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Constantly struggling with infections since treatment ended

TUL24
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So I ended my treatment journey in April this year and have found myself being physically weak. Every little infection results in hospital visits and more antibiotics than I've ever had in my life.  I am currently on week 5 of infections and I am so sick of it. I just want to be well and working. I am phoning my GP later to discuss realistically whether or not I will ever be able to hold down a full time job. Since my return in April Ive had an average of two weeks off per term (I work in a school). I am frustrated and angry because when I go back after this latest infection, I will be facing absence disciplinary because it will be my third absence this term. The specialists tell you your immune system is back up and running after 8 weeks from the date of your last treatment. I no longer have faith in the specialists, because I am getting sicker and sicker with each infection. Just wanted to know if I am alone on this or are there others of you who have also experienced this? I am seen as a physically and mentally strong person, which I am also fed up of hearing. 

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    Hello TUL24, 

    Poor you it sounds like a real nightmare to have to fight all these infections I can understand why you are feeling so sick of it. How did the call with the GP go? I hope that the doctor was helpful and that you will be able to go back to work without the constant fear of having to be off again. 

    I am sorry to hear you will be facing absence disciplinary at work and I am surprised that they haven't taken your medical issues into consideration. It is not your fault if you had to be absent three times this term but it is due to medical reasons and I am sure you would be able to prove that you have had those recurrent infections or you could ask for a doctor's note to give to your employers. 

    I hope that you can manage to resolve this and that you no longer have any new infections in the future. Do talk to your specialist about these recurrent infections and ask whether there is anything they could suggest to help you feel better and able to work full time long term. 

    Hopefully you will also hear from others on the forum who have experienced this before and they will be along shortly to share their story with you. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Lucie

    Hi Lucy, 

    I ended up calling the cancer nurse hotline and got some reassurance. They told me they were amazed I was back at work in April, with some folks still not being back, even now.  Some of my illness has been due to lymphodema caused by having cancer, so I cannot be penalised for absence due to that.  I am feeling better after talking to the nurses, but another visit to the gp might be in order, since I had severe pain in both hands and one knee over the weekend, resulting in reduced mobility and the inability to knit, something that brings me great joy. As my husband says, I am entitled to feel sorry for myself after what I have been through! I just don't think it was that difficult to be treated for cancer and would rather forget I ever had it. Being constantly ill though is a reminder and on the positive side, I know how mentally strong I am. I just need my body to remember it is strong too! 

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