I had lumpectomy and radio, no chemo for breast cancer. Lumpectomy was August and radio was October. I went back to work at the end of November and I’m pretty knackered at the end of the day. I don’t think you’te being pathetic at all. 

Hi, I’m not surprised your knackered by the end of the day, it isn’t long since the end of your treatment. Now I’ve been back 2 months my manager has said I really need to get back to my normal work arrangements, and stop using my annual leave each week for a phased return, I can’t imagine coping with work as it was before my treatment, finding it all a bit overwhelming. Be good to yourself and allow time to get over it all, good luck x

Been using some of mine as well. The sickness plocy where I work is pretty rigid, I’ve needed a dispensation to do four weeks of a phased return instead of the usual three. 

Doesn’t help when my manager is a ******** as well.

Take care.  

Four weeks is nothing after what you have been through, at least I’ve been treated better than that. At the end of my treatment the radiotherapy nurse specialist told me I could have support to attend work HR meetings, i think it was MacMillan who would accompany you and help clarify what your employer is legally obliged to do when you have had cancer, you should look into it, especially if you feel you won’t cope working full time so soon x

There was precious little support from radiotherapy department where I went to be honest. It wasn’t much more than a glorified meat processing plant. Turn up get zapped and leave. There was one follow up phone call two weeks after treatment ended and that’s been it. Was signed off by the consultant from Oncology on 24 November and that seems to be it completely. I can get a quick referral back if there is a problem.  Got the next appointment in the breast care unit, also misnamed, next August. It’s not great in this area. 

The support seems to vary so much, the Breast care team in my local hospital have been fantastic, it was the oncologists that seemed a bit dismissive. Look on the MacMillan website, or contact them to speak to someone, the last thing you need is pressure at work just now, take care and keep well x

Thank you 

Hi,

You're doing really well - however, your manager is not just a ******** but is ignorant of the law. If you have a Union talk to your rep and get them engaged, you might also want to contact your local MacMillan team and/or Citizens Advice.

Employers are legally obliged to make reasonable adjustments for anyone who is recovering from a severe illness. Here's some useful on the subject.

www.macmillan.org.uk/.../your-rights.html

www.breastcancercare.org.uk/.../going-back-work-after-treatment

m.acas.org.uk/index.aspx

Best wishes

Dave

Thanks Dave. 

No worries - I've seen this from both sides as a line manager and as a patient :-)