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joanned's avatar
joanned
Member
11 years ago

Going back to Work

Hi All

Just about to start my new lot of chemo (docetaxel) after my first 3 rounds of FEC. So far so good , the 3rd round was the worst for nausea etc - bit anxious about the docetaxel after hearing mixed reactions from others. Then I have 5 weeks of radiation after that. Having so much time off work has also made me question what I really want to do when I do have to go back when all this is finished.

I guess my question to everyone out there - has anyone had to change jobs completely due to their breast cancer surgery, lymphodema or chemo side effects?  I am in a managerial posotion in retail and I know that it will be hard yakka with my auxiallary clearance, hair loss and general chemo side effects when I am so much in the public eye.

It has now got me thinking about what someone over 50 can do as a new career change. I do have a few qualifications up my sleeve but the hard part is thinking about new career, interviews and getting another job. I am reluctant to go back to my old one simply for the stress of the job.

Would love some feedback or just to get general advise from someone who has also been in that position.

Joanne D

 

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  • sueblue's avatar
    sueblue
    Member
    11 years ago
    Hi Joanne. You seem to be a bit ahead of me with treatment so as time goes by may be able to give me some advice? I also work in a managerial position in retail; nightfill manager, which is 8+ hours of constant physical work, lots of heavy lifting and the stress of managing staff. Don't know if I will be able to' or want to, return to my previous position. But don't know what else I would do. I am 50. I don't like the constant tiredness of night work but do like the absence of customers, as we're shut. I will be interested in what you do. Sue.
  • joanned's avatar
    joanned
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hi Donna

    Thanks for sharing your journey with me. Still have a few months to think about it but I want to make the right decision for me and my health.

    regards

    Joanne

  • mgndam1603's avatar
    mgndam1603
    Member
    11 years ago

    I had 7 months off work with my surgeries and treatment and returned to the same company but a different role.

    I work for a large corporate in a managerial role and decided I no longer wanted to manage staff.

    When I returned to work I eased back in part-time working short days 3 days a week and then gradually adding hours and then days.

    I know I have been extremely fortunate, that my company has supported me througout my illness and supported my request for change.

    So yes I have had a change of jobs but still within the same company and to be honest it was hard returning to work. I was exhausted all the time, I had medical appointments still to be managed and people all wanted to know what was happening to me.

    So here I am after returning in October 2013 loving my new role and not so tired anymore. I do manage my hours much better than I did previously and I make sure I get plenty of down time. Thats easy as my children are grown so it just my husband and I.

    I wish you luck with finding the right path for yourself.

    Donna