That seems very sensible… I was primary for 20 years and 3 years ago moved to secondary but luckily only teach KS3. The germs are rife! Freshers flu (as I call it) is doing the rounds. My surgery isn’t til half term but I might take your advice about having a breather before so I’m not run down x thank you.
1 Like
I was a FT teacher and realised I needed to give myself the best chance after surgery (10 days after diagnosis). However, I reacted badly to the Tamoxifen/ radio therapy …so ended up staying off work for nearly 4 months. This was due to sleep deprivation and numerous other side effects for which I had to see another medical consultant.
I asked for occupational support and returned on stage return which was mostly ignored 27 years ago. On the first day back the Deputy Principal kept me behind and issued a big list of extra tasks. Like you I was middle management. I tried my best to do a load…result I collapsed with fatigue and was off again. There was an underlying belief in my institution that you should leave work after receiving a cancer diagnosis in those days!
I saw the occupational health again, at the insistance of my educational establishment. It backfired on them as he wrote a sterner letter outlining a longer stage return and limited extra duties. I had union support as well this time. They were brilliant.
Appallingly, I was even threatened with the sack… due to not completing all the tasks I missed whilst off sick…This was behind the scenes (within 4 walls) so no proof as no witness. I informed the union and I never had a meeting with management without union support again whilst recovering.
Outcome…proper stage return and remained in FT teaching for another 17 years. Was promoted.
Hope that gives you hope that in the long term things can work out.
I am a HLTA in primary(know not same) my head has been great I had 2 weeks off before my op in June and didn’t go back after. 5 days of Radiotherapy at end of August went back in September as I wanted to be there at start of year. Just an hour for first 3 days then 4 afternoons and one morning as that is when I teach. That was for two weeks then this week I’ve been in at playtime until end of day. I thought I could do this but am absolutely shattered and do nothing all weekend to recover. I feel I need to say I can’t do it but have started to be givengroups to support that won’t be possible if I’m not there. I feel my head will be OK but I just want to get my life back. I also not sure everybody else will understand. Already had 1 bad cold and feel another starting. Need to start my tablets but worried they will make me worse. Not sure next steps.
Hi @beau123, thank you for sharing and so sorry you’re in this journey too. The biggest message I’m getting is to put yourself first. You’ve been through a major upheaval. To recover fully you need to rest and be strong. School can wait and another adult will support the children at school in one way shape or form. When in school they’ll expect you to work at full capacity regardless of how kind they’ve been. You are a protected category. So if you need more time please take it. You’ll not get any medals from work for being there. I know work is a distraction but manage your time and your health.
I keep waiting for “permission” to rest from school but I’m going to have to take control and steer my own journey. X
2 Likes
I was diagnosed with IDC grade 2 last March ('24) and was a full time teacher (I was actually made redundant the day before my mastectomy, but that’s another story- and was on the cards before my cancer diagnosis as my school had merged with another due to lack of pupils). My head seemed to think I’d be carrying on as normal too up until the surgery. My GP signed me off sick within weeks of my diagnosis. I was unable to do my job, not only because of the stress, but also multiple appointments and, as I was oestrogen receptor positive, I had to stop my HRT which plunged me into horrific menopause symptoms and was getting no sleep. I was also the union rep. Are you in a union, can you speak to your rep? SLT (I was also SLT) should do a risk assessment for you (to protect you and ensure any modifications are put in place for you), and cancer is a “protected characteristic” under Employment Law, Equality Act 2010, you’re protected from discrimination from the moment of diagnosis. Cancer related sick leave should not trigger any attendance monitoring meetings. Speak to your breast nurse team about a referral for psych support/counselling, as part of your cancer treatment plan, and also should be able to give you info about any charities/centres near you offering support. I’d definitely have a conversation with your GP - you need to be fit for whatever is coming next in your treatment, not stressed and knackered by work and unsympathetic SLT
2 Likes
Hi
I was just diagnosed rt breast. Slow growing but had mastectomy.
Now doing radiation daily for 5 weeks! The fatigue is increasing as my treatment continues. Found lots of coffee, light walking (I can only go 15 min or so) helps.
Hope this helps.
1 Like
Thank you so much for sharing. Keep resting and getting stronger x
First, I’m sorry for your diagnosis and the shock that’s come with it. I can tell you I know exactly what you’re feeling as it was very hard for me to navigate the situation and I also teetered between “acting normal” and feeling very stressed.
I can say being part of this forum and reading others stories helped. I can also say that I very hesitantly shared my story on social media because I wanted people to be aware of their bodies but also because I was hoping others would share their cancer stories with me. They did and it helped me navigate treatments and gain resources. I didn’t feel so alone.
When it comes to work I decided to go on disability while in chemo and during surgeries. That took a significant amount of stress and pressure off me and allowed me to focus on self care (acupuncture, massage, reiki, facials).
Hope this helps.
1 Like
Thank you. I love the ideas of acupuncture, reiki and massage . I was under the illusion I couldn’t do any of these things. Were they a particular kind?
2 Likes
After everything, just remember don’t go back to work until you are absolutely ready, as once you’re back, people will just assume you are firing on all cylinders. So take as much time off as you need and financially can afford.
1 Like
Thank you. That’s great advice! Will do that x
Hey,
Im so sorry to hear your diagnosis. And hope you are as ok as can be.
I am a lecturer in a college and was diagnosed in August. I Worked from home until my op on 09/09/25 and am now 3.5weeks post op and awaiting Radiotherapy.
My employers made the decision for me to WFH (we go back on GCSE day unlike schools so I had 3 weeks of WFH around all my initial appointments etc) and timing wise it was probably for the best as I wd have met the new students and then left a few days after. So I just did prep etc. for others.
I cd go back to work in between once healed but I have actually decided not to due to the stressful environment. I am due to see my GP in a few weeks and I am shitting myself about asking for a FitNote when the reality is I am no where near ready to return. I have fears I will tell someone to f*ck off if Im spoken to badly and that happens frequently. And I teach massage and physical treatments too and in all honesty I am fatigued from it all.
My BCNurse gave me some local charities and Macmillan contacts to deal wt the emotional wellbeing side of it all so if you havent already I wd defo suggest asking them for this type of support.
Wishing you lots of luck with your next steps
Chelle xx
1 Like
Chelle,
Thank you sharing this with me and I’m so sorry you in this position. It’s quite honestly shitty!
I think you’ve been really sensible taking care your well-being. This is equally as important as the physical healing too. The two go hand in hand.
If it helps relieve any stress my dr told me I could ask for a sick note at any time - as and when, so I think you’ll be fine. Work on the other hand is a different story. Remember you’re in a protected category and working in education sadly means we have to bee 100% and firing on all cylinders just to get through the day.
Take the time now as your future self will thank you. X
1 Like
Here in the US the cancer center I go to has a palliative care unit that specializes in treatments for cancer patients. They focus a lot on the side affects of chemo. Maybe yours cancer center has something like that?