Hi all
After two months full of appointments, scans, diagnoses and surgery I have decided to go back to work. Im fine physically, still bit fragile emotionally. I dont feel comfortable talking about my bc with my work colleagues especially with those ones who hasnt even bother to ask how I have been. Any tips how to deal with it?
Hi Naza
I applaud you wanting to go back to work but do be careful. After 7 weeks of scans, 2 surgeries, I am back at work since last week. But only from home and only when suits me. I am warned against infection and taking steroids which are dangerous for me If I am next to people who have chicken pox or shingles contact, which could be anyone!
Please see your doctor before deciding to go back to work, and talk it through. If I could not work from home there is no way I would be back at work for the next 5 or 6 months of chemo and radiotherapy that lies ahead of me now.
Good luck to you. Please think about it. In terms of colleagues, I’m open and honest and am very supported by everyone. If they don’t care, don’t worry.
Fairydust x
Hi Naza, I’m assuming you have been told you are fit to return by the medics? I think you will need to be cautious health wise so that you avoid possible infections, and also not overtax your strength. Need to look after yourself and not undo all that work.
As to tips, I wonder what your relationship is with your boss / HR / good friendly colleague. Could someone like that run a bit of interference for you? I’m not in work, but am part of a very large active club where rumours run faster than water. A good friend spread the word that I was ok, would not be talking about my health, but would be open to a gentle hug from infection free members. Worked for me, but then I was prepared to back it up by being firm that I wasn’t talking about my health, thank you for your concern. All done with a smile. ?
I guess if you feel unprepared to deal with queries re health you may really not be ready to return to work? Just a thought. Good luck with it all. X
Don’t overdo it.
Returning to work is fabulous for your mental health (if you enjoy it!) being back in the real world. But you may be surprised how tired you get (depending on what your treatment has been so far) pace yourself, take regular breaks, keep day to day stuff at home as easy as possible.
Good luck, I hope it gives you a positive boost.
Don’t over do it! I will say that as well. I returned to work once I had recovered from surgery and sepsis (12 weeks off), and before my radiotherapy treatment. My plan was to work during treatment but found work exhausting so decided to be off during rads. I am taking 4 weeks sick leave (at half pay) and then 2 weeks annual leave. I feel as if I have been off sick for ever but not sure I was wise to go back so soon. I am certainly glad to be at home after 7 fractions of radiotherapy - tired beyond belief. Probably not helped by having started Tamoxifen too.
I am now giving myself six weeks before I return to work and will use that time to rest and gain some stamina.
Just take it easy Naza. xx
I have a work colleague/business partner who I have worked with for 24 years, not once in the last 3 weeks during my radio therapy, has he called and asked me how I am. I think he is just p**d off because I have had 3 days off in the last 3 weeks !