My last weekend before going back to work.

Hi Strong, I used to be a part-time lecturer as my second job before the diagnosis. I took a break while on treatment, but ended up leaving it altogether. When the new academic year started in September last year, I was still wearing my wig and could not face entering the auditorium with all the changes in my appearance. I was doing the job more for pleasure, but 9 am start did not seem too much of a pleasure after the active treatment fatigue. Thankfully, my main job is at my own pace. I can even work from home, so it was a blessing through the cancer journey and the long winter. I am trying to attend every day now, just to feel normal. 

I know what you mean with the quiet coffee. But once you break the habit for couple of days, you will get used to the new schedule. I find myself more organized generally, when I go to work every day and it helps greatly with depression.

Even if your hair is still very short, give some shape with hair gel, complete the looks with a nice make up and pretty outfits and you will look beautiful and feel confident. I ditched my wig, when my hair was only 1cm long, trimmed for a better shape and looked good and got lots of compliments. 

Wish you good luck. Have a pleasant week-end and enjoy your work. You will overcome!!!!  

Hugs,

Karina 

Hi Strong, I understand your nerves and agree with Karina that you will probably feel stronger mentally and emotionally once you are back in the routine of work.



If you are lucky enough to like your workplace and colleagues, you will probably be overwhelmed with the kindness that people will extend to you and they won't give you funny looks.



Do you have a work friend with whom you could arrange to go in and help you settle in and check in with you during the first day? That support might help ease your nerves.



I found preparing to go back to work was like preparing to start a new job or going back to school at the start of the year. Have everything polished and organised, maybe a new outfit, and allow sufficient time to groom yourself so that you look your best. This will give you confidence.



Good luck!

Strong -I was off 6 months too and was very nervous going back.  I work 12 hour night shifts and was afraid I would be too weak to do it.  It took several weeks to get all my strength back.  I went back to work with a hemoglobin of 7.7 (refused a blood transfusion, I know, I'm stubborn).  The people I work with are great and would jump up and answer the call lights and tell me to sit.  I did fine and you will too!  I did wear my wig.  It looked so much like my real hair but shorter.  The previous year, a coworker went through the same thing, so I felt this helped matters.  I don't know why.  I guess I didn't feel so much like the lone ranger.  Best of Luck!!

I just recently went back to work myself after being out over a year.  I was so nervous and didn't know if I could handle it.  My first day all I could think was....what are you thinking?  I must be crazy, I had it good.  It's was a little weird but I have no regrets and it's been good for me.  I don't have as much time to think about BC and I so needed that   I hope you feel the same, good luck and let us know how it goes.

So happy for you that your first day back went well. The rest of your week will be even better!!!

Hurray!!!

Im so glad your first day back was great.  I was in the same situation on monday.  My first day back after BMX, so I obviously looked different too.  I was so nervous all weekend, like my stomach was turning.  I tried on 100 different outfits.  But it was just fine - I have amazing coworkers, who I of course, call friends as well.  No one looked, or at least not obviously.  I think people were honestly glad to see me, no matter what I look like.

I hope today is just as good for you.  You deserve to feel this way.  Happy 2nd day back!

Lauren