like a wig at all. I love it more than my own hair. Have shaved off my hair now as I was getting fed up with it falling out everywhere.
My bosses have been brilliant. Had a massive bunch of flowers arrive friday from the District Command team and they have written to me every month wishing me well. My immediate boss sorted out a pressie for me - a Wii, Wii fit, games, controllers - everything, which arrived Friday for me and 10 year old to play on whilst stuck in! How cool is that?
xx
Hello
I’ve just got back from a residential course - had a great time and worked hard too!
Hope your back is healing and you’re feeling ok.
Your wig sounds fab - I bought one from a wig shop and it cost £80. I wish I’d looked on ebay! Like you my treatment was through the winter so I collected a selection of hats which I liked wearing and didn’t feel I looked out of place in the cold!
Your work sounds like they’re looking after you. What a fantastic present. My boys got a Wii for Christmas last year - it’s great!
When I was off my work sent some flowers and a generous voucher for the Molton Brown Spa at Bluewater. I had a wonderful gentle massage and body treatment and I’ve still got enough left for another visit! When’s your next chemo?
I’ve got my next Zoladex injection on thursday
Tracey x