I’ve recently been diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in my liver bones on spine. I was 7 yrs clear I was 1st diagnosed @32 with grade 2 bc chemo/ radiotherapy then I had my life back until last Sep when I fell on hols. Didn’t do any thing until 3 weeks after being home and back in work, I work as a health care support worker. The reason I didn’t seek medical advice as I was told in the June that if I went off again in 12 months I would loose my contract I’m get redeployed under the bank, but it got to the point I had to seek medical advice feom my GP, sent me for x-ray on the Wed called bk in on the Friday was.told I had fractured my t7. How come no idea as I never fell on my back. I asked for light duties on the ward the senior sister over my Ward asked me to get a letter from my GP explaining why I’d required light duties. I then had a phone call from the physio department who told me to come down to see them I’m basically you told me what am I doing in work with a broken back get yourself home. I then went and spoke to the senior sister who still sat in the management office tell him to get a letter from my GP. I went back to work I told my colleagues I’m going home I’ve been told by physio I can’t be in work because they don’t know how stable or unstable the fractured is until I have an MRI. Had the scan then had a phone call few days later to come in to see my breasts doctor at this point I still wasn’t clicking while I was getting tested for all these scans. That night I was called back in for a urgent ct scan. Then 4 days later I was called back in to see my breasts doctor even before she opens her mouth I knew it was bad news but still didn’t know what or where that cancer was. I was told it’s treatable but not curable but I am a very strong person who is not letting letting this thing rule me I’m.in charge. I know my children are older this time 14 &18 but omg it’s worse this time round.
6 days after I was told my life changing experience I had an unexpected phone call from the Senior nurse who is in charge of the medical wards saying oh I’m sorry to hear whats happened we are here for u and to support u in any way then she comes out and tells me she wants to see me on the 28th Nov 18 for my long term sickness review and also tell me that my sick paper was 3 (3) days out of date. I felt a huge kick in the stomach I couldn’t believe my ears what I was actually caring on the phone. This was 6 days after I was told informed that my life was never going to be the same again, and this is the compastion that you have working for the NHS. My ward manager /sister and work colleagues have been absolutely brilliant supportive texting me phoning me everyday since my diagnosis because they feel that they are losing a good work colleague as I will never be able to go back and do that particular job again. There is definitely no compassion in the NHS towards that employees who are diagnosed with any sort of cancer but don’t worry I will have my voice heard in not leaving it there.
Hi Thedolph,
I’m sorry about your recent diagnosis. I’m in a similar position to you. I was diagnosed with secondaries to my ribs in December, 2 years after my initial BC diagnosis. I’m 39 and have a 4 year old daughter and worry constantly that I’m not going to see her grow up.
I also work for the NHS and found them to be completely unsympathetic to how difficult it was to come back to work after my first diagnosis and treatment. I’ve been signed off work since my diagnosis but am dreading having to go back after what happened first time round. Can you get a referral to occupational health? At my Board we can self refer if your manager won’t, they would be able to adjust your duties. Also cancer is recognised as a disability so it’s illegal to discriminate (threatening loss of contract). Maybe speak to union rep or HR and see what they suggest. I agree it is a kick in the teeth, you would think the NHS would deal with this so much better.
I hope things get better x
Just wanted to say totally understand where you are coming from Im 13 years post first diagnosis and told dr I was worried in AUG 17 but wasnt diagnosed with secondaries til Feb 18 been on palbociclib letrozole and denosumab since April 18 with secondaries in chest spine and pelvis have scans every 3 months and am responding to treatment. Previously worked in NHS 30years and like you gave good care. One of my neighbours had this diagnosis 12 years ago and is still doing okay so Im being positive although its not curable being treatable can be a positive thing . Keep fighting the good fight. Liz