4 weeks post mastectomy

Im much happier being back at work when im well enough! Im 3/4 through my first round of chemo and i try and work 2 out of 3 weeks. Chemo usually messes me around for a week so i return when im ready, each times been slightly different side effects but nothing too bad luckily. Keeping the normal back in life is so important. I work in retail so im always on my feet. Take it easy for the first few shifts. You've been resting and recovering for a while so you'll get tired faster most likely. Congrats on keepin on top of it all, sounds like you're smashing it xx

Good luck with your treatment.  On the hair loss question, many women, including me, found being bald was ok.  You have so much to deal with, not having to worry about hair is, surprisingly, a bonus. And it grows back.  Best wishes Karen 

Thank goodness the surgery part is over. You might be able to discuss with work if there is project work or alternative type duties that can be done other than your normal job. I know I didn't feel emotionally well enough to work, as well as the physical aspects on chemo. But we are all different.

Once I completed chemo and recovered  somewhat  I have returned to work as a nurse in a graduated plan...with supporting medical certificates and have a plan drawn up. I currently am working 4 days a week 6 hourly...so have a mid week break. My sick leave hours are currently unpaid but that is okay.

You might find this link helpful. But Gov depts definitely have obligations to get you back ASAP...they even offered I do 2 hours a day during treatment but I declined...feeling i needed the time to put myself first for once. When I returned I felt ready and am once again an important part of the team.

http://employsure.com.au/blog/management-of-non-work-related-injuriesillnesses-employers-health-and-safety-obligations-relating-to-employees-injured-outside-of-work/

Absolutely!!! give everything a go!! its so incredibly overwhelming! so try just a step at a time. I think youre doing amazing to be honest right now!! You first! hugs xo

My oncologist said we can try the caps and if my hair starts falling out too much we can just stop them. It's worth a go. There is just so many decisions to make and the first part of this was so hectic and such a whirlwind. That's why i needed to get back to work. My mind was going crazy. Unfortunately financially I need to try and do some work at least. But I'll listen to my body and just do what I can. 
That's awesome that your work had been so accomodating as well. It takes a lot of extra stress away xx

@Shaylls there has been a thread on here on scalp cooling. I know for my regime it wasnt recommended, as he said on FEC its not successful, however Ive heard of some ladies on different chemo regimes where it semi works. I have 2 friends her2+ who did scalp cooling and their hair thinned all on top. Ive just put a post up today of a collage of losing my long blonde hair to being bald and to now. Very individual, just do what you want to do! Work is a wait and see thing, I work with Autistic children so on my feet the entire day. So wonderful when you have great support at work, mine has been amazing and Ive worked 12 months on 3 days a week and luckily have income protection through education. I have 1 year ahead the same as cannot work full time. Im also waiting on a call my Mastectomy/reconstruction is about to happen and the Surgeon said my line of work I'll be out 3 months. Uuuugh but this is my last piece to the puzzle!!! hang in there!!!! Melinda xo

Thanks ladies. Work is going to be up in the air as I'm a nurse so on my feet all day. My boss is fantastic though and is happy to take it day by day as I really have no idea how I'll react to chemo. 
Its all still quite daunting. 
Going to try the scalp caps so have to cut my hair shorter this week, that's only a minor thing but an ordeal for me still the same. 
The cancer has changed so much of my life as i know it would have all yours. 
But we are here and that's the main thing. 
Everyones support is amazing xxx

Shaylls!! My goodness! Am so glad you are healing from surgery, can only imagine what an ordeal it has been. I think its amazing you being back at work at the very least. I totally agree about some sort of normality. I remember before starting Chemo last year, having a plan and my Oncologist basically mapped out when he felt I would be ok to work throughout treatment. Unfortunately for me, after the first month of 4.5months of chemo I came crashing down and was unable to work, was the biggest adjustment of my life where I had to let go of any expectation I had of my life. I too had felt so defined after everything I had been through and still going through with this journey 5yrs now and a recurrence. All I can say is...one step at a time, one breath at a time, and most importantly do only what YOU want to do and feel is best for you. It is different for everyone...you'll find your rhythm in it all. We are all here every step of the way, to help anyway we can and most of all encourage you! Its a tough road, but you absolutely will get through!!! Big Hugs Melinda xo

Good grief that must have been an aggressive one! We'll be here for you during the chemo and radiation treatments. Looks like your 2017 will be full of appointments like the start of my 2016 was. Its a necessary evil I am afraid but you do get through it, even though at times you will think you can't. <3

Hi you have a long trip ahead, one day at a time. I worked during chemo as I needed something else to think about. My boss was really good in that some days I worked some I didn't, she left it up to me to decide what I did. Be kind to yourself chemo can be tough x