Have been given sick note for 6 weeks following mx and node clearance. Wot happens then? are people working during chemo treatment? XX
I’m not working as I work in a primary school which tends to be a bit of a plague pit as this time of year and with the immunity low it just isn’t worth the risk. My gp doesn’t expect me to go back until I finish all treatment. I’m doing some bits of work at home but that’s only when I feel up to it. I’ve had 1 chemo so far and I certainly wouldn’t have been up to it for the first 10 days (a total lack of energy). I think it really depends on what you do and how flexible you can be, some people have little or no choice, especially if they are running their own business.
Reeb x
I decided I wanted to work to get some normality to my life. I am lucky in that I have a flexible job and was able to work from home when I felt tired. The main issue is that as your blood count levels will be low you may be prone to infections. I worked throughout my chemo and Rads, but on my good weeks I had a couple of days leave for day outs/treats etc. In all I only had to take three days sick absence for the whole time when I was not well enough to work.
My Oncologist and GP said they did encourage people to work if they could but its an individual decision and some peoples jobs don’t allow them to work through anyhow.
Hi Weena,
I think that each of us does what works for them, ie do what feels the right thing to do for you, there is no right or wrong thng to do.
I have just finished chemo 3 weeks ago, got surgery 21st Dec.
I tried to work, but my memory took a nose dive, couldn’t focus on anything. Both my Onc & GP wanted me to stay off during treatment., The tiredness got me in the end, so I agreed, I have been off for 7 months, My work have been fab… they have extended my pay for a further 3 months, which is a huge relief, although I want to go back in Jan for a few weeks before my second lot of surgery.
As Reeb said, you need to concider your current job and what bugs/germs/ risk of infection that you may be exposed to you.
Initially I did feel guilty being off especially once the sickness had gone, but then a friend reminded me that by being off, I am investing in my future, recharging my batteries…
once your SSP runs out, you will be entitled to ESA payments (Employment Support Allowance)£64.00 per week.
All the best
Jenny xxx
Hi Weena,
I think that each of us does what works for them, ie do what feels the right thing to do for you, there is no right or wrong thng to do.
I have just finished chemo 3 weeks ago, got surgery 21st Dec.
I tried to work, but my memory took a nose dive, couldn’t focus on anything. Both my Onc & GP wanted me to stay off during treatment., The tiredness got me in the end, so I agreed, I have been off for 7 months, My work have been fab… they have extended my pay for a further 3 months, which is a huge relief, although I want to go back in Jan for a few weeks before my second lot of surgery.
As Reeb said, you need to concider your current job and what bugs/germs/ risk of infection that you may be exposed to you.
Initially I did feel guilty being off especially once the sickness had gone, but then a friend reminded me that by being off, I am investing in my future, recharging my batteries…
once your SSP runs out, you will be entitled to ESA payments (Employment Support Allowance)£64.00 per week.
All the best
Jenny xxx
Thank you for posting. As i work nights in a nursing home for people who have a learning disability it doesnt sound wise. Work are understanding which is good. Its just hard when you dont know what to expect and dont know how its gonna make you feel. XX
Weena - I honestly thought I’d have my mx and be back to work a couple of weeks later - was gobsmacked when I was signed off for six weeks, but three weeks into that leave, am very glad I was. I also have to have chemo, which I was hoping wouldn’t be the case - and when my onc. heard I worked in a school, she recommended that I consider not working. She said that they encourage some women to work simply to make sure that they continue to have an interest, and keep a little active, but with four kids/four dogs and an OH, she figured I had enough to keep me going without working too!
The infection risk is the real biggy… if you assume that the first week after chemo you won’t feel great, then the second week you are susceptible to infection… you only really have the third week…
My work have been great, so no probs for me. I also have a part time evening job as a cleaning supervisor, and I’m planning on popping in occasionally for that one, just to help with paperwork and see all the guys there - but I’m technically still signed off and on SSP so I’m not obliged to do anything if I don’t feel up to it.
Sophie xx
Hi weena i also work with learning disabilities and it was my manager who told me to go and get signed of for 3 months which i did, think its probably wise not to work as they tend to pick up infections and bugs alot quicker, hugs julie xx
Thanks girls. I dont need much convincing to stay home and keep my feet up.
Julie your right. Theres always something going round at our place. XX
Weena it was definately a no no for me cos i work on the isolation ward with all the SUPERBUGS ( control of infection ward) ive been off since surgery 24th March and hopefully returning after New year Phased return I also got ESA £ 64 week and then it went up to £94 after 3 months and also on 1/2 pay from work so havent really found much of a difference.cos you pay less tax and superann etc so it works out a bit more than 1/2 pay.
Julie when do you qualify for this ESA? i get full pay for 6mth then half pay for 6 so would it be after that? Deb. X
Sorry Jenny just seen wot you put about it. so it is after SSP then.
yes weena it starts when you go onto 1/2 pay but i rang about 1 month before and they filled the form in for me over the phone and set it all up ready so i didnt have to wait for it being processed tell them your having chemo and rads etc and they put me in support group so didnt get called in for medical interview. then i just had to send in copy of medical certificates and its paid every 2 weeks straight into my bank .
When you go to half pay-thats good to know. Who do you ring to sort that out then? I was worried about going onto half pay but that would help. X
Hi, I have been off work since 8th March. I had to wait until the SSP stopped (which you get for 28 weeks), before I could claim any ESA, but had to notify tax credits and had my working tax credit stopped. I am now on £65 a week ESA and still have to send in medical certificates (I didn’t realise this and have not had anything for the last 4 weeks, but that’s another story). I am hoping it will go up on 23rd December(after 13 weeks of receiving it, it is supposed to go up by £25). I really hope so, my only other income is child tax credit and child benefit !! Good luck on whatever you decide and on your treatment.
Samm xx
Thanks Samm. Its all confusing stuff. Who do I contact to sort out the ESA when the time comes. x
Macmillan are brilliant when it comes to form filling etc etc, my chemo nurse put our local macmillan advisor in touch with me, so it may well be worth asking your bcn how to contact your nearest one. They will tell you all about what you can claim, and how to go about it, and often will do all the paperwork for you.
Sophie xx
Cheers Sophie. Will ask when i next see her. X
Weena
Like you I was on 6m full and 6m half pay, I’ve been off since June. Our payroll office sent me the SSP1 form and asked me to contact Job Centre Plus to make a claim for ESA which is a form of the old incapacity benefit and is based on your NI contributions. I phoned them and did it all over the phone; seemed too easy to be honest!!
I had to send them the SSP1 form that my employer had sent me and the original fitnote, but it was all fairly easy to do. Payroll even gave me the number to ring! Hardest part was getting the original fitnote back from work but I got it and for future reference they said I can send copies in as they know the originals need to go to support your ESA claim.
Good Luck!
I rang the free Macmiilan number and they sorted everything out.
xx
Dee-have you got it since going on half pay then? X