Returning to Work

Hi Dane
I guess it's an afflication as well as being a gift, to be a woman, and have all those wonderful coping and multi-tasking skills we are renowned for.
I totally understand your need to return to work from a financial point of view; been there, seen it; and for me it was also to prove to the world and its mother that cancer wasn't ruling my life.
I had surgery Spring 2011, had chemotherapy, radiotherapy and now getting Herceptin. I have returned to work under a new role created to suit my physical capabilities but I am finding it very hard going; it's in a managerial position and I am finding it very stressful and for the third week in a row I am totally exhausted.
If I was to rewind three months, I wouldn't be as quick to go back to work unless I knew it was going to be stress-free and a maximum of 15 hours a week.
And I know my family would have alot more to say about it!

No one can tell you what to do, but I can suggest you really, really, really think long and hard about it. I had to go back for more hours than I should have for financial reasons, as Illness Benefit is only paid to those out 7 days a week - you can't go back 3 days a week and claim Illness Benefit for the other 2.
Best of luck and hope surgery and radiotherapy goes well.

Hi Dane

Thinking of you tomorrow,hope all goes well.

xx W

I had surgery (lumpectomy and sentinal node biopsey) in June. I only started the radiotherapy at end of August - three weeks into it now and I'm feeling exhausted and lightheaded. One of the nurses advised me not to be in any hurry returning to work, because when you are back you are expected to carry on as normal. Radiotherapy is tiring and the tiredness can go on for weeks after. I know financially you feel you need to go back sooner, but could you survive on less for a while - your health is more important. Best of luck with the surgery.

Hi Darina,

good luck tomorrow.

I would think long & hard about going back to work. I went back part-time under the Partial Capacity Benefit, see http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/so ... nefit.html

My HR dept put me on to this scheme. However it didn't work out for me. This scheme enabled me to go back out sick without penalty. I feel I went back too early & that was after 14mths of sick leave!! So be careful, your health is your wealth.

Hugs,
A

Hi Dane, I had surgery and reconstruction straight away in March2011 then Chemo from April to July I went back to work 2 days a week in October and was able to keep my illness benefit because I was not working over 20 hours. I am still doing 2 days nearly 12 months now but no way do I want to go back full time I still get very tired.I am on Tamoxifen so not sure if thats causing the tiredness.
Best of luck for tomorrow

Hi , I still have 2 sessions of rads and am on Tamoxifen . I don't think I will be able for work for a good while yet. I am so tired all the time and some days fatigue, that i can't do anything, also feel like about 80 years ( am 50 years ) with arching joints, and hot flushes and sweats. All keeping me awake at night. Blame the Tamoxifen for that even though when I said it to the dr they dismissed it. Since then have seen on the HSE web site side effect form Tamoxifen aching joints. I know the money iside of it is tough but I think my health is worth more. Take care
G x

Thanks for all that ladies. A lot to think about.

Surgery over with. Pain killers keeping pain to acceptable levels.

Distressed as to concave chest - huge hole and so high up. Does that change or fill out a bit. Was large chested so remaining side looking even more mountainous than ever.

Glad to have surgery over and behind me. Too groggy to speak to surgeon yesterday. Hope to get indication today as to how it went.

Dane

Hi D,

glad your surgery is over with & fingers crossed for pathology reports. It's a very stressful & emotional time for you, take your time to recover before moving on to the next step of your treatment.

A

Hi Dane. The concave does fill in. I was shocked at how 'sunken' I was.
I had googled lots of pics of mastectomies so that I was well prepared, but obviously people don't put up pics of the new mastectomy site...lol.

When you get your new FOOB ( the heavy one, not sponge) it will even you out. You really can't tell once you're dressed.

I remember freaking out afterwards, trying to buy clothes and getting very upset. But then realised I have never seen a one boobed person walking down the street....so obviously it isn't noticeable

I agree with everyone about work. You will be exhausted for a long time, I'm finished chemo almost 2 years, and I still get get tired easily.

Mind yourself.