Cancer Research UK main site

To work or not to work?

leprev
Offline

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

  • Offline

    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

  • Offline

    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

  • Offline in reply to Melly74

    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

  • Offline in reply to RoseStarBlue

    That's really helpful and sensible, thank you. I am genuinely starting to think that some sort of supporting role might be more sensible for a while for me. Did your mother not need much time off work when recovering from surgery, I have heard of people needing 6-12 weeks recovery, but perhaps that's to more manual roles? Thanks again x

  • Offline in reply to leprev

    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

  • Offline

    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."

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.