I have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer. I have worked since my suspected diagnosis two weeks ago. My lumpectomy surgery is in 3 weeks.
I felt I should continue to work as I obviously don’t feel ill and wanted to conserve my sickpay. My job is part time desk job (can wfh) so I thought it would be a distraction. It’s not a distraction at all, I can’t focus on anything.
I understand it’s personal choice but just interested to know if others tried to work & how they felt about working not working x
Welcome to the forums and I’m sorry to hear about your diagnosis
Pretty much four years ago to the date this was me: diagnosed in a complete tailspin, but didn’t feel physically ill so surely I “should” be working.
Do not underestimate the impact the diagnosis has on your mental health, only a couple of my colleagues knew about my diagnosis and as it was in 2021 so mostly working from home my lovely line manager at the time was able to “cover” for me in terms of enabling me to undertake less stressful/taxing tasks during this period
Your desire to preserve your sick pay is entirely understandable. Similarly after my lumpectomy I felt physically fine and thought I “should” be working, again a call with my line manager (who also liaised with our HR team) assured me that even though I was physically capable of doing my job, mentally I wasn’t and taking time off sick for mental health is absolutely fine.
Wishing you all the best with your surgery and any further treatment
I was diagnosed with BC 2 years ago. The time I was diagnosed with cancer to the time of surgery was 3 weeks. I did work up to the day before surgery. It was mostly because of company policy and I thought it would be better for me. It was so hard to work on those days. The worry and the unknown were causing me stress. I couldn’t concentrate at work. On the other hand, I couldn’t concentrate on anything so being at work forced me to do something.
I also felt that I should be able to work but realized I couldn’t concentrate.I was on annual leave when I got my diagnosis but after I’d set the microwave off twice without putting the food in I realised I would probably do more harm than good working as a Nurse so I went off sick. I also had been offered a place on a medical trial so had decisions to make and needed time to think them through and research as well as get my head round it and build up courage to tell my Dad which I was dreading as we had only lost my Mum a few months previously .I knew my cancer wasn’t life threatening but wasn’t sure that he would be able to believe that . It was still Lockdown and it was Winter and I was also scared of getting COVID or other infection which might delay surgery as I was working in a high risk area .
I must say that sometimes having colleagues to talk to does help to distract you if you’re struggling - being alone with your own thoughts can be hard .Then again if someone says the wrong thing that can make it worse . My first procedure failed and I had a long wait to get confirmation of that and the thing I found most helpful was being out in nature walking swimming and also Yoga . Is there a way that you could fit some outdoor time into your day at all ? Xx
Hiya, so sorry to hear of your diagnosis and that you find yourself in this predicament.
I was diagnosed in November 2024 and, like you, initially chose to remain at work and save sick pay for when I really needed it. I managed to work up until Christmas with work and life with kids being the perfect distraction. I intended working right up to my surgery which wasn’t scheduled until February but when I returned after Christmas I could not concentrate at all and became concerned I was doing more harm than good being there. I chose to finish up mid January and used the remaining weeks to prep meals for the family, organise things that made it easier for them to cope when I was out of commission and, probably most importantly, had a spa day all to my self.
I think it’s very much up the individual what works for you, as I said work can be a good distraction but listen to your mind and body and do what’s right for you.
Welcome to the forum. It was just over 2 years ago when I was diagnosed. I worked through the first few appointments (6 weeks) and had hoped to work until my surgery. I worked in school and my female head said she didn’t ‘want’ me in work as she felt I needed to get to grips with the diagnosis and that school is not a place where you can take time out easily. She was right, I had further tests and then I was diagnosed with HER2+ and needed chemo and a year of targeted therapy after surgery. The diagnosis was hard and then it was a whirlwind of appointments and tests and not being in work it was easier to deal with all the follow ups. Mentally it was hard and I just needed to concentrate on me.
You have to do what is right for you. There is no right or wrong way.
If you are worried about sick leave/pay, there is Employment and Support Allowance that can be paid once your statutory sick pay finishes. The basic amount is not a lot but it can help.
I wish you all the best in your treatment.
The BCN nurses are available online or by phone 0808 800 6000 M-F 9-4 Sat 9-1
Hi @Fluffydog234. Sorry to hear your diagnosis. I worked up to my surgery too. I’m a teacher and I did find keeping busy helped. However after my op, i was physically well in about 2 weeks but i didn’t return to work for 6 weeks. I’m very glad I conserved sick pay as when i ended up needing to have chemo i needed 8 months off.
Work if you can, but ask your employer for reasonable adjustments to support you with the high stress- extra breaks., different duties etc.
@Fluffydog234 hi sorry to jump in on the post . Im a support worker in a special needs school i dont suppose you kno how an when sick pay resets . Im off sick but with 6 weeks hols in not sure if ill be returning straight away in September. Im on a term time only pro rata contract . Thanks
I was diagnosed with DCIS almost a year ago. I’m in retail and semi-retired so I kept working throughout the 8 weeks before my lumpectomy. My boss was an angel and worked my schedule around all of the tests, biopsies and doctor visits. I worked about 3 days a week and it did keep me from being at home and staring at my breast all day.
