Hi Paul, 

Wishing you the best of luck for your operation I hope that it all goes well though I am sorry to hear you are also needing to have stents to protect your heart and I can imagine you will need a long period of recovery after this big operation. Take the time off work you need and talk to your employers about going on sick leave and they will be able to tell you more and you can discuss together the time off your need and when you might be able to return to work. I hope that you have supportive employers - the important thing is to focus on making a good recovery and I am sure they will be understanding. 

The government website has a useful section on benefits and financial support if you're temporarily unable to work and I would also suggest you have a good read on our website on this page describing cancer benefits you can claim including this section on benefits when you cannot work. There is for example statutory sick pay (SSP) which is a benefit for employed people  who can't work for health reasons. Your employer pays it for up to 28 weeks and you can find out more about statutory sick pay on the government website. 

Macmillan's page on work and cancer is also very helpful and most importantly their information on cancer and sick pay entitlement. I will also give you the number of the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 00 00 and you can talk to a money advisor as they specialise in financial and benefits support so don't hesitate to get in touch with them to discuss your particular case and they will be able to guide you and tell you exactly what you are entitled to

I hope this helps a little and that you will also get the insights of other community members on here who have been in your position before. 

Best wishes, 

Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator