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***TAMOXIFEN number 19***

995 replies

MaryAnnSingleton · 31/01/2012 16:41

ta daa !

OP posts:
SparkleRainbow · 08/02/2012 13:46

Big hugs to Ned and Gig...and as smee says to all as it is really cold here too!

You see these horoscopes keep on giving! Who asked about Libra...cos that is really tame... although he does tell you to "hibernate" ...not sure why Confused I think the journalist got more and more frustrated with his lack of journalistic success (and possibly ambition) the further he got into the horoscopes...so by the time he got to mine he was positively "corrosive".

Kurri fab advice to take one step at a time.

Hope everyone is keeping warm, and not slipping over on the ice, which we have in abundance.

Ds went to his last first aid training course last night...which was about spinal injuries. The instructor was empathically concerned about how this would affect ds, but apparently ds explained to the group exactly what happens to him, how back boards work etc....am waiting for the conversation about permanent spinal injury and fatalities to come, but not yet. Typicaly man really he will brew over it for a few days of even weeks, and then when I least expect it, out it will come..... Confused

Gigondas · 08/02/2012 14:18

I am a libra and in bed so horoscope must be true Wink

Went to nct thing and then picked dd up from nursery which was good as made me feel normal. Also lovely friend cheered me up about being positive .

Mas I am interested in mediation- any books or resources I can use to help as that is exactly what I need. And agree re issues - I see a therapist and am Agree it helps.

Greek assembly sounds lovely.

SparkleRainbow · 08/02/2012 14:22
Grin
MaryAnnSingleton · 08/02/2012 14:39

I can recommend these two cds- in fact anything by John Kabat-Zinn is very good, but the guided meditations are very helpful indeed.www.amazon.co.uk/Guided-Mindfulness-Meditation-Jon-Kabat-Zinn/dp/1591793599/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_b

www.amazon.co.uk/Mindfulness-Beginners-Jon-Kabat-Zinn/dp/1591794641/ref=pd_sim_b_1

OP posts:
NeenooksDH · 08/02/2012 16:26

Hello everyone - I am here because I have been invited by MaryAneSingleton - thank you for the invite. I have started a thread under health about returning to work after Cancer.

This is my first time on Mumsnet, and following discussion with DW, who is a massive advocate of the site, she has recommended coming on here to discuss my work struggles.

9 months ago I was diagnosed with Mouth cancer and within two weeks was in hospital having 13 hours of surgery to remove the tumour and reconstruct my tongue using a section of my forearm. Two months later a tumour was discovered in my lower trachea and I went in for investigative surgery; thankfully the tumour turned out to be benign.

I worked as an instructor in an Outdoor Centre and because of the effects of the surgery and treatment cannot return to my previous job role. My employer has been very good and is trying to find something else for me to do, as the law states they have to make' reasonable adjustments' to my job to allow me to return to my job.

I am struggling though with just the most basic of tasks at work that are being put my way. This is due in part to the intense fatigue I experience after even the most basic of tasks. The other reason I am struggling is that I am surrounded by my friends and peers who are still going out and doing the job I used to do; I feel like a spare part, waiting for jobs that are a bit of a fudge.

I am waking dreading going to work, I am starting to feel really down and as though no one understands; everything seems so trivial after the cancer.

I am the main wage earner and I worry about the cancer returning, having no sick leave left and not being able to pay the mortgage.

I have been told the fatigue will get better but the physical impact of the treatment wont change and is this time for me to change career direction?

Reading this back it sounds like a real whinge-it is not me at all but I am struggling and wondered if anyone else has been through anything similar and has any pearls of wisdom.

Thank you

Gigondas · 08/02/2012 16:44

No advice neenooks as I am a newbie as
Only diagnosed last week but welcome.

amberlight · 08/02/2012 17:25

Hi from me too Neenooks - what sort of work is it that's leading to the fatigue? Is it desk based or still active? It would help me think to know a bit more.

As for the rest, yes, can relate to it all. Not any sort of whinge at all: very sensible observations.

