Going back to work

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Mumtobe
Mumtobe Member Posts: 159
edited June 2014 in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Hi all,

I'm just wondering how long it took you to go back to work after treatment? I had qualified as an addiction counsellor after 4 years of studying when I was diagnosed. Now I have absolutely no interest in doing counselling at all. Maybe it's the nature of the industry I was heading into but it just doesn't ignite the spark in me that it used to. I have just started back at work again in an administration role, with which I also have a lot of experience, and I am quite happy to do this. Has anybody else had the same experience? Looking for advice on what I should do.....

Finished chemo in February & rads early April.

Thanks for advice in advance...

Carol x

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  • BayouBabe
    BayouBabe Member Posts: 2,221
    edited July 2013

    Can't give you advice, but find myself in the same boat. Took time off for "cancer". I am a teacher, and since I finished rads just a few weeks before school got out for the summer, just extended my medical leave. I will return at the start of the new school year in September. I don't want to go back. This is the first time in my life that I have had time to myself and am loving it. My brain is so much "slower" since my surgeries/treatment that I am worried about thinking on my toes as quickly as needed and being able to stay on top of new info. Also, don't know if I will be able to be sympathetic to whiney teenagers after facing death head on. I feel a new career/direction in my future - just no idea/clue as to what just yet. Cancer changes everything, doesn't it?!

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  • lmcclure4477
    lmcclure4477 Member Posts: 180
    edited July 2013

    I am a teacher too. Actually I am an elementary school gym teacher. I have been out of work since my masectomy on January 14th. Finished chemo on may 20th and had the final phase of reconstruction in mid June. I plan to go back in september. I love my job and it keeps me active, but my brain feels off since chemo. Hope I still have the patience and energy for the little kids!

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  • galeb
    galeb Member Posts: 9
    edited July 2013

    Wish I could give you some advice, but instead I will let you know you are not alone. Currently going through chemo and rad for 2nd time. Have no desire to get back to work. Love my job and co-workers, just unable to find a correct place for them in this new world. My brain is also soo foggy at times, forget how to spell, and everyday words. Frustration!!!!! Hang in there!

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  • acceptinglife
    acceptinglife Member Posts: 14
    edited July 2013

    I worked through my first TNBC diagnosis and treatment. I had a flexible "work from home" when needed. I went back to work full-time less than a month post chemo. Now that I am going through this experience again, I am on temporary disability and will remain so until my benefits expire. I hope to regain the desire to return to my job once the treatment process is over. I love the line of work that I am in, I just want to spend my time with my 13 and 15 year old sons right now. Good luck with your treatment.

    6/26/08 DX TNBC, Grade III, Stage II, 0/17 nodes, KI-67 80%, BRCA-,R-mx&recon 7/08. 8/2012 mammo NED, 6/2013 DX New primary TNBC tumor L-mx&recon. Age 38

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