Hi everyone
I have BC and gave been off work since my first operation in August So about 8 weeks, although i was diagnosed in June.
I have had a lumpsectomy and them a second op to get clear margins. There has been recovery time as have had some nerve issues in arm, and also waiting for results of the oncotype test, so have not felt able i return yet.
The oncotype came back with a score of 40 so i have to start chemo. Have my first Oncologist appointment on Monday.
First my works texts were wellbeing, and asking if i have had results, now they are asking work related questions. I just wanted to know if i am sugned off work. And not feeling ok it i can say not to ask me work question’s.
My family say to not as if I start then ill get more, and i need to focus on treatment and my emotional well-being.
Thanks
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Hi Leona47
It’s a shame workplaces aren’t more sympathetic and understanding in these kind of circumstances. It sounds like you are still undergoing treatment and should be signed off and not be bothered with work related questions.
Do you think obtaining a sick / fit note from your medical team might help. Your work may need this for their records and they would be obliged to follow your teams medical advice and not contact you regarding work but more about your well-being and eventual return to work.
Hope that helps. X
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Hello @LEONA47
I’m sorry to hear about your diagnosis and that you are the enquiries from your work place are causing you some concern
I suspect that the enquiries are being made to determine what you should be paid whilst you are off work. Different workplaces will have different sickness policies (ie what they will agree to pay for how long) but all employers have to pay statutory sick pay (which actually comes from the government). In order for them to claim this they need to see an official sick note which your GP can give you (although I think BC nurses can also now issue them).
Both MacMillan and Maggie’s offer advice services regarding work and if you give one of them a call someone should be able to advise you more specifically based on your case
Wishing you all the best for your continued recovery from surgery and further treatments
AM xxx
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Thank, I am currentky signed off with a sick note, so wasnt sure if while i am officially signed off from work. Which now i have to undergo chemo will be extended they should ask me work questions. if i am ok to say i dont feel ok to deal with work related questions right now.
I am still dealing with 2 operations, the diaognosis now the upcoming chemo to start. Work is something i dont want to have on my mind as well…
Thanks
Hi, I had the predicament as you. After thinking/ telling work I would be off for 3 weeks, ended up being a year as like you had to have 2 operations, then chemotherapy, radiation Herceptin injection etc. as was hert2 triple positive. I returned back to work on a phased return of two and half days for 2 months then mornings only. Your GP can sign you off for a maximum of 1 month and you just go back to them depending how you feel and what your work is like. I suffered really bad fatigue and had sepsis twice while on chemo so you have to listen to your body as everyone reacts differently. Your works pay terms will be set out in your terms of employment on how many weeks full then half pay and then I think after 28 weeks you are paid statutory sick pay, which is not a lot. It’s worth a note that if you are signed off, work should not be contacting you, unless you give them permission. You could agree to a catch up half a day each week or one hour each day if it helps your mental well being. Looking back I was too optimistic and kept telling work I would soon be back, rather then being signed off through chemo but it’s so difficult to know/plan
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Hi @LEONA47
All the advice you have been given is good. This is certainly stress you don’t need right now but from experience things go better if you keep them informed - by which I mean every time you send in a sicknote send a short letter or email with it to briefly update them as to what’s been happening . Extra surgery , now needing chemo, you aren’t feeling well so would prefer not to be called or messaged but that you will update them when you send in your next sicknote. Send your notes / messages to someone you can trust to communicate this properly. If you know and can give them a timescale as to when your chemo will be finished that might be helpful. This way you have some control.
They may be puzzled or wondering if you need an OH referral / if they need to think about reasonable adjustments for you / if there’s a work based counselling scheme they may be obliged to offer you the chance to have it. These are all things you would be entitled to for when you do go back but if you make it clear that you aren’t ready to go back anytime soon ( so none of it is relevant just now ) they really should back off .
Most places have a process to follow which might involve a meeting at some point , you might be able to do this by phone . If you have to go onto half pay someone should be in touch via phone / letter to inform you .
I’ve seen both sides of this - been the one hiding at home not able to face talking to people . I’ve also been the one trying to explain there’s not enough staff to take on extra work etc. and telling my manager who is off sick and when I think they might be back. In my experience nobody has a problem with people being off sick with cancer related problems but it can make it difficult all round if things change and work aren’t aware.
Take care
Joanne. X
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