Work

Hi I have just returned to work and thought long and hard if I should go back slowly or jump back in to full time. I have gone back full time but haven't worked a full week yet, everyone else is right you need to do what is right for yu and listen to your body. I have found there is a fine line between pushing yourself and listening to your body. I work in the health industry and was concerned about germs and bugs  as  well. Good luck I'm sure it will go well

I think working with children your immune system has probably strengthened, the decision must be yours.  Just weigh up the risks against the benefits, the old two columns the biggest one wins.  Sounds simple but it works, i done this and seeing it written in front of me made my decision.

Rita x

PS. I work in Public Mental Health, my column against working outweighed my column to work.

But you could implement a hygiene policy - hand sanitiser and tissues.  I feel no parent would be offended.  These would certainly reduce your risk. 

Wow,what a lucky group of kids having you for a teacher.However,I would think that a group of children,with no doubt some runny noses and sneezing thrown in there,would be the worst place to be during chemo.Personally,I wouldn't risk it.An infection,and how it might affect you,just isn't worth the chance .I believe that there is a reason that we are told to avoid groups of people during chemo.All the best though,with whatever you choose.Cheers xoxRobyn

It's lovely to read of a teacher with such enthusiasm for their job but are you sure you want to go back to work while on chemo? Apart from the very real risk of contracting some sort of infection, teaching can be a very demanding job both physically and mentally. I worked as a CRT for several years so I have some experience of it.

I remember how tired I was while on chemo - barely able to get out of bed on some days - and I really don't think I could have coped with working, especally not full-time. Personally I would wait until you've finished treatment but if you really miss it and are determined to go back why not see if you can negotiate some sort of part-time arrangment for a while. Hope it works out okay for you. Good luck. Janet.

Hi...you sound like a fab teacher...loving the kids & your job...just wonderful!

It will have to be your choice whether you should go back while on chemo or not......however, just to share my story, I picked up an infection after my 2nd chemo which hospitalized me on  2 separate occasions for 4 days each. I work from home & live in a small rural town but still picked up infection from somewhere without too much outside contact (I have 2 primary aged children).

Obviously not everyone is affected so I guess it is up to you......because of my experience though, I would probably wait until my immune system was back on track again.

Good luck with whatever decision you make and good luck with your remaining treatment.

Jenny x