Hi Coll

It took me a year before I could return to work after my treatment but this was due to hormone treatment that meant I could not sit in meetings as I would sweat profusely. In that year my confidence was hit as I also felt my concentration was also affected by the treatment and felt I would never be able to work at the same level as before. While off the year I started doing things that made me feel better about myself, diet, exercise, beauty treaments - anthing that made me feel good, after that I took a staged approach to work, starting with a couple of days a week and working up to 5 days. I am self employed so it was easy to do this but if I were an employee I would be making sure my employer knew that I had protected characteristics under the Equality Act and would be asking for support to return and given time to get up to speed with work performance. I would not let them pressure me into anything. I think you should meet your boss and have a direct discussion about what support you need from your employer. Hope it goes well.

Hello there,

I recently spoke to a nurse friend of mine who has recovered from cancer some years ago. When I mentioned work, WORK she exploded, the most important thing is your health and keeping yourself well and on the road to recovery mentally and physically. Cancer takes it toll on both. Obviously some people are so positive and maybe get through chemo more easily than others. I find that I have been wiped out for a week, a week recovering and then feeling a bit better for a week. I am lucky that I haven't got to worry about paying the bills and realise that it is hard financially for some people. But be kind to yourself, work must be secondary to recovering from this and your health is priority. Self confidence will return when youre fit, healthy and strong once again and then you can show those bosses! 

Silver x