Return to work

[Bellas Mum]

Hi Val

I know you posted in May but 14 days post surgery to return to work seems to me to be too early. I am still off work and I had my op on 1st May. My job is semi active i.e in and out of the car all day, carrying equipment, being around small humans etc but I dont feel anywhere near ready to go back yet. My consultant said that I would be off for about 4 months. They also said that if you are having radiotherapy then you have to take care not to knock the breast in case there may be small bleeds which delay treatment. Looking at the thread it looks like you are back but put yourself first and look after yourself. Work will still be there. You take care x

[Knktnak]

Thank you Val....will be thinking of you tomorrow when you find your next step.  On low days it's very hard to be positive, but I do count my blessings and we all know the treatments and tablets are what's allowing us to still be here, thinking of all you lovely ladies

 Much love

 Elaine xx

[Val54]

Knktnak. Congratulations on completing your rads. 🙂 i hope your fatigue passes soon but until them be kind to yourself and just take each day as it comes. All the very best to you. I find out Thurs on my next treatment be it chemo or rads or both so onwards and upwards .
Val x

[Knktnak]

Hi ladies

i finished my rads on Friday and I'm so exhausted now, more than I was during my 3 weeks of rads.  Was told to expect this fatigue and soreness, I know it will pass but makes going back to work at the moment a definite No.  Good luck to all you ladies on here, it's just so helpful to share our journey and hopefully be able to reassure others.

Much love

Elaine xx

ps..I can't seem to delete this underlining 🙂

[ladybowler]

Val

Know what you mean.  when I had my results which were radiotherapy and hormone tablets, as the rads would not be until around the end of December that year I begged my boss to let me go back in between, they did but would only allow me to do 4 hours a day and 3 days a week until after I had completely finished rads and for a month after.  It was lovely to have the normality back in my life and to feel useful again.

Helena xxx

[Anniej]

Val, sounds like a well thought out decision on your part. Keeping busy is definitely key to getting through the waiting period on this journey. Remember to be good to yourself and add in some little treats. Not only will it boost the morale, but massages etc will help with stress. Once you are on the big NHS conveyor belt things will move more swiftly. Good luck with treatments . X

[Val54]

Thanks ktk and ladybowler. I am going in to work just 3 days. Mainly to keep me occupied and stop overthinking everything. I am also triple negative which when I was first diagnosed sort of slipped past me. But since reading more about it have worried myself silly. I have decided to work until next treatment be it chemo or radio then take off more time. I know I am very lucky to be able to do this. Lovely ladies I hope your treatmemt is kind to you 💐

[ladybowler]

Val

I was in the same position I had a 4 week sick note which was due to run out without my receiving my results, I spoke to my boss who told me to get another sick note for 2 weeks and we would take it from there.

I would get another sick note from your GP to cover you for another two weeks whilst you are waiting for your results.  It still counts as the same period of sickness.

Helena xx

[ktk]

Hi Val54. I haven’t been back to work since I was diagnosed ! Although I was physically well enough I couldn’t concentrate for mor than 5 mins in anything. I did go in and spring clean my office! I have had three weeks of limbo and now had TM surgery. I have no intention of going back to work while my head is all over the place. Look after yourself as the number one priority. X

[Val54]

Thanks Dcb
I think its the whole not knowing. I like to be able to organise my weeks. I will try to contact breast nurse as I have removed dressing as asked and its bit red and weepy. I hope all goes well for you.

[Dcb]

hi Val, I’ve had the dilemma re work but my BCN says to take it easy and that it really takes 6-8 weeks for your body to fully recover from surgery.  you need to do what feels right for you, if you aren’t ready then get another sick note.

I was the same in that my results were delayed by a week and the stress of waiting can really take it out of you.  I’m now 21 days post WLW and SNB but have another 2 weeks sick note left.

Remember, be kind to yourself and do what you feel is right.

[Val54]

Hi im 14 days post WLE and SNB. I was due to have my results this week and find out next steps but I have been told my results arent in and postponed to next week. I am supposed to start work again Monday but feel Im in limbo not knowing whats happening.