How do I describe myself now?

Well all, I've had my op, all went well at end of Oct. I've had, my post op check up.dr said cancer gone, I'm now on hormone treatment, awaiting my radiotherapy. I have to go back to work ( don't want to) what do I say to people, I don't have breast cancer anymore, I'm all good again?

  • Tell them what you've just told the rest of us.  I envy you, I truly do........don't get me wrong, I am genuinely pleased that you are free of this monstrous disease, but there are folks on this forum that are dying from cancer (including myself) and I wish that the biggest problem I had was what to tell other people about my illness.  

  • Hi hollylou

    What good news you have from the doctor. So you are having hormone therapy to help prevent recurrence and radiotherapy to mop up any remaining cancer cells. So you could tell your colleagues that you are living with cancer and still receiving treatment. Until such time you are told there is no detectable cancer. 

    Ed

  • Hi Hollylou,  I am so sorry to hear about your cancer.  Do you have to go back to work, because it sounds like you are not ready to go back yet?  Are there any options available to you?  I would perhaps give the nurses on here a ring to see what they can advise you.  You are still receiving treatment for breast cancer and waiting for your radiotherapy so I would say no you are not all good again.  Even after radiotherapy people expect you to be back to 'normal'.  But cancer changes things and it takes a long time to feel a new 'normal'.  People can be insensitive and not knowing how you feel.  I would join the Breast cancer forum on the Macmillan site for some support and advice from the ladies on there.  I am also on here most days so can chat.  I am well aware how breast cancer can change your life.  Please take care of yourself and don't be pressured into anything.  Big hugs.

    Lee x

  • Thankyou, just the words I need.

    • I'm so sorry, if my comments have upset you, I wish I could take away this horrible disease for everyone. I have been so absorbed by not feeling anything about my cancer, but feeling anxious, guilty, that I hadn't put it into perspective. I can only send you a heartfelt hug xx
  • Thankyou for replying. I only have stage 1 breast cancer, but I have other health issues, including a benign tumour in my neck, diagnosed before breast. My boss assumed I would be back in a couple of weeks!, and I've had 4 weeks off and am aware I'll need to have more time off after that removal. I was having a down day when I first wrote, my sickness runs out soon so have to make decisions ( I hate making decisions) your kind words mean alot.

  • Hi Hollylou,  cancer is cancer no matter what stage it is.  It can certainly get us down at time so you are allowed to feel what you feel.  There is no right or wrong way in how you feel.  Does your fit note run out or your sick days at work run out?  Your employer can increase your sick days because you are now covered under the disability employment act.  Also I worked in the DWP for 21 years so know a bit about benefit if you need any help.  Be kind to yourself and I don't think that you have upset anyone x

    Lee x