Returning to work after cancer

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I hope this is the right topic to post in!

I’ve been off work after a breast cancer diagnosis. This entailed; surgery, reconstruction, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and ongoing hormone treatments and appointments for a number of years ongoing.

I’ve had informal conversations with my manager but nothing formal. However there’s be no mention of OH or how my return will be planned, they are aware it is my intention to return.

I have some side effects, though there is a possibility these may change/increase once I start additional hormone drugs next week. This doesn’t always happen right away. One of the side effects will be a fast tracked medical menopause and all that brings with it.

I am currently signed off until the end of next month, but I think I may need an additional month. I hope to then return, taking the first couple of weeks of my return as annual leave. That will mean I’ve been off just under 12 months.

I have no idea how phased return works, how long it goes on for etc. There is a formal guide that says it normally is 4-6 was max. However I have managed others and observed others who have been on long term sickness absence who have had additional time, tailored to their situation.

I am quite a shy person and found out my boss has announced I will be back June/July. It is likely July, but middle end, however I haven’t confirmed any return plans yet. He told me today that he intends to hold a critical event in July but wouldn’t confirm when in July despite my asking.

Should I let him know my intentions now, or do I need to wait for the updated sick note from my doctor to extend to end of June? Also, should I ask for OH referral and should I be speaking with HR?

The only contact with HR so far has been to confirm my reduced pay, which they got wrong and have actually paid me £100’s less than they confirmed it would be and my accrued leave, which they also got wrong.

I don’t want to cause a fuss, but equally I would like as much support as possible and will request this if it is not forthcoming.

Thank you x

Bump- if anyone can provide advise, I’d be really grateful x

Can you ask your manager to refer to OH so you can discuss a phased return? Does he know you likely won't be 100%?

I was off for 3-4 months in much easier circumstances, and OH discussed all aspects of the return including and adaptations and agreed reduced hours.

Try and concentrate on your recovery and return. If you were still off he would have to manage the critical event without you, so try not to focus on that.

Also good luck with your recovery 😁

I manage someone who was in the same situation as you. OH recommended a return to full hours in 6 weeks. I wasn’t happy with that and it was 6 months before they were back to full hours. I also arranged other adjustments, parking on site due to fatigue etc. Ultimately it is down to your manager and OH. Hopefully they will be supportive.

There are no hard and fast rules about a phased return to work - there isn't even a right to have one. This is a "reasonable adjustment" and like any of them, it has to be achievable by the employer and it must accord with their business needs.

On this basis it is best to plan and start conversations early. Don't wait for them to initiate them - they may genuinely have very little idea of what you need because it varies so much from one person to the next. Ask for an OH referral, start talking to your manager about timings and needs - and give some serious thought to what you know are your limitations already.

Hi, sorry you have gone through this. I've just returned to work after 12months following breast cancer too. I pproached my manager to discuss a phased return, who in turn informed HR (we don't have on site OH) they did a risk assessment to discuss hours, limitations etc (I'm a nurse so not really an option of a lighter load) we agreed I'd do 3 shifts a week for a month, ( usually full time)for a phased return, I'd get paid for full time, then review. Then I'm going to use some leave for a month or so and do 4 days, then review again. Where I work have been great all through luckily.
If you are not well supported, remember, after a cancer diagnosis you are covered by Disability Rights and MacMillan can advise and support you.
Good luck! I'm loving being back at work, it's really helped me mentally.

Thank you everyone for responding. This is all really helpful. I didn’t realise I could initiate the OH referral etc. Once I build up a bit more confidence I will get in touch with work and ask them how we can plan next steps.

A gradual return to work is usually for 4-6 weeks max on the basis that if someone needs longer, they probably aren't fit to be at work at all.

IME most gradual returns are driven by the employee telling the employer what they need and then you go from there.

@MusicMenu

A gradual return to work is usually for 4-6 weeks max on the basis that if someone needs longer, they probably aren't fit to be at work at all.

IME most gradual returns are driven by the employee telling the employer what they need and then you go from there.

It isn’t always about being physically fit for work. For some people their mental health will suffer if they remain off work and after surgery, chemo and radiation a quick return to work is likely to be detrimental to their physical health.

When you do contact OH it would be helpful if you made the outline suggestions for a phased return, with time limits you feel would be the right ones for you, rather than rely on them, in my experience.

Yes @MagentaRocks, that is so much a part of it. Mental health and confidence, it is all such a difficult experience that leaves long term psychological impact.

I’ve never been signed off before this and had an almost 100% attendance record over a decade so have no experience of OH. I really appreciate everyone’s guidance and advice, I didn’t realise I needed to propose the terms of the phased return and then negotiate.

I did a sickness cover at my current place of work for someone who had cancer and she started back at 1 day a week and then gradually increased it over 3 months back to full time. Unfortunately she had a recurrence and I was invited back and ended up as a permanent fixture.
I am now off sick with cancer and I expect a phased return when I am ready to go back.