Hi
Just been diagnosed with DCIS. A further biopsy needed next week, praying it is nothing nasty. Then surgery planned after that, surgeon said within 4 weeks of these next results being given.
Can I ask what did you ladies do, specifically self employed, re work? My job is physical, involves my left (affected side). I’ve paid critical illness cover for years but realise they won’t pay on DCIS. I do have some income protection cover which I need to investigate. I remember reading about some government help for self employed sick pay.
I feel I don’t want to even think about work until this all plays out. Can make you start thinking a lot more about your life.
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Hi, welcome. Sorry to hear you’ve had to join the club. I had a DCIS in 2 places in my left breast. Diagnosed Feb of this year. I had a lumpectomy and 5 sessions of radiotherapy. None of the treatment was particularly difficult from a physical perspective but emotionally it has been tough. Not every day but some days I feel very low. I have not gone back to work yet but that is purely because I work with young people with challenging behaviour. I don’t want to get hurt and so that has created a fear for me. I am lucky however as I’m entitled to full pay for 6 months. I think you would be eligible for benefits and the Macmillan nurses can help with that.
I hope your recovery is swift. It’s hard when you are self employed. I think it all depends on the type of work as to whether you go back quickly. If I worked in an office I would have been back within a few weeks of surgery and then a few weeks for radiotherapy as some people get very tired and the skin can be affected. Mine wasn’t too bad thankfully.
Best wishes and pm me if you like anytime.
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Thanks for replying, yes I’m only a few weeks in and it’s been a huge rollercoaster of emotions. The dreaded C strikes such fear, god I miss those carefree days! But I’m thankful for the mammogram screening.
Gosh I completely get that you need to look after yourself first with your work and great you’ve had 6 months full pay.
My work is also very public facing which is hard when you don’t feel like talking or smiling and that’s part of the job!
I’m going to message my gp surgery tomorrow and see what they say as I believe I need a Fit Note to apply for ESA.
Thanks v much for taking the
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Hiya i was the same re critical illness. They wouldnt pay out due to it being contained in the ducts. Whish i kept the insurance on now that ive been diagnosed with invasive but i retired 2 years ago and couldnt keep up the policy. Kicking myself now!!
Hi everyone. I too work with children with challenging behaviour and my GP signed me off from diagnosis till after my operation due to the risks . I know I wouldnt have had my head in right place anyway . Luckily i get full pay but must be awful if you dont . Wishing you all the best. My surgery is in 3 weeks time . Dreading it but want it over in another way .