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Return to work

chloe_mac
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I have been off work for 12 months with breast cancer, had chemo, lumpectomy and radio finished end of May. I’m on herceptin until Dec as part of my active treatment but been given all clear. I’m starting to consider my return to work and slightly apprehensive. Everybody I talk to recommends reduced hours and my employer is willing but I have no idea what hours I might be able to cope with, I usually work full time, does anyone have any recommendations on what hours they tried initially? My fear is I’m not going to know how I feel or cope with until I am back, any advice is appreciated 

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    Hi chloe best thing is start normal time and when you feel you you've had enough go,, each day can vary till you get used to it again as you get sorted you should feel better and work longer, good luck with your future.. Billy 

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    Hi there ..

    If it were me, I'd ask to start very gently and see how that go's first ... as I've heard the energy level goes down really quickly after treatments .. even though you may feel fine .. take caution .. after a short while you'll know what to do .. it's easier to increase your hours then knock them down again .. and gradually do more untill you find what's right for you ...  that way your covering your back .. and employer should be happy with that  ... and hopefully everyone will be on board ...

    Good luck... hope it goes well ...  Chrissie x

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    Hi, yes, you need to break yourself in gently so to speak, what job do you do? Is it physically demanding? 

    I start off ok but after a couple of hours I'm pooped and need a rest. I had a lumpectomy, chemo, rads, and will finish herceptin in November....my treatment finished end May too.

    You employers will be on board with this, it's against the law to discriminate against illnesses, I hope you can come up with a suitable phased return to work...xx

  • Offline in reply to Marlyn

    hi take things at your own pace I’d think you’re employer would have a suitable plan for you like a phased return starting off with a few hours then gradually building up to your normal hours and take all the help and advise you need and rest when needed , I’m just starting my breast cancer journey and have surgery tomorrow I’ve just got back from the hospital as I had the radioactive injection for the lymph nodes i certainly won’t be rushing back to my job I  was wondering how long people have off  with breast cancer as my GP gives me a sickness note for 1 month then I need to get another one . 

    Best wishs marie x

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