Anyone working through chemo in a school?

[Enigma52]

I am having 6 rounds of chemo ( 3 weeks apart) for a leiomysarcoma. I've had my first one and was rough for the first week, but am picking up on the second.

I've a fit note for the next 4 weeks. But am wondering what to do about work. Is anyone working during their chemo, in a school setting? I'm a TA.

I've already had 8 months off for hysterectomy/ primary sarcoma/ metastic ( but now stable BC). I returned last July 24 and was diagnosed again by Christmas 24.

My life has just become one continuous round of appointments: scans/ bloods and bad news. I now crave normality.

I don't want to return to work, then have to go off again. Equally, I've no idea what sick pay I've got left and whether this treatment is even going to work!

Just feel in limbo really.

Whilst you are off work ( you said you had a sick note for 4 weeks ?) contact your headteacher and put all your cards on the table re sick pay , entitlement to time off etc. Even if they themselves don’t know the ins and outs they can contact the appropriate departments at the local authority and find out.

It wound also be a good idea to get an appointment with a financial advisor at CAB to find out what benefits you are / would be entitled to . Getting the information would relieve some of the stress of the unknown. I think you have enough to cope with re the new cancer and getting through chemo. Also , having chemo and reduced immunity as a result the school should be putting in place things which reduce your risk of infection if they can possibly do so. Children are hives of infection… colds , coughs etc.
Having a big cancer op coming up this week , followed by chemo ( if I survive !) I totally get the desire for “ normality “. That feeling of “ I want my life back “ is almost like grief. You take it all for granted until you can’t .
I can only imagine how hard life is trying to get through probably the worst time of your life and still having to turn up for work and worrying about money.
I really hope you get through all this. Life has piled so much on you , you deserve some luck. Xx

Primary or Secondary? My oncologist said the only places she told patients to be signed off sick or work from home were Hospitals & Primary schools as they are both germ sinks and chemo depleted your immune system.

I was off completely when on my 12 cycles of weekly chemo. Then wirked from home for 2 weeks out of 3 when I was on a 3-week cycle.

Your school's Occupational Health should be able to give your advice

@1stWorldProblems Secondary SEN. Will seek out OH, thanks.

I’ve been signed off completely for duration of chemo, I have sessions day 1 and 8 of 21, and honestly the first two weeks I don’t even think about work, 3rd week my husband says he knows I’m feeling better because I start worrying about work (secondary HOF) and speaking to work people. I did go back between 1st operation and start of chemo, I had to get a ‘fit for work’ note and reduced duties, no cover or lunch duties etc. I don’t expect to go back until July, by which time I will have passed my 6 ml this full pay 🤷🏼‍♀️

Chemo nurse here-it’s all about risk v benefit. Of course there’s a risk of infection with being in a room with loads of kids (but secondary are less germ ridden that primary) but it sounds like it’ll benefit your mental health.

How supportive are school? If you work but have a day where you feel rough will they be supportive?

How you felt with the first cycle is often indicative of how you will feel in future cycles. So if you felt rough for the first week that’s likely to happen again. The things that can get worse though are fatigue and brain fog.

Most TAs/teachers tend to take sick leave in my experience but as you say, you need that normality.

I’m sorry you’re going through this. Does your hospital have a macmillan support team? They should be able to signpost you to benefits/citizens advice if sick pay is an issue.

A colleague of mine, who was being treated for breast cancer, was told absolutely not in school until treatment was over. Cancer drugs suppress your immune system and schools are a hotbed of bugs and germs.

I’m exhausted, but mentally exhausted. My hair is falling out and I’m beyond distraught. If they sack me tomorrow, so be it. I’ve had enough!

I’m a teacher (HOD) and just finished 6 rounds, 3 weeks apart.

one thing I didn’t really get was that the side effects got worse and worse each round. By the 5th round I was in bed for a week and a half. luckily the chemo was doing its job and they lowered the dose for the last round.

there would have been zero chance I could have worked through chemo. I would have spent my time constantly calling in sick which would have put my colleagues at a disadvantage and the students not knowing what was happening. By letting them know I wasn’t going to be there, they could plan.

I had no desire to discuss my health with curious children and answering all their questions. Plus the loss of my hair would have added to the questions. Then add the stress of every little cough, sniffle and sneeze.

that is my experience. Good luck for the remaining rounds. Xx

I was signed off I was too exhausted to work through it. Plus a school environment isn't the best place for someone immunosuppressed.

Thanks all. Round 2 on Wednesday. Im signed off until the end of term now. Hair is pretty much gone. Oh well!

I admire you when you say 'hair is pretty much gone. Oh well!" I really wish I could say the same.
I'm going through chemo and my thinning hair is what upsets me the most. Vanity, I know, but I have such low self esteem and anxiety. We live in a small town where almost everyone knows everyone else. I haven't broadcast my diagnosis as I'm a very private person. I'm finding it really hard and find I'm avoiding going out and bumping into people.

I’ve pretty much isolated myself tbh, take the dog out but that involves wearing a hat, my hair is much thinner but still there, I had it cut quite short though which helps I think. I just look so old, totally get the feeling crap about myself. There is no way I would be able to go into school and handle my lovely students and their questions.

The problem is the risk of infection. Take your temp twice a day so you know immediately if your temperature is rising. The riskiest period is in the middle of your cycle.

Ask your school what your remaining entitlement is to sick pay. Also contact Macmillan to see if there are any benefits you can get!!

Just read you are signed off ... that's good. Get yourself signed as fit to work when the summer holiday starts.

I had chemotherapy and was told by my oncologist that I must not go to work in a secondary school due to the risk of infection. I did go back after two operations before starting chemotherapy. Cancer is a protected characteristic and you cannot be dismissed for cancer-related absence. Your union may have a hardship fund for lost pay.

@teddyclown I’m sorry you are also going through this. You are not vain at all. Hair is a huge part of our identity, frames the face and keeps the head warm! I first lost my hair in 2010, whilst having treatment for BC. I was beyond distraught! Cried and cried. Fast forward 14 years and the BC is back. This time treatable but incurable. My treatment for this meant I kept my hair and I was SO happy. But, my body, hellbent on killing me, decided to grow a new cancer which meant I needed brutal IV chemo. My hair went at the weekend and after everything that is going on, all I can say is “ oh well” because what else can I do? I bought 2 gorgeous wigs yesterday, within an hour they were off my head, so itchy!

You have to just ignore any comments or looks which aren’t helpful. You will have enough going on as it is.

@FriendlyGhost23 Thankyou. Yes, the union did send me a form for the harship fund, I need to look at it.
Everything is up in the air right now. I don’t know if the treatment will work. I don’t know if I need surgery after treatment or even If I will need chemo until i die! And because I haven’t been back at work a year since the last long absence ( hysterectomy, cancer etc) my pay I think will cease ln august.