NeenooksDH · 08/02/2012 17:49

Hi amberlight. The work I am doing is now desk based but in an outdoor centre with my colleagues who are all very physical outdoor people doing the job I used to do. So sadly I am exhausted daily just sitting at a desk. I feel like a bit of a weight around their necks.

MaryAnnSingleton · 08/02/2012 17:56

glad you came over NeenooksDH The whole cancer thing is exhausting and it's no wonder you feel fatigued as well as anxious about recurrence.It's something we often talk about here as it's part of the 'new normal'. You certainly aren't whingeing. Did you have chemotherapy/radiotherapy ? Do you have a clinical nurse specialist (we have breast care nurses who help with any problems or anxieties,physical and emotional).

OP posts:
NedSchneebly · 08/02/2012 19:04

Hi NeenooksDH no advice from me, I'm afraid, as I have only recently been diagnosed, so am still off work receiving treatment. Just wanted to say hi, and welcome, though I'm sorry you need to be here, iyswim.

Hope everyone else OK today?

MAS did you get any further finding out if Facebook post was about your friends friend?

sparkle I, for one, am holding out for next weeks exciting and insightful horoscope update Smile

BackforGood · 08/02/2012 19:05

Welcome to NeeNooksDH. Absolutely second what MAS says ^. I've just started a "phased return to work"... I was 'mocking' it a bit before I started, thought it was all a bit of a palava, but I've actually been really, really tired - I've only did 2 x 2.5 hour days the first week, then 3 x 4 hour days the 2nd, and this week (3rd week) I'm on 3 x 5hour days. Next week I'm using some annual leave for half term!!! I can't believe how hard it's been. This is after only being off for 3 months and not even having had to have chemo, so, compared with most, I've had a very easy ride.
So, my point (amongst all this waffle Blush) is - be kind to yourself. We all expect too much of ourselves I think, and underestimate what a big thing this is, to have been through. I think everyone focuses on the end of the treatment and expects to be back "as they were before" and it's recognised that you can have a real down time as everything should be returning to normal.
It must be hard, as an outdoors instructor, to be there, and not being able to do that, but I really would give yourself 6 months to see where you get to before making any rash decisions. This is a difficult time.

Am I too late for some of that fresh bread and jam ? mmmmmm I love a cooked breakfast too, but know I must be too late for that. I seem to be doing lots more taking than donating to the FBS trolley Grin - I must go and rummage.

jchocchip · 08/02/2012 19:29

Hi neenooksdh. I'm in the middle of a phased return to work much like backforgood. I did my first full day yesterday and boy did I find it hard. Lots has changed in the 4 months I've been off and it is going to take me a while to get back up to speed. In your case you are making loads of adjustments and it sounds like there is an opportunity there to some extent to construct your own role. As backfor said, give yourself time to grow into your new job and build up your stamina again. Just sitting at a desk can be tiring at first.

topsyturner · 08/02/2012 20:01

Hi Neenooksdh , welcome to the club .
Have you gone back to work full time ? I would think about a phased return if I were you . Also make an appointment to speak to a Macmillan financial person . It's free and they may be able to help you .
I know exactly what you mean about feeling exhausted over the slightest thing , so don't feel like you are whingeing .

sandripples · 08/02/2012 20:06

Hi NeenooksDH.
I am an HR Manager and also had ops, chemo and radiotherapy for most of 2010, so can comment from both angles.
Firstly, I agree that it takes several weeks for the fatigue to subside. I did a phased return over 5 weeks and I definitely felt I needed it. My onc said the fatigue in my case should be gone about 3 months last chemo. I was lucky and it was more like just over 2 months I think. I don't think I've got quite the same energy that I used to have but its defintiely 90% and I have worked full time without a day off for 16 months now.

I did feel a bit of a spare part for a few months as my team seemed to have managed so well without me! However the work built up again and I fairly soon was back in the swing of things.

So be your own best friend and allow yourself some time.

