Life after cancer treatment. Unable to work after treatment

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in July 2012. I had a Mastctomy and was scheduled to have six rounds of chemotherapy. Sadly the fifth round of chemotherapy nearly proved fatal. The drug docetoxil perforated my bowel. I have had to have six life saving operations. I have been left incontinent of my bowel which is extremely hard to live with and come to terms with. I work for local authority and I was sacked because I was unable to return to work in the time frame they gave me. This was a bitter blow for me because returning to work was  the one thing I had focused on . A mile art one in my recovery. This was taken away from me and I no longer have a goal to work towards. I am registered disabled and the side effects of the treatment have left me with q daily battle. I struggle to leave the house due to the incontinence. I suffer with panic attacks and anxiety and my life is completely different to how it used to be. After being dismissed from my employer I won ill health retirement onappeal as initially they refused my ill health retirement. My partner works and I am home alone all day every day.. Living with daily ongoing side effects of the treatment is a challenge. I am thankful that I have a life and for that I accept my ongoing conditions but some days are far harder than others to cope with. A friend with similar experiences would be very helpful.

  • Hello debrar,

    Thank you very much for sharing your story. You certainly have been through a lot and having to cope with very debilitating side effects.

    You have come to the right place though to meet others who have been in a similar situation after cancer treatment, others for whom it has also been very hard to have had to stop working.

    I hope they will be along soon to say hello and share their story with you,

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Hi Debrar this is the first time I have spoken to anyone, so here goes. I too have applied for Medical Retirement, first stage denied, waiting for the shareholders to make a decision. I have made the choice to stop taking Tamoxafen as I can no longer cope with the side effects. This is the third lot of hormone replacement's and I have reacted to them all. I have yet to tell my Doctor, really looking forward to that one,NOT! I truly feel your pain, at times it just feels that you would have been better not being here. Then you feel really really guilty and ungrateful after all the hard work the NHS has invested in you, and the friends you have lost along the way. GUILT seems to be the word of the moment ,i feel guilty for being alive, reacting to the medications , going to the Doctors and constantly telling them my ailments. I have to say I feel more in control at the moment, it's only been a week and I already have more energy and my mood is not as dark. I appreciate that I will have to be watched like a hawk, however there is such a thing as quality of life. Hope this makes you feel better if you come back on line xxxxxxx
  • Hi Susan

    its good to hear from you. It is good to share our experiences with people in the same position. No one else understands how we feel and I get annoyed being dismissed by people when I mention how I am feeling. There is just no understanding to our ongoing medical conditions. I am 53 and I was diagnosed in Jumna 2012. Just had the 4 year anniversary of the mastectomy. I really did not think I would still be here four years on. Such a big achievement. 

    When did you have your procedure? I had a reconstruction in Feb this year and I feel amazing. The results are absolutely fantastic. I hope you soon begin to feel more positive and that you win your appeal. 

    It would be great if we could keep in touch.

     

    all the best

    deb

    xx