Breast cancer waiting - AIBU

[SharpYellowPencil]

I don't know how I'm supposed to feel.

I'm waiting to have a biopsy to see if a lump I've found is cancerous.

I work in a school, very tough environment and sadly, the reality is, if I dropped dead today I'd be replaced within an hour.

I don't know how I feel about working.

When I disclosed a chronic illness to the headteacher 10 years ago, RA, she lied and said she had it too but 'just got on with work'.

AIBU to not want to tell work what's going on but to take time off until I know more?

I anticipate this to be 2 weeks.

For context... I do not feel like I matter at work despite teaching to the best of my ability for the last 15 years. 😞

Yes you are just a number! I work in a school and I am a bloody hard worker but the SLT couldn’t care less!!
You get no better thought of!
Have the 2weeks off.
Hope all goes well 💐

Yabu.

It's so scary I've been there. Hopefully it's nothing. You may even have more lumps that need checking in future (my experience).

The next couple if weeks will be hard, try to compartmentalise as best you can.

Do you hate your job? (It sounds like it) I wouldn't blame you. Have you thought about a change?

You need to take care of yourself, not at all unreasonable if you want to take time off. I would say though that sitting at home worrying and doom scrolling is likely to be unhelpful. And if you do unfortunately need treatment you’re likely to use up even the most generous sick pay allowance. So if you do take the time off try to use it well ❤️

Wishing you well for your biopsy.

Depending on your contract, paid sick leave is usually finite. Things feel very insecure if you tip into unpaid sickness. I would try to work this time if you can.

I had to respond to this as I went through this ten years ago when I was 39. We are all unique and our response to a traumatic situation like this is individual. I tried to work but felt I spent every moment distracted by thoughts of what could be. I was diagnosed with cancer eventually and I'm happy to say that after treatment, I am now 10,years clear. During diagnosis and treatment, I took time off and I went down quite a dark hole where my only friends (despite having people around me who loved me) were my online cancer clan. The more time I spent at home, the less I wanted to go out. That was me. You will carve your own path but if you need time to deal with a significant health anxiety and its making you feel unwell, take it. Speak tp your GP and I'm sure they will back you up. Picture yourself looking back in the future. What will you regret - taking the time?... or not?...

Two weeks off sick waiting for a test result
????????????????????

If you are diagnosed will you stay at work or hand your notice in? If you would stay then I would try and ride this next couple of weeks out, as sick pay won't last forever. If you would hand your notice in to avoid the extra pressure from work, then you don't need to worry about that, so by all means take the time now if you feel you need it.

I'm sorry, but you really can't have 2 weeks off work just because you are "waiting", that's ridiculous. Use work as a distraction instead, because otherwise you'll just drive yourself nuts sitting at home and stressing.