Nurses and returning to work

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Hi there
Are there any other nurses out there who have had experience of this.

I am 6 weeks post op WLE and sentinal node biopsy, had chemo prior to surgery ( 3 FEC and 3 tax )
Am due for radiotherapy planning end of this week and then start 15 sessions after a couple of weeks.
Had RT delayed due to brushing, swelling and haematoma.

Thanks in anticipation

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Hi Kbheal

 

you will find some exchanges here…

 

forum.breastcancercare.org.uk/t5/Living-with-breast-cancer/occupational-health-review/m-p/933768#M86514

 

And am happy to expand further if you wish. I have found it very hard, being mindful of my professional duties and my physical restrictions at the moment. I look well - therefore it is assumed i am!

 

Best wishes

 

LL xx

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just diagnosed waitng for surgery not working as my head not straight and because of the nature of our work thought it better to have my time before surgery in 2 weeks

 

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I am also a nurse and luckily I managed to work through my 20 sessions of radiotherapy. I have an absolutely wonderful manager who allowed me to work if and when I wanted. Found work helped me to stay sane!! Although was tiring at times

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A little update,

I did not complete my prolonged phssed return to work, instead i resigned. Possibly not the most sensible, but the stresses dealing with management were adversely affecting my sleep and recovery. Grievence proceedure may have been the way to go, but i could not entertain that stress either.

I am so happy not having to deal with those stresses now.

LL x

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I am currently having issues with my work… I am a nurse and work in the NHS but havent really fely overly supported.  I was diagnosed with primary and secondary in january at the ripe age of 32 and have been off work since. Went straight into chemo, then had mastectomy and ANC and my last radio is on Monday.  My work feel that me going back to work in a busy and heavy emergency medical ward is appropriate. Its a joke! I keep asking about redeployment to an area that is more suited to my circumstances that will also allow me to have my treatment every 3 weeks and enough support to not feel pressured in an understaffed and busy environment… their reply? “be careful what you say to your boss as they may feel you are unable to do your job”. I am now worrying that they arent really supporting me but looking out for themselves.  

 

Thats just the recent rubbish… they have also sent me eviction notice from staff accommodation as I was on a 6 month contract and they stopped my pay with no warning.  I am seriously considering putting in a grievance but I dont have the energy with everything else thats going on!

 

Anyone had anything like this and willing to point me in the right direction? I will be getting RCN involoved so I have some outside support

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Hi Dennymac,

I would use ACAS and the RCN. And if you have a maggies centre near you try them and MacMillan. This is such a tough time for you. Will also be sending you a private message, pls look out for it.
LL xx

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Hi dennymac,
I have also been speaking with a friend of mine, an ex-Nhs worker who looked at all options and following discussions and support from macmillan retired on grounds of ill health. She has secondary disease. Pls ask for one of these experts to help you decide what is best for you. Best wishes, LL xx

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Then you need your work to be supportive too. Do seek advice from Macmillan, they have a great publication about the disability act (which anyone with a cancer diagnosis falls under,) and on this site their is the EMPLOY charter. Your work place has to make reasonable adjustments . Good luck. Happy to chat. X
LL xx