Hello. I’m just wondering how long people are taking off work for their radiotherapy?
I had 5 days of radiotherapy, finished on Monday. I had most of last week off and was due to return today but did not sleep at all last night and feel utterly exhausted. Unfortunately had to phone in sick.
I just feel terribly guilty as I hate letting people down but I work as a dentist and just don’t think I’d be up to it 
Wondering how long this fatigue will last?
Hi I finished my 5 days 2 weeks ago and for the first week I’d have a day when I felt fine and then the next tired, still able to get everything done but at a snail’s pace. I also started letrezole the day after radiotherapy so maybe a bit of both. I’m not planned to go back to work until the 24th of June. I’m an NHS nurse specialist and I know that last week I would not have had the concentration to do a good job. I’d be good to yourself and maybe have this week and next to feel well. The fatigue can continue for many days. It’s taken me 30yrs to realise we are just a number. Good luck with everything x
1 Like
I was actually ok during my appointments but about 3 days after the fatigue kicked in and lasted about 10 days though it started to improve a bit after the first 3 or 4. I did sleep but it didn’t get rid of the fatigue though it was worse if I didn’t rest . If I tried to do too much then I started to feel sick and dizzy . They told me that radiotherapy reaches peak effect 2 weeks after the treatment has finished - so to be honest it’s a guessing game . Some people have had no fatigue some people started with it straight away others have developed it a few weeks down the line. Mine took a good 2 months to fully go although I’m sure the side effects of endocrine therapy were making it worse and that’s not to say that I felt bad every day - after the first 5 or 6 weeks I was doing normal activity but then would get an odd day when I was just really off it .
I’m a Nurse and I felt I wasn’t fit to work. I’m sorry if that’s unhelpful - all I can advise is to listen to your body and if you feel you need to stop and rest and you’re able to then then you should. Drink plenty of water as it can dehydrate you and make sure you make time to moisturise and do the exercises. I know it’s difficult when you’re in private employment but if there’s any way that you can reduce your hours for a couple of weeks that might help. Xx
1 Like
I forgot to say cancer and cancer treatment entitled you to reasonable adjustments under the Disabilities act . We all hate letting people down but sometimes it’s best not just for yourself but for the workplace too to admit that you need some time off rather than neither you nor they being able to be sure whether you’re going to be able to come in or not .
1 Like
Thank you both for taking the time to reply to me and your advice.
I’m working 2 days at the moment but I’m booked up until November so anyone I cancel won’t be seen til then
Due back in on Monday so will see how I feel then and may need make a decision as to taking a fixed amount of time off. Like you say we are just a number and I’m no good to anyone if I’m not well.
1 Like