Work and breast cancer - seeking your input

My biggest issues, 2 weeks post-surgery is that I do not wish to return to work at all. I have used all of my sick leave-some prior to surgery after diagnosis and dealing emotionally with that and the rest-post surgery. I have also eaten into most of my annual leave now, so have little choice but to attempt to return to work. I did this yesterday with disastrous effects-I have a very large seroma on my breast post-surgery which is making not only my breast incredibly uncomfortable/painful, it has limited my movements of my arm, shoulder. My back also gets very sore and I am sure it is all associated. I was in such discomfort, I found it difficult to keep focus-as I am a Nurse I am limited by what pain relief I am able to take AND be able to work. I started out with a reasonably light day with a few gaps and still struggled to cope. I really don't feel ready to go back, but am limited in my choices.

 I would also love further information about transitioning into another role-I am a Nurse as i@lrb_03, but unfortunately do not have the option in my current position for a Non-clinical role. I have been Nursing for 18yrs and to be honest I would like to move to something new. I had been looking at this prior to diagnosis and had been looking to re-train into something new. However to do this all costs money for training and also perhaps for me a significant drop in my income. I am not sure this is manageable now. 

I am also worried about work. While I was away one of our nurses was made redundant because it was quiet-Will I be considered next as I have been unable to work for a period of time and then on my return yesterday am now having to have the day off today just to recover?? 

Daina_BCNA said:

Hi all,

As part of the new workplace supports BCNA launched earlier this year, we're planning a 'Work and breast cancer' webinar and would appreciate your input.

• What topics would you like to see covered in this webinar about work? Legal rights and obligations especially about extended periods without pay I used all my sick and annual leave and then was without pay and that has consequences that leave you vulnerable to retrenchment
• What practical advice / tips would you give
  someone who is currently making decisions about work following their diagnosis e.g. to work through treatment, take extended time off?  Listen to your medical team and your own body - everyone reacts differently so you don’t know until you are there, be flexible
• What practical advice / tips would you give someone who is returning to work? Take it easy if you can. I am currently working notionally 4 hours a day 4 days  a week but slowly it is b3coming 5 hours 4 days hopefully once radiation is finished I will get closer to full days 
• What do you wish you had known? No idea 
• What did your employer / work colleagues do to support you through this time? Covered me while I was away and welcomed me back when I was ready but kept saying pace myself
• Do you see this webinar being for people who have been diagnosed or would you think it could benefit employers and colleagues? Both probably
  

Thank you for taking the time to read through this post and I look forward to your comments and feedback.

See you online!
Daina

More information

- Read the news item for more information about the work and breast cancer project - https://www.bcna.org.au/news/2018/06/new-workplace-supports-for-people-affected-by-breast-cancer/
- Visit the online hub for resources and information to support you in the workplace - www.bcna.org.au/work-and-breast-cancer 
- If you have feedback about this project call me on 1800 500 258 or email dpatt@bcna.org.au.

 

Additionally info about when and who you have to tell in your workplace how to handle that process and how to deal with colleagues once they know I had some great reactions and some really stupid ones

Oh!  I just remembered!  Lack of sleep is something that affects many of us from time of diagnosis and seems resistant to most things, and seems to have a lot of factors involved.

I was unfortunately on Long Service Leave when I was recalled for assessment at BreastScreen and hence given my diagnosis.  All my individual days investigations etc were unable to be claimed as sick leave.  Once I had my surgery and had a certificate for a month I talked to pay office about changing LSL to sick leave.  They told me it could not be done.  I called my union and chatted with them.  We decided I would put the submission in to my manager and if my employer still said no, then the union would get involved.  I could NOT believe that approval from management was needed for this and that it was not covered in the award.  I work for a hospital (35+ years) and had at least 18 months of sick leave.  I feel very aggrieved when I think of the many times I have given above and beyond at work in hours and commitment and yet feel I need to plead to use the sick leave i have EARNED.  The change was eventually granted but I feel it was done grudgingly.  

That is absolutely disgusting behaviour form the hospital, 'specially putting you under so much more stress & pressure than you needed @Anjke - specially given your long tenure with the hospital & as you say 'working above & beyond' during that time!

Even if you get sick on 'regular' holidays, you can get a Drs Certificate & 'reclaim' those days from your sick leave i.e. your holiday 'days' are reimbursed!!  

I am glad they 'reconsidered' ...... but - did they explain fully why they reckoned it didn't relate to Long Service Leave as well?

Take care & all the best xxx

@silba It sounds to me (and I don't claim to know what the legalities are) that someone at your Super place is assuming they know your diagnosis.  Are you in the Union?  @zoffiel - is this in the realm of your HR knowledge?