Hi. I am so sorry you are going through this . Sending love 
. I’m a teacher too. I would not have been able to work after my diagnosis . Firstly you are likely to be thrown into all sorts of appointments and secondly work is not important , you are xxx I had 6 months off work and I didn’t need chemo . But radiotherapy made me fatigued. Please only think of yourself . School will manage xxx
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I was diagnosed on 11th June. I went to the office yesterday for the first time and it was emotional. I didn’t sleep last night. I’m going again tomorrow for 1/2 a day.
It’s the weight of the disease and all that is to come sitting on my shoulders.
I’ve told my immediate team and EMT but not other colleagues and of course the dreaded “how are you question” just floors me.
You are not a whimp you are in shock as am I. X
You are not a wimp. Its different for everyone. I went back to work as a teacher after my diagnosis. ( only my bosses knew). I did it mainly to distract myself and keep busy but then one lunchtime, i got into a conversation with a lovely lady who had just come back to work after a year of chemo etc. I ended up telling her my ’ secret’ and I though my emotions were under control after we both shed a few tears but in the afternoon i ended up breaking down at work and my boss had to come and remove my learners from the classroom. It was embarrassing but I couldn’t stop crying and looking back i probably should have taken a few days off to come to terms with my diagnosis. It’s a lot to take in, be gentle with yourself. I think it gets easier once you start your treatment / surgery.
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Hi , I just wanted to respond.
I am also a teacher and was diagnosed in December 2023. I had a lumpectomy, radiotherapy and an now on Zoladex and Tamoxifen.
I couldn’t even think about work after my diagnosis and I was off until I had my surgery and results . I went back after the Christmas break which felt like the right time for me. I was able to work through radiotherapy quite easily and work were great with appointments. It has helped that I am part time but my role is on the leadership team so it is quite full on and I am now starting to feel pressure creeping in.
I genuinely think it is completely treasonable to take whatever time you need.
Everyone is different we all react and cope in so many different ways. Do not beat yourself up, now is the time to be kind to yourself and do what feels right.
I am self employed and was back in work straight away, i re arranged my hours, start earlier and finish earlier, I get really tired in the afternoon. I need the distraction of work and it makes me feel "normal ". But whats right and works for me would not be right for you or anyone else.
Being told you have and living with cancer is massive. Take one day at a time . Sending you 
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Hi @yogi1. How are you doing? Its a while since you started this thread. I wondered how you were and how treatment is going. I’m still at school, trying to battle on till the end of term with no idea when chemo is starting, but just about hanging on. Xxx
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I decided to get signed off with my GPs encouragement and my headteacher’s whole hearted support. I’ve had 2 horrible adverse adult experiences during my career and battled on and on at great cost to me and my children! This time, I come first and have decided that I’m going to wind down from my career after 30 years of teaching! Thank you for checking in with me xx
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I’m glad you’ve made a decision thats right for you. I’d do the same if I could afford to leave teaching. I will be taking time off when chemo and/or radio starts. Considering leaving and doing supply when I get to 50 too. Good luck with everything xxx
I’ve got 5 years left but cancer has really put life in perspective! I hope all goes well for you. X
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Hi @yogi1
I’m so glad you’ve made a decision that feels right for you. We recently did a podcast episode with a fantastic organisation called Working with Cancer that you may find useful: Breast Cancer Now / Barbara on Working With Cancer (audioboom.com)
In the episode, Barbara shares her experience being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005, and how she realised a need to support people with cancer going back to work. She also speaks about her organisation Working With Cancer, and describes the ways a person working with a diagnosis can access support, as well as some helpful practical tips.
Wishing you all the best,
Lucy
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