Forum Discussion

RedRose77's avatar
RedRose77
Member
2 years ago

Work/grief/sadness

Hi all, apologies if this has already been discussed but I couldn’t find anything elsewhere.  I’m 46, had a right mastectomy (Diep flap) and left reduction in early December for stage 2 invasive lo...
coping
emotions
tamoxifen
work
Lynnym's avatar
Lynnym
Member
1 year ago

Oh My Goodness

Thank you for telling us about your situation.

I jumped on here hoping to find others that were struggling with the back to work trying to be normal and absolutely not!! I have been back at work for quite some time and although they are very understanding its sometimes I just feel inadequate, peripheral neuropathy, Lymphedema and working with a different body post chemo and surgery.

I do my very best and I meet targets (sales) but sometimes I work in retail I might not get things tidied up or have the time or energy to do the vacuum at the end of day because frankly...I'm in pain.

I am 53 and I feel like the cancer and treatment has aged me 20 years. I have a Boss that is in her early 20s and I don't think she understands that I cant work at the same pace she does.

At the moment my mental health is starting to suffer because I am coming home stressed and worried that I haven't done things to her standards and I may go in to my next shift and get negative feedback from her...its awful I love my job and my customers its the only thing in my life at the moment that was bringing me joy and now its stressing me.

I'm going to see my GP on Tuesday and Talk to my psychologist about this on the same day maybe I need some leave.

So its good to know that others are having back to work issues too.

  • arpie's avatar
    arpie
    Member
    1 year ago

    I am So sorry that you are feeling stressed in your work Lynnym​  - specially being in sales & expected to meet specific targets.  It is no surprise that you are feeling stressed. 😪

    Can you approach your young boss's superior to see if you can either adjust your hours or target tally, to take a bit of pressure off you for a while? 

    I hope you can see your Psych soon & that they can give you some 'coping techniques' ....

    Have you listened to Charlotte Tottman's podcasts "What you Don't Know Until you Do"?      You can check individual posts or go thru the lot.  She is very easy to listen to - and has terrific insight & advice xx
    She is a specialist BC psych who was diagnosed with BC about 7 years ago, so has been thru everything that we've been thru and she 'gets it' in a way that other psychs may not.  
    http://www.drcharlottetottman.com.au/my-podcast.html

    Take care - and consider ringing our helpline for a one on one chat too
    1800 500 258 (Mon-Fri, 9-5) xx