To work or not to work?

My first post on here. I'm 40 and was diagnosed with breast cancer a few weeks ago. I'm still waiting for some more screenings and biopsies, but it's looking likely that I have a relatively small stage 2 ductal carcinoma surrounded by a large patch of precancerous cells; it doesn't look to have spread to my lymph nodes. If that ends up being the final diagnosis, it looks as though I'm going to need a mastectomy and hormone treatment, but no chemo or radiotherapy. Thinking very unemotionally that means that I'm only really facing surgery and recovery from surgery, rather than any debilitating daily treatments. However, the way I've been feeling when waiting for results and the struggle simply accepting the fact that I've actually got cancer made me highly unproductive at work as my mind was elsewhere. I ended up taking a few weeks off but am due to go back again on Monday. My conundrum is whether I continue in my relatively high pressure project management role, step down to adopt a more supporting role, or decide to stop work altogether until after my treatment. I know that everyone's situation is different, but I wonder if anyone has any thoughts, advice or has found themselves in a similar position. I feel like a bit of fraud stopping work altogether now I know chemo is unlikely, but I don't want to dismiss it as an option! Thanks everyone x

Parents
  • Hi

    I worked through chemotherapy last time it happened to me and I will again, this time, if I feel as well as I did last time.

    First and foremost though, see how you feel, both physically and mentally and work as and when you can. Will this be possible in your line of work and are your work people understanding?

     

    Much love and luck xx

Reply
  • Hi

    I worked through chemotherapy last time it happened to me and I will again, this time, if I feel as well as I did last time.

    First and foremost though, see how you feel, both physically and mentally and work as and when you can. Will this be possible in your line of work and are your work people understanding?

     

    Much love and luck xx

Children
  • Thanks Melly74, whilst my employers have been fantastic and I'm sure they will continue to be, sadly I don't think I can continue in my current role on an adhoc basis as I wouldn't be able to make deadlines, drive the project etc. just thinking about it in response to your message has been really helpful in setting my thoughts though, thanks so much x