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Working in a school during chemo

Sam_c_93
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Hi all

I was newly diagnosed today. I have a lot of emotions but at the top of my head is work. I know that sounds so silly in the grand scheme of things but basically long story short I was in a job I hated then a couple of weeks ago I got a new job that I was super excited about and thus resigned from my former job. I was due to start my new job on August on a part time basis (three days per week)

 

I've done some reading on working in general with chemo and I know it's sometimes possible. My main worry is that on top of not knowing if I'll be physically able, am I allowed to work in schools given the germs? I'm not a teacher I work in student recruitment so I do go out to schools and colleges giving presentations and workshops but am in an office the rest of the time.

 

Work means everything to me. If I can't start my new job then I'll be out of a job completely because the timing has been so bad with me resigning from my former role. I feel so anxious about this due to earnings and my own mental health as I know it gets bad when I'm out of work.

 

Just wanted some opinions. I have a lot of other worries of course but this is at the forefront of my mind.

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    Hi

    I think it’s a question for your oncologist as to whether you can work in that environment.  I don’t understand why you would be out of a job, if you have accepted a job and have a contract of employment then they would need to honour that contract, Does you contract state what entitlement you have to sick pay? I think cancer is considered a disability and covered under the equality act.

     

    WL

  • Offline in reply to Woollylamb

    Thanks. It's more the timing. I haven't had occupational health clearance yet! I'm not sure if they block me starting. 

     

    Reassuringly I found a case study on the Macmillan website about a teacher who stayed in work through treatment so that's helped me a bit.

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    Hi, 

    I’m sorry to hear about your diagnosis. It would depend what your oncologist would say about this, but what I do know is when you have chemo your immune system weakens during the beginning of the cycle, so depending on how often you need to have chemo you may just have to take a week or two off work every month or so. I know works important to you but please don’t risk going in if your oncologist advises against it - picking up germs from kids means you could get an infection and then you’re risking being able to have the next round of chemo. The nature of your job hopefully means they can be flexible with you. And don’t worry too much about money - you might be eligible for some money off the government - I know my Mum got some when she was ill to cover basic  costs. Good luck with everything, I hope it all works out for you. 

    L x 

  • Offline in reply to Sam_c_93

    Hi quite a few people work while on kemo it's more how you feel health wise, i worked through my cemo i had to have odd days off being sick and things, it's a good idea working it keeps you occupied, do it if you want good luck. 

    Billy 

  • Offline in reply to Sam_c_93

    Hi, great to find this post I am a teacher and would like to carry on working on says I feel fine, please could you point my in the direction of the post where the person carried on working in school? Can't you just wear a mask and visor and gloves to protect yourself? I was diagnosed a few days ago and I'm facing all these treatments soon, Thanks all! 

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