I went back to work after 8 months of trement thinking i was fit enough. I was wrong, i feel washed out and tried:::((
Rose.
I finished finished 9 months of active treatment at the end of February 2012. I went back to work at the beginning of April on a phased return and still able to claim ESA. I work Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons. I do get tired but I think that is only natural after what my body has been through. You just need to listen to your body and rest when you can. If you think you can’t cope with the hours you are working then ask your employer if there is anything they can suggest.
Hi Rose
Although my GP okayed me to return to work on a phased return after 10 months treatment, my employer insisted on being seen by an Occupational Health doctor
first - this was all arranged via my HR department. My Onc advised a very slow return to work otherwise you end up very low. I would definitely speak to yoyr employer. I am now covered under the Provision of Equality Act after being seen by the Occupational Health Doctor (I had mastectomy/reconstruction chemo and rads.
Thank you ladies, yes i rush into the hours 30 thinking i could do it, my manager and i have cut it to 24 to see how i will get on.
Rose x
Hi Rose,
I went back to work on a ‘phased return’ 4 weeks after mx & anc. Im due to start chemo rads etc next week. I saw the OH dr, who said it was fine (I only do admin) but reduced hours and to ‘listen’ to my body. If I need to rest, then don’t go in. To be completely honest, I did too much too soon and did not listen to the advice. I started to feel so low and tearful and I have now been referred for lymphoedema.
As Sookie said - talk to your Dr’s and your employers. You may have thought you felt fine and ready at home, but it is very different when you commit to hours and start back after so long off. Your body and mind have been ripped apart and tacked back together - be gentle with such a precious gift!
Merc
xxxx
Good luck, hun - I will be thinking of you!
Sookie’s right - anyone who’s had a cancer diagnosis falls under the Equality Act (it replaced the Disability Discrimination Act) so your employer has to make reasonable accomodations for you and you can never be discriminated against because of your cancer.
Jane xxx