After my surgery I had to go back the next week for reexcision to clean up the margins. I stayed home just a week after that second surgery and it was a mistake. I worked shorter hours and only 2 days a week but it was too much. The mental and physical fatigue was hard on me. My coworkers were very helpful, covering for me when I had to duck off the floor to have a quick cry or sit down a minute. It was a lot easier working through my radiation treatments a month later.
If I had known then how I would feel, I would have taken more time off before going back to work. I know it’s hard to concentrate but this journey will be on your mind no matter where you are or what you’re doing. If you have strong support at work, it can be a good choice to keep working. Just be patient with yourself. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions. Listen to your body, hang on tight and you’ll look back at this time and feel so proud of yourself for getting through it. Take good care and welcome to a great group of people who are always here to help.
Hi, I think it is a very individual choce.
I worked throughout everything surgery, chemo radiotherapy, and a year of herceptin. I had a week off after surgery and 4 days off every 3 week chemo cycle. I had 20 doses of radiotherapy, so had my appointment at 830am then straight into work. For me it kept me busy, focussed and supported. I’m a nurse, loved my job and it really helped me get through treatment.
Thank you for all your responses. It’s good to read your experiences and know that we all deal with it differently. It does seem a very personal choice.
I was struggling so much last week with it all. I did get it together in the end on Friday and made a plan for the next couple of weeks. I’m working this week, a weeks holiday next week and surgery on 11th. Knowing I only have this week has really helped be focus.
I was diagnosed at the end of May (IDC grade 2, now spread to lymph nodes) and had first surgery early July, next surgery (axillary node clearance) next week followed by chemo and radio. So far I’ve worked all the way through, apart from 2 days off for surgery (lumpectomy and SLNB) and time off for appointments. I WFH too so it didn’t really cross my mind to take too much time off as physically my work isn’t demanding and mentally I like the distraction. Also can’t afford to be off for too long!
My treatment plan will be more complex than initially thought but I’ll work as much as I can through chemo etc.
Definitely a personal choice though and I do think it’s important to take the time to mentally come to terms with diagnosis and treatment. If I feel I need that time I will take it, and you should too.
My treatment is different from yours; I’m having chemo for 6 months before surgery. I had lots of appointments before I started chemo, but I’ve continued working throughout. It’s helped me immensely - I’m the type of person who needs to be planning things (I’m a press and media officer for a national organisation that holds a number of events) and, it’s just been our busiest time of year. But everyone is different and you need to do whatever you feel is right for you.
I’ve been fortunate enough that I’m coping remarkably well with the chemo, which has allowed me to continue working every day besides treatment day (though I have also worked whilst having treatment a couple of times!).
Best wishes with the surgery. xx
Hi
I was diagnosed in March 25 and had a single mastectomy in May. I thought i could work too, part time admin, lovely colleagues, but i did find it difficult too.
I spoke to my employer, who was so understanding and was able to go in when i felt i could face the day. The waiting on appointments and surgery just drained me.
I am now waiting to start chemo and feel i am right back to the beginning.
This is about you and your health and journey, be kind to you and do what helps you get through, please dont be hard on yourself.
Sending you hugs and strength
I have semi retired but i have lots of papers to read for the meetings that I do have and it is very hard to remember the content. I just knew when i found the lump what it was going to be and I felt well, so I started couch to 5k. My operation is next week and i can now run 5k. It has really helped with my concentration and feeling physically and mentally stronger. I’m now worrying how I can do this post op. Good luck with yours.
Hi, it’s definitely a personal thing. I found working helped me stay strong but then it has also made me push it to one side so maybe I’ll regret that in the long run. I w just returned to work after a mastectomy. (Two previous lumpectomies )
Enjoy your holiday and make lots of time for you, doing all the things you love.
Good luck with your treatment. Please let us know how it all goes x
Sorry to hear about your diagnosis.
I worked for 2 weeks after my diagnosis but couldn’t focus so i went on leave 2 weeks before my surgery. I had 3 months off after surgery just so I could focus on getting through it all. After radiation I returned to work, i was going home every evening and sleeping, i couldn’t stay focused at work and wasnt able to give 100% so have resigned and will take the time to get back to me.
Hi - I got my diagnosis last August with Chemo starting in Sept till Dec, Surgery on teh 2nd Jan and Radiotherapy in March. I actually only took the chemo treatment days off and worked all the way thorugh albeit from home. That 100% worked for me as i did no want to be “sat” at home with nothing else to focus on. My employer has been amazing, in the sense that they would let me drive when i connected/worked or not. No pressure, the only instruction was not to come in the office.
For me it worked, and i am convinced that it played a major part in my recovery and wellbeing. but as many people have pointed out it is not for everyone.
wishing you all the best in your journey xx
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