I work in a senior leader role and since my first lumpectomy in January have been on lighter duties. Taking 8 days after both surgeries (Jan first surgery then March for second surgery).
I took a step back as the service I lead was in the middle of a redesign and multiple key programmes and before a consultant was bought into oversee. This was hard at first but honestly has allowed me the space the last 3 months to not have the pressure of work in the same way it was. I’ve been there on the periphery but not in the same way. Want to add my work have been supportive. My immediate manager (new to the role when I got diagnosed) is absolutely supportive but I know is under a lot of pressure.
Chemo starts hopefully in the next few weeks (pending tests) and the consultant signed me off for 2 months. My cycles are EC (epirubicin + cyclophosphamide) x 3 rounds then Docetaxel x 3 rounds - Every 3 weeks. Consultant was clear about infection risk day 7-14 but said 14-21 you can feel ok.
I will need a mastectomy (with DEIP) as failed margins still - this will be post chemo which clearly also has a recovery period of 6-8 weeks.
I am fortunate to get 6 months full pay, however it’s tight with all the treatments. I’ve used 16 days so far.
I’m struggling to know how to navigate still working maybe in that final week before the next round. Having already felt a bit like a spare part since January I can imagine this is just the way it is. I would be keen to try to work when I can to keep me sane but also preserve sick pay.
How have others navigated this? My brain doesn’t feel in that headspace anyway and whilst I have worked in between surgeries i do feel like my identity professionally has disappeared although equally this puts the whole thing into perspective anyway.
I know everyone feels different and it’s hard for anyone to tell me what to do.
Hey, I’ve continued to work during chemo, however i work from home anyway so that is an enabling factor.
Work are taking the steer from me ref when I want to work and I only ended up taking 1 day per EC cycle off which coincided with day 5 when I felt the worst during my EC cycle (3 weekly cycles). Work have made adjustments so that I am not client facing until I finish treatment, which again helps support me to continue to work. I felt good , other than fatigue from day 10 onwards.
I’ve now switched to a different chemo - Paclitaxel which will be weekly and so far I feel much better than when I was on EC.
Hello I work in a faceto face my manager has advised to take me off my duties anx do mord admin. No treatmenf yet but im already feel pushed out feel hurt. I understand with my anxiety but Im still me , at present workjng fro. home.
Hi there. I take it you’ve had conversations with HR about this? How can you incorporate a hybrid role to work around your chemo and still maintain your leadership presence? How can you be involved in strategic decisions and be visible at key meetings even if it is from home on days you can’t physically be there in person? How often are you meeting with your team so they still have regular contact with you ? Can your employer fund an executive coach to help you navigate your role in light of your diagnosis?
If you want to remain in role and it doesn’t increase your emotional load, then there is no reason why you couldn’t still work with a bit of creative thinking.
Or, just picking up on your comment re perspectives, this huge life event can be the catalyst for something entirely different. I know we may all have strong economic reasons why we can’t just chuck in the towel and become free spirits, but it is an ideal moment to reflect on your career so far and consider what you might want the next chapter to look like. Just because it has always been this way might not necessarily mean it has to continue being so. Big philosophical questions, but now is the best time to ask them. Journalling might be a great medium for exploring them…even if they remain just thoughts for now.
The HSE website might also be worth a visit just to check in on what you can expect from your employer during this time. I’ve signposted my clients to this in the past as it is really informative.
If you have the luxury to do so, listen to your gut. Good luck.
I’ve kept in the loop with the wider leadership team, but have definitely taken a step back. I was new in the role myself by only 2 months when I got my diagnosis and did feel very overwhelmed and put pressure on myself. My team have been great and I check in with them all weekly. I had a really good call with my manager yesterday and she was supportive of seeing how I go but no pressure and we have scheduled in regular calls for updates and I’m hoping (but no pressure) to be able to work from day 12ish each cycle and am scheduling key updates from the leadership team for these periods to keep me in the loop. My manager reminded me that I’ve had periods out before (maternity) and my leadership/career and strategic influence has not been affected so that was reassuring!
I agree the perspective has been needed. With my youngest only 6 I have enjoyed being more around before and after school and it’s definitely something I want to try to figure out how this can (in parts) continue when this is over!
@lola12 my pleasure. And of course it is a great bit of leadership role modelling…managing a healthy life balance, how the organisation can shine in how it treats employees as humans (sounds like they’re doing a great job) and that illness and disability needn’t be a barrier to having a successful career.
