“ … and end up on disciplinary procedures for absence.“

Cancer is covered by disability discrimination legislation. Therefore your employers are required by law to make reasonable adjustments, including for the impact of the treatment compromising your immune system.

Sadly, I’m no calmer and I’m more likely to blow a gasket when I see how badly cancer services have deteriorated since I was diagnosed almost ten years ago. I channel this into my role as a CRUK Campaigns Ambassador - a role I’d recommend to anyone who has walked this way. Who better to take our arguments to politicians than people who are experts by experience? 

None of us feel brave and I absolutely hate the term “cancer warriors”. Most of us muddle through on a mixture of blind optimism and limited options. I’ve been having six-monthly CT scans for 9 years on a watch and wait post chemo regime. Yes, I feel incredibly lucky but that background health anxiety never goes away and peaks every six months. I know stage 4 cancer never really goes away and that I’m almost certain to relapse eventually. That said, I’ve so far unexpectedly had nine good years of life with my wife and family for which I can only thank the NHS and the anonymous people who researched and developed the chemo to which my body responded so well. 

Good luck!

Dave

Hy dave I had whipple operation on my pancreas last October I'm OK but still getting pains in my belly but try not to let it get me down my husband have been my rock by my side all the way I have scans now every 6 months to keep an eye on it for 5 years it is hard but I di think positive all the time I get that feeling when it's time for a scan l hope you are OK 

Hi Jackie, delighted that you have got through pancreas problems, I have come across those who have not.  I have post op pains on my scars from being chopped up in 2017 for a range of abdominal cancers.  I am told that the pains are due to cut nerves and nothing can be done.  I have realised that if I sit crunched up over the computer for too long then I am likely to get the pains which feel like the surgeon cutting me with his scalpel.  I figure out that sitting in a bent over position I am compressing those nerve endings which then complain.  Answer is to sit up properly and have more exercise to sort out the problem!!  

I will be doing that thank you 

I will be doing that thank you