Yes your employer does have to make reasonable adjustments and these will vary over the next 3 months, but cancer is covered by the Equalities act as a disability and so if adjustments are needed long term, they should be made.

You don't say how big your employer is - its easier in a large organsiation to find alternative roles and make adjustments of course. But is your manager discussing it enough with you so that you can come with a plan of meaningful work - say for 1- 2 weeks at a time just now, while you feel low? It might need some creative thinking around how to develop the services offered/marketed, or are instruction manuals all up to date, H and S manuals, staff induction , planning for next year etc etc. Could some on-line instruction materials be developed?? There might be some opportunitities for you to try some different types of work that might (eventually) be a route into a different sort of career. But I suggest you don't rush into that if you're still recovering.

In a few weeks, if you still feel down, you could try finding a career counsellor who could do 3-4 sessions with you - they help you to identify your strengths and transferable skills and can be good for confidence.

Don't let yourself feel low for long as if you need help via counselling (ie personal, not career type of counseling) its probably more helpful for you to seek support earlier rather than waiting. Does your employer have an occupational health service or an 'Employee Assistance programme' you could approach about this? Do they have an HR servcie you could contact to see what support is available?

If you have any health insurance (even low cost) you might find it offers counselling.

I am happy to try to think more - you can send me a personal message if you wish - your DW might show you how if you've never done this!

Good luck and (as we do keep saying on here but its true) try to take one step at a time and try to deal with the short-term until you are feeling stronger - a few days at a time for work for now - don't assume worst case career issues but try to think of what is more likely to be possible for you, in due course.

Good luck.

KurriKurri · 08/02/2012 20:08

Hi NeeNooksDH and welcome - so sorry you have been through this horrible illness, I can't help much about the work, - I haven't returned to work since my DX. But perhaps I can offer a bit of support about the fatigue.

With me and with lots of people the fatigue went on long after the treatment had finish, and I was told by various medics to expect fatigue and after effects to last at least as long as you were in treatment. If you had chemo and radiotherapy as well as your surgery add on even more time. It sounds as if your surgery was pretty major Sad - that is a hell of a lot to go through, especially having to cope with the physical adjustments as well as all the emotional things.

You also say you worry about the cancer coming back - I'm sure that's something we can all sympathise with on here - and it is emotionally exhausting. But I can say that the longer the time you stay well the easier it gets on that front.

Back to fatigue. I think cancer/treatment fatigue is very hard for those around you to understand - they think it means the same as 'tired' which of course you will know doesn't come close!

Firstly - acknowledge it is there, don't try to ignore it, or battle through it.
Next I would say pace yourself, initially I found for every 20 mins activity I needed a 20 mins break, but small chunks of work were easier to cope with. Now I realise that is hard in a work environment, but it might be worth talking to those in charge about what can be done to help you make the most efficient use of your day with some recovery time built in for you.

It's demoralising because it feels never ending, but it will be improving just by very small amounts. So it might feel as if you are getting nowhere. It was suggested to me that I keep a notebook or diary, just quickly noting each day what I did and how I felt (exhausted, or not too bad whatever) after a few weeks you can look back and see that you are actually making some progress and getting stronger.

What has happened to you is a big deal, and you are entitled to have all sorts of feelings about it, - we often say to each other on here that this thread is for a good rant or moan if it helps, or a cry on occasion. I have a cry about it all in the bath or shower sometimes - just to get it out of my system a bit without panicking my family! Smile

I'd also suggest get help and support wherever you can. MacMillan are excellent - they have helplines, - I've found them brilliant for talking about these sort of feelings, and for giving really good practical ways you can help yourself through it. I think they also have booklets on their website on very specific topics, fatigue and return to work are likely to be there.

Cancer support centre, if you have one nearby, often have loads of info and experts on fatigue, getting back to work and so on. IME men are sometimes reluctant to access some of the support (I don't want on any way to sound patronising saying that) but it can be hard - I know my DH would find it difficult. But also IME there are plenty of men who do go to support centres and find it very helpful. Definitely worth asking at your hospital or asking your nurse specialist if you have one what is available.

