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Working during cancer diagnosis??

jennycan
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Hi the last 4 weeks have been hell. I was called at Heathrow about to go on our first family holiday in over a year and told to come back for an urgent biopsy. Since then I've had surgery and am waiting for an oncotype test. 3cm tumour and surrounding area, not in lymph nodes, grade 2 and I'm 51. I  have a very high pressure job.CFO of a hedge fund backed company. My first reaction when learning I had cancer was I  will never work a 60 hour week job again. I'm sure the stress of my job contributed to the cAncer. I am currently recovering from surgery and waiting for radiation and to hear whether I need chemo. Do people actually work during this period! I cannot imagine it? Advice please 

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    Hi sorry to read your diagnosis.

    I had surgery for breast cancer on April 21st and got my results on May 12th I didn't work those 3 weeks as consultant said you cannot concentrate and he was right. I saw oncology on 19th May and chemo started on 12th June. 

    I worked 2 weeks although had couple days off for hospital apps and the week I started chemo I booked as holiday. I ended up having to isolate 3 days prior to starting anyway. 

    I think some people do try and work however concentration is very difficult as so much is going on for you. 

    Hope this helps

    Louise x

  • Offline in reply to Bellelouise

    Thanks so much Louise

    im sure I could physically work especially from home. But the MENTAL side is torture! And a psychologist I saw said I should take time for myself. If I can. 

  • Offline in reply to jennycan

    That is so true. I have 21 days in between my current chemo drug and I had planned to work from home the last 2 weeks although work said no need I have to put me first. It wasn't until I started the chemo I knew I couldn't do it and definitely had to put all my energy into getting through.

    Xx

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