Work

[Reeta]

Sorry to hear about the problems you are experiencing. You are entitled to have an occupational health assessment. My previous employers had to take this onto consideration. E.g. Keyboard duties were reduced with breaks. Got a roller mouse instead of a clicking one Got better chair to help with back probs, gel wrist rest for bad arm. Small practical changes that helped me. And made me feel somebody cared! Good luck.

[rebel1]

Hi thank you for the replies, it does help knowing that I'm not alone with these feelings. Unfortunately things took a turn for the worse at work. Actually turned into bullying and harassment. I immediately got my union involved and they have been wonderful. Taken the burden from me and told me not to worry. Actually had a very heavy period for the first time in two years, think this is down to the stress. Was on tamoxifen which stopped them and now on zoladex so it was a nasty surprise. Ok now though.

I know no one can understand what it's like to go through and live with cancer, without experiencing it themselves, and will have to remember to remind my managers that I'm still a little fragile. Once again thank you for your support everyone x

[pauline52]

Hi there. I totally get how you feel about work. I am a,supply teacher, so its,been so difficult getting agency to send me into appropriate schools and this resulted in me getting punched in chest 2 weeks,ago by a 15 year old boy. I raised a complaint verbally and informally ti agency, resulting in me getting no work for 2 weeks. Impacts on our finances greatly. Catch 22 because I want another job completely away from education, but rely on agency totally for income and reference. Hubby being distant and off hand as,a result, not supportive. Causing great stress between us. As supply staff, you don't get support from colleagues or understanding in the same way.

[rebel1]

Thanks Jill I will

[Eggster]

Hi Rebel.  Sorry to hear you are having a hard time.  I was only diagnosed in March.  I found the lymph node biospy painful too, it still is (mine was only in April).  I did only work with four other people, and like you find it hard to say anything.  I had a bit of a meltdown a couple of weeks ago.  I really felt like I was being left in a corner and ignored.  I spoke to my boss who said he had not wanted to put pressure on me as he knew stree wasn't good for my illness, I explained that by not treating me 'normally' it then felt like it was all about me being ill, but on the flip side I do appreciate him not piling the work on me.  He has been really good, but I do feel he doesn't really get it if I am not able to do as much as I used to.  My firm merged with another 2 days after my diagnosis.  I had worked at the other firm a few years ago so I know most of the people there.  The senior partner used to be my direct manager, he has stomach cancer, and is due to start another round of Chemo in September, so he totally gets where I am coming from.  I know its really hard, but I think you need to have a conversation with them.  My 'normal boss' has been good with appointments etc, but unless you have been/are going through it you cant really understand the marks it leaves on you.

[Jill1998]

Hi Rebel ,I think it's very hard for anyone who hasn't been through this to understand the long-term effects it has on you mentally and physically and you will very probably never be the person you were before cancer .Yes and employers seem to think at some point you will be "cured ".After 15 months back at work I was still really finding it hard to concentrate and keep up .I didn't really acknowledge it either !!! Maybe you need to be more honest with your employers !! If you come and post in the Moving forward after breast cancer section you will find lots of people who understand .Come chat to us .

[rebel]

Anybody experiencing problems at work. All was well for two years now it's changed. Cannot do some duties due to lymph nodes angry from being removed still very sore. Think because I've put on my positive face at work they think I'm back to my old self. Can't seem to get through to management that how I am now is how it will always be. I have to be careful with my left arm ( lymphoedema) . This is difficult for me I'm a very shy person when it comes to talking about myself.