I hope some of this long post has been helpful. You are very welcome here, as of course is your DW if she wants to pop on.

much love to you both xx

Loads of love to other ladies today, I hope everyone is OK, - MAS hope things are OK with your friend

sorry I haven't been on - a combo of me feeling wiped out and falling asleep all afternoon Blush and my computer making a noise like Concorde taking off with some extra grinding sounds thrown in for good measure. So have to keep turning it off. I think its the fan????

love to all - will try to post later when I've had my tea.

smee · 08/02/2012 20:28

NeeNorks, hi from me too. Blimey you have been through it. Am applauding you going back to work at all. Honestly that's no mean feat after all you've been through. Can't add much to the other wisdom, but stick with us as this place is amazing for sanity. DW v.welcome too. Smile

Gigonda's, hope you're okay - do you know any more about when your op will be? Might join you in that meditation recommendation. Thanks MAS. Smile

Ned you have your Onc appt. tomorrow? Will be thinking of you. What time is it?

Got to plough on through more work, so can't post more now. Hope you're all surviving the freeze. Just have to share with you that the woman I had a meeting with earlier, left me to go for a swim at our local lido. Shock

KurriKurri · 08/02/2012 20:35

At a lido Smee- oh my God, I haven't swum at one for years but jeez she's brave!

Love to Ned for onc. appointment (glad little Ned's assembly was a hit Smile)

NedSchneebly · 08/02/2012 20:51

Oncologist is Friday morning, 10.30. Have got check up with breast clinic tomorrow afternoon to check progress of fluid/ haematoma/ infection/ lumpy soreness/ thing on top of boob. . . Oh, and a smear test too. Nice.

Hope you had a good sleep this afternoon kurri

Late to be working smee hope you're taking it easy?

jchocchip · 08/02/2012 21:02

I saw the signpost to our local lido yesterday - it's shut at this time of year, probably iced over like the canal is. Never been, every year I mean to, and fail. Used to enjoy Strood Lido and got terribly sunburnt at one near Uxbridge. The one near my Mum succumbed to residential development years ago.

Ramble over, anyone fancy a hot chocolate? I've got a cadburys 40 cal one and it is very good (especially with mini marshmallows...)

jchocchip · 08/02/2012 21:04

Oh and before I forget, a trip to Aldi today stocked up on chilli chocolate and dark chocolate and strawberry yoghurt sticks for the fbs trolley!

topsyturner · 08/02/2012 21:10

Lido ??? Shudder ...

Am having a knitting break , my thumb on my right hand feels like it's about to fall off ! Do you think the GP will aknowledge Knitters Thumb on the same level as Tennis Elbow ? Grin

Got DS first parent teacher afternoon tomorrow . His first Big School one . Got his report at the beginning of the week , and he has achieved all 1s (which is top on a 1 to 5 grading) except for PE . It is so not his forte , but he still managed to score a 1 for achievement , but only a 3 for effort Grin
DH has to work so I shall be going it alone , wish me luck !

Been online trying to find a new dress for my girly weekend . It's so difficult now . As I am large of Nork , dresses with a V neckline have always suited me in the past . But now I have the prothesis , a V neck is too revealing . I always seem to get a little wave of Bobby The Booby poking out of my decolletage !
Ah well , back to the search .

topsyturner · 08/02/2012 21:12

Hot choccie for me please jane . You can keep your flavoured chocolate and yoghurt sticks ! But please can I have some mini marshmallows ?

NedSchneebly · 08/02/2012 21:14
NedSchneebly · 08/02/2012 21:18

Well done topsy DS on excellent report- hope teachers have lots of nice things to say about him Smile

Knitters thumb? Definitely on par with tennis elbow. . .

Décolletage is such a great word . . .Grin sorry dress hunting giving you grief!

topsyturner · 08/02/2012 21:18

Yoghurt sticks ?
Graze boxes ?
Don't think you people have quite got the hang of the fbs trolley < wanders off chuntering in search of creme eggs >