Hello Granny68, 

I am sorry to hear about your diagnosis and I hope you are recovering well after your lumpectomy. I can imagine this is a very worrying time for you as you are waiting to find out more about your treatment plan in a few days. 

It's good you work from home and I hope it all goes well for you on Monday and that working will help you focus on something else in the next few days before you find out more about your treatment plan. It might be worth discussing this with your medical team when they tell you more about your treatment plan on the 15th as your ability to work may depend on what kind of treatment you will be offered for example. They will be able to tell you I am sure whether they think you need to take time off and how much time off might be required during your treatment. Tell them what kind of work you do too and that you work from home as this may have an impact on whether you need to take time off or how much time off you may need.

Macmillan have a detailed  Work and Cancer section  which I hope you will find useful and which may answer some of the questions you may have. 

If you wanted to talk things through with one of our cancer nurses, don't hesitate to give them a call on this free number 0808 800 4040 - their line is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. 

I hope that you will hear from others who have been in a similar position before and that they will be drop by shortly to share their experiences with you. 

Best wishes, 

Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

Hi Granny68

Definitely speak to Macmillan to see what advice they can give regarding work and pay.

I started my chemo journey in June after my breast surgery in April. I started on EC drug which is given every 21 days and planned to work from home the 2nd and 3rd week. However it didn't go to plan as I felt really poorly the first week and then the 2nd and 3rd week was weary and concentration wasn't great as my body built its self back up. I'm now on a weekly drug which is much easier to cope with.

Not everyone has the same side effects and hopefully you will be ok. 

Louise xx

Hi Granny,

This is a tricky question to answer, as it will depend upon exactly what treatment you have and how you react to it. I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer inn the past 12 years and am self-employed. I did work immediately after surgery, but was exhausted and eventually had to give in to the tiredness. No 2 individuals react in exactly the same way. Have a chat with your consultat or breast care nurse and see what they advise. They will know what treatment is planned for you, so should be in a better position to answer your question.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx