Hi, I have not been at work for about a year as I have been in active treatment which has been full time all year, I have just had my last surgery (hopefully) and I am starting to think about what the future holds. I was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in November 2024 and I have been taking Ribociclib and letrozole and a monthly injection and with the combination of those medications and an underactive thyroid the side effects have been pretty bad especially the fatigue and getting out of breath easily. If I do decide that I am unable to work has anyone got any advise or info on what is better to take, ill health retirement (I am 49) or resign due to capabilities and get a settlement agreement, has anyone done this? Thanks E
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sorry you find yourself here do ring the number on here and speak to a nurse, also ask about the someone like me option too. I’m sure others who have made their decisions regarding work will pop on or private message you with shared experience you might want to also contact metupuk and also go to your Macmillan at your trust and discuss with them and when you have an idea of which way you want to proceed discuss with your manager (hopefully you have an understanding, supportive, empathetic manager) sending Shi xx
Hi E,
I am in a similar situation; I have secondary BC and am currently on Trodelvy, working part time, but really struggling with feeling unwell and severe fatigue and needing to quit work. I am 55. I called Macmillan today (0808 808 00 00) and they were really helpful, explaining the options and then sending a follow up email with more details. Their advice to me was to take sick leave and receive SSP for 28 weeks then apply for ESA (New Style Employment and Support Allowance). However, your circumstances may be different to mine so do give them a call. They said that ill health retirement is another option depending on your company pension policies. My employer would not offer a settlement so that isn’t an option for me. They will also help with checking if you are eligible for other benefits too. Once you have made a decision, they will also support you through applications etc.
Good luck.
Lisa x
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Thank you for this info, I really appreciate it x
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You can slso try another charity for advise. Working with cancer. I found them very informative.
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There are quite a lot of posts on this topic on the Make Seconds Count closed Facebook group. You might get some good advice there. Redirecting...?
Thats what I’ve been doing, currently on ESA. Yes it is a huge difference to what i used to earn but for now my health comes first. I will get a phased back to work but at the moment, started abemaciclib a few days ago and zoledronic acid is also to start (seeing oncologist on 21rd to discuss), once these two are stable with side effects and such. ESA is only up for a year, but i believe universal credit is an option but don’t know for how long. Either way your work needs to fill in a specific form for you to apply.
Hope this helps, hugs xx
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I worked for 2 years after my secondary diagnosis but decided my fatigue was getting worse and they were trying to stop me working from home full time so I spoke to my manager about applying for Ill healthy retirement which went through in about 8 weeks with all the steps discussed with me and my manager. The advantage of ill health retirement is that they make up your pension to the point it would normally be paid 60 0r 67 depending on the scheme. Worth more money to you than ESA which you can also get after taking iHR.
Good luck
Spikey
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Hi, I was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in July 2023 and have managed to stay in work. However, the last few months I have been struggling with fatigue, aching joints and other issues and have decided to try and finish work early on health grounds. I feel that work is impacting on time I can enjoy with my family and that this is not what I want. My manager is very supportive but I have to go through my employers and pension ill health process!
I did the process while still working and it took about 6 weeks for all the paperwork and I had already chosen the date I was going to leave and my manager and HR were supportive of me all the way through. Best thing I’ve done since the secondary diagnosis. My HR has never gone through the process of someone still working and requesting it themselves as normally people have been off sick for a long time first and it’s usually HR or manager initiated. It was all good although lots of questions were asked by occupational health as they didn’t know about my situation and I’d been diagnosed for 2 years by that stage so do expect the unexpected!
Good luck
Spikey
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