I was finished treatment in 2004, with not particurlary good prognosis having had a very high level of lymph node involvement and large tumours in both breasts. I carried on working throughout my treatment and still continue to do so but lately my job has changed significantly and I am feeling crushed under the workload and stress which I can’t seem to shake off (I am a teacher). I am starting to feel very concerned that this level of stress could encourage secondary cancer immerging. Does anyone have any comments or thoughts on this?
Dear Patricia - I am sure that other ladies will add to this posting, but just wanting to write as you have not had a reply yet. As far as I am aware (and I am hope BCC will confirm this) there is NO evidence that stress causes cancer, or secondary cancer. Having said that, the mere fact that you are feeling really overworked and stressed and worried at the moment is horrid and overwhelming for you, and I do hope that you can get some help with these issues. As a starting point perhaps you can talk to you doctor or think about having some counselling to work through some of the issues. The specific work issues you need to talk through with your employer, perhaps you will have a chance to think over this Christmas period where you really want to go from here with your work and what you want to ask to happen that will make life more tolerable for you. Perhaps you have a good friend or colleague you could talk this over with. What ever you do I do hope that you will get the help and support you need - there is lots of it out there. Don’t struggle on on your own. Good luck and love from Sarah xx
Dear Patricia
I just wanted to echo Sarah’s advice to talk things over with someone if you can, you are welcome to call our confidential helpline and talk to one of our specialist nurses about the concerns you have. They will also be able to talk to you about further support available to you which may help you through this difficult time. The number to call is 0808 800 6000 and it’s open 9-5 today.
Best wishes
Lucy
Hi Patricia
As Sarah says there is no evidence that stress causes breast acncer…either primary bc in the first place or a recurrence or secondary breast cancer. There have been lots of studies on stress and they are simply not conclusive…not least because its very difficult to measure what stress is. I know some people with breast cancer think stress played a part in causing their cancer but again no evidence at all. (Among the many many studies of stress and breast cancer is actually one which found that stress after breast cancer could delay recurrence! Personally I think all these studies are a waste of money which could be better spent on proper prevention strategies, not to mention finding a cure.)
Teaching is stressful. I was teaching in a univeristy when I was diagnosed, worked through some of my treatment but a few months after it finished I decided I didn’t want a stressful job which I wasn’t enjoying. I was able to take early retirement. I did that, not because I thiught the stress would cause my cancer to come back but because, with a poor prognosis I wanted to enjoy whatever life I had left as much as I possibly could. Retirement or reducing your hours might not be an option for you, but could be worth considering.
I think it sounds like you need a jolly good rest. Take advantage of the generous sick leave conditions teachers have and consider some time off to think, relax, and go easy on yourself.
Best wishes
Jane
Hi Patricia,
I just wanted to echo too what has already been posted.
The fact that you have posted this thread tells me that you are re thinking ‘things’.
Do you need to work?
Are you getting anything rewarding out of it.
A councellor might sound abit over the top but they always help you look at things a different way!!
On a very ‘flakey’ level…listen to your body you know whats best for you!!!
I hope you have plenty of time and space to think and I know whatever you decide you will make the right decisiion.
Regards Bikinggirl.xx
Dear Patricia,dont worry about stress bringing BC back.If stress had anything to do with it mine would have come galloping back years ago! You wouldn’t beleave the catalogue of disasters that my first two years post BC brought! I was even attacked and had my ribs broken by a lunatic while on chemo - and that was just the tip of a very big iceberg! It got to a point were I was afraid to pick up the telephone incase of yet more bad news!
I really dont beleave that stress has anything to do with it returning. But it’s not fare after all you’ve been through to find yourself so stressed out with work.Isn’t there anything you can do to ease the workload?I’ve found that a good brisk walk works wonders for me- I walk for miles!!
Regards Josie xx
Hi Patricia
Like JaneRA I too was a lecturer, course tutor etc etc. I was certainly overloaded and was feeling very stressed and not coping prior to diagnosis of secondaries, but this may have been because I was ill and did not know it.
I am not sure how counselling or talking to someone would have helped me - I simply had too much admin and preparation to do, on top of the teaching, and I had already told ‘the powers that be’ that I was feeling the strain and nothing happened. Being told to ‘do less’ is simply not an option in teaching - how can you get three quarters through an hour long lecture and then tell 70 odd students that, as it was way past midnight you decided to stop working and preparing? When you are feeling less that 100% you still give 110% (or try to) it isn’t as though you can hide behind a desk and do something less taxing until you feel more able, you are out in front, performing for all to see.
I, hand on heart, do not think that I was inefficient or needed time management lessons. After over 20 years in the job I think I was reasonably good at it - I was just overworked.
I too took retirement on ill health grounds because my prognosis was poor (still here 4 years later) but I wouldn’t consider staying in teaching, or any other job that meant that I couldn’t have more control over how I paced my working week. I think it is important that when you are tired, or ill, or recovering from treatment, that you can rest and it teaching it is all or nothing.
Take retirement on ill health grounds, if you can, and then you can do as little or as much work (at something other than teaching) as you wish and start enjoying life.
Good luck in whatever you decide to do
blondie
The possibility of stress leading to secondaries is not really something that can/could be identified. However, stress [particularly work stress] can drain you of energy, and if that is the case your immune system is compromised. There are of course different interpretations of stress - constant pressure of responsibility or sudden intolerable extra burdens. My own experience is that if I allow events to take control, I have a flare up in my skin, and that constant stress over several years probably exacerbated my condition.
It is important to relax and not allow yourself to be overburdened. If you are in a position to do so, now is the time to change your job or even to stop working altogether.
Thank you so much everyone who replied. I am having a chat with my deputy head tomorrow…
Hi Patricia. So glad that you are able to take this up with your deputy head. Do hope you find them supportive and understanding and that you can plan your workload/ future in a way that is not causing you such stress so that you can enjoy life again. Do let us know how you get on, we’ll be thinking of you. Sarah x