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

Everyone is different – my mother (stage 3, radical mastectomy) hardly took any time off at all 

I think the clue as to what you should do is in your post though

cancer has made you "highly unproductive at work"

sounds like you need a break and should take it 

GP will almost certainly sign you off pre-treatment given the psychological impact cancer is having on you

after you've had treatment you can review your options and decide whether you are able to return to the same high-powered position or would prefer more of a supporting role, possibly with more flexible working hours (hormone treatment can have some impacts)

what you shouldn't feel is a fraud!

xx

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

my mother is definitely not the norm and personally I would not advise her approach

she was trying to work even with a drain in (getting into a wheelchair while in hospital, going to visit someone on another ward for work purposes)

when there is someone with such an extreme "can do" mentality in the family the rest of us mere mortals don't quite measure up!

be guided by your medical team in terms of how much time you need for physical recovery and also your own health parameters – people recover at different rates! x

It sounds to me like you know what is best for you really. It doesn't sound to me as if you want to go back to work yet or feel ready. And that's fine. It doesn't make you a fraud.

Think of it this way. Taking the time you need will aid your recovery and allow you to work at your best when you do return.

I found going in to work the day after my diagnosis helped me calm down, but that was what worked for me. It sounds like your work is adding to your stress, not relaxing you and honestly, you need to do what's best for you. When I told the deputy principal I'd need time off for an operation, his response was "Well, the job comes a long way down the line after your health."