Not returning to school this term

[BG2015]

In June I found out I had breast cancer. My head has been amazing, so supportive.

I had surgery in August and spent most of the holiday recovering.

I've now got chemo to get through which will begin in late September and last until March. I've been advised that I can't (& probably won't be able to ) work through out this time.

I'm gutted, genuinely lost. I'm going to miss school so much.

I'm going in for INSET today as we're having some training I'd like to take part in.

Tomorrow will be very strange

Sending

Going for INSET sounds like a great idea to keep you in touch. I’ve watched two colleagues go through cancer treatment (and return to work afterwards) and both were well supported by SLT and their colleagues. I hope it’s the same for you.

Sending hugs…

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2012, only a term into a new teaching job. I was off for 12 months. It’s worth taking the time to process everything - treatment, changes to your body - it really does take time.

PM me if you want to - happy to chat.

I was also in the same situation and had seven months of school. The best advice I had from someone was to make the best of the ‘time off’ and I did. I was lucky in that I wasn’t too unwell when having chemo so I did things I wouldn’t normally be able to do such as picking my nephews up from school, spending time with friends and doing work to my flat including a new kitchen. Hopefully you will also be well enough to make the most of the time - best of luck.

Thank you all for your replies.
I've been to buy a wig today which was very surreal walking round Manchester on the first day of term.

Had to keep reminding myself not to feel guilty

I'm just hoping the governors agree to full pay for the time I'm off. I've worked there a long time and had very little time off.

You’re are entitled to 100 working days on full pay followed by 100 working days on half pay. This does not include the holiday. That’s you’re entitlement and it shouldn’t have to be negotiated or agreed, as long as you have your medical certificate.

I think I had 6 months full pay and 6 months half pay. I didn’t have to fight for it - I just told my head what the GP had said about needing to be off, and it was fine.

My head was a bit of a shit about it, to be honest - she wouldn’t let me come in at all to see the kids when I was between treatments as it might “disrupt their learning and derail their SATS”. Great that you have a supportive head/ school, OP x

I know that the 6 months half pay can be at the heads/governors discretion - so I've asked him to consider paying me in full for the whole time I'm off - obviously if there's enough money in the pot.