Look after you. You’re the most important person in all of this. Look forward to future chats with you as we travel this shitty path together. x
I worked throughout chemo bar the very last week when I just decided to take some leave. I work in an IT operational management role which has to be in office. They let me work from home throughout so while it’s harder not to be face to face, I was able to keep up with the dramas Fortunately my worst days were at the weekends and the rest of the time I felt fit enough to fire up my laptop and participate as normally as possible. It is a great focus if you need that and I have barely used any sick leave
Hi @lola12 I too am in a senior leadership role and am undergoing chemo (EC 2 weekly for 4 rounds followed by taxol 2 weekly for 4 rounds) then mastectomy and prob diep reconstruction (still need to meet with another set of surgeons after it was confirmed my nipple was involved so not sure of options).
I’ve just had my first EC dose and if I’m honest I don’t think on 2 weekly cycle I could really do much work.
My organisation will allow me to wfh but tbh with the meeting schedule I definitely don’t think I could handle my usual workload (not least because I expect to lose my hair soon). I have put workarounds in place to handle the next few months of general tasks and haven’t made a secret of why I am off but if I feel well enough on second set of chemo may do some strategic planning work with a few close colleagues as part of a phased return to work - I am only due 18 weeks off in total and only half of that fully paid but my work have an appeals process to extend this which I intend to make use of and I also used some of my holidays initially for some time off before chemo.
I’ve had an initial 2 month fit note sign off but my out of the office message is on for 6 months.
Planning wise I’m not sure what else you can do. As we are now classed as disabled in the UK (you might want to listen to Liz ORiordans podcast ‘so now I’ve got breast cancer’ episode on employment rights) there are extra protections in place if you need them.
My workplace has been great but worth knowing your rights in any case.
Hi there. Don’t forget that it is also possible apply for ESA and PIP even if you’re employed. They are not means tested and a colleague of mine who took a year off for treatment and was successful in getting some benefits. I applied and got PIP, but wasn’t eligible for ESA due to my self-employed status.
The form filling is a faff, but it is worth it and it does get backdated to your diagnosis date.
I can’t work from home, work in an open plan office and am very much client facing, so I decided to take a hit and have SSP, and apply for UC and PIP while in active treatment.
I’ve heard that PIP is so hard to get, but I’m glad to hear you were granted yours. Makes me feel more confident to
That’s a really good idea with the CAB! I’m dreading the forms and trying to make sense of them all!
I honestly think of everything external to the cancer, finances have become my major stressor my work are so supportive, but are a tiny firm who can’t carry me financially, which I completely understand.
Good luck! Please do let us know if the CAB are helpful xx
Will do! My BCN put in a referrral to them for me and yours should be able to do that for you too if you ask them. They also referred me for counselling and I’ve had two sessions now, which have been a massive help.
I also have a senior leadership role and have felt exactly as you’ve described.
I have had surgery and one round of EC so far. I’ve agreed with my line manager to work as and when I feel and so far I’ve had 8 days off for my lumpectomy and three days with chemo (day of treatment and two days after). I’ve enjoyed the normality and routine of being back at work, albeit I work permanently from home which appreciate makes a difference. I’m not sure how I will feel on subsequent rounds but for now I feel it’s a good balance. Obviously if I’m not well enough to work going forward then I’ll adjust my plan.
Ive really struggled with what to do for the best, of course I want to take the time I need for treatment and recovery but from a career and life perspective I’ve worked so hard to get to this point (I’m 50 for context) I really don’t want feel like I have to make a choice.
I completely agree however for what it’s worth I have a colleague at a similar level of responsibility who has managed it and is thriving. It’s obviously a huge adjustment but she has really used the positives from her diagnosis to focus on the important stuff (work wise I mean). It’s been really inspiring.
Sorry for the delay. I haven’t been on here for a few weeks.
So cycle 1 ended up returning to work on day 12 so took 7 days off. I work up day 10 - a Saturday and felt much better (slowly coming back to life from around day 7) and decided to log on. Had a meeting with my manager and agreed on some task I would look at. I worked 3 days the first week (had a port fitted the Thursday so took 2 days sick again. Then returned and worked the few days before cycle 2.
During those days I scheduled meetings with leadership team to check in, checked in with the team and read some reports/policies. It felt so so good to be connected and use my brain. I was fully remote and worked 9.30-1.30/2 so kept it short but it was manageable. Very aware this won’t be the case necessarily each cycle but want to try when I can.
Cycle 2 was yesterday and feeling tired, emotional and foggy so couldn’t work now and will see how I go.
I also am enjoying the slower pace, being around more for the girls and the school runs (that always used to feel chaotic haha) so trying to also embrace this.
my work are so supportive, but are a tiny firm who can’t carry me financially, which I completely understand.
