Life after cancer - what they don't tell you

Life after cancer - what they don't tell you

You will catch everything going when you return to work and end up on disciplinary procedures for absence.

Your blood test results will be swirly for months after your last treatment (I finished radiotherapy in Jan21)

Your mental state will be all over the place because you can see your test results and your'e thinking 'here we go again'.

You are physically weak and can no longer do the things you could do before treatment, like parkrun

Nothing really matters anymore, because you've been told you will be back in the cancer system within 2-5 years

You have the patience of the proverbial saint

You sit and listen more, letting others tell their story

You answer cries for help and expect nothing in return (well nobody came to your aid when you had cancer, stupid covid)

You appreciate everyone in your life a lot more and deliberately make time for them, no matter how inconvenient it is for you

You are calmer and less likely to blow a gasket

You appreciate just how awesome you are, because you beat cancer, rocked a red mohican and a bald head, plus you've lost your chemo weight without trying

 

  • Make sure that your employers are aware that cancer is covered by the Disability Discrimination Act and the Equality Act. They are legally obliged to make reasonable adjustments, but only if they have been informed. MacMillan may be able to advise.
    If you are in a union make sure that are aware that you’ve been subject in an inappropriate disciplinary process. If not, reach out to your HR department.

    Good luck!
    Dave

  • Offline in reply to davek

    oddly, I miss the other cancer ladies from my little bay of 4. All very different backgrounds, all with lung cancer. We were all either manic or emo as a result of the drugs and our situation. I worry about them all. We understood each other in a way family and friends could never. We were sad for our children. No one exchanged details, I think we didn't want to hear anyone died. Sorry to be so morbid but this journey is so bleddy isolating. Doesn't help that Ive also had my brain blasted last week cos coincidentally my meningioma decided to try to squash my brain so I'm a bit worried I'll go gaga to add insult to injury. My kids seem to think I'm cured, which is probably for the best.Don't know why I'm saying all this really, Blame it on the brain tumour. Handy excuse! Sorry all you resilient folk!

  • Offline in reply to Ails60

    Sometimes keeping a little distance makes sense.
    When I was told I was dying, I got close (online) with someone with a similar prognosis. 
    We were swapping messages until a few hours before she died. Then I survived.
    It’s always more complicated than people imagine.