Holiday whilst off sick

[BG2015]

I'm a teacher and have been off sick since September having treatment for breast cancer.

I had breast surgery during the long summer holiday last year and spent my holiday recuperating.

I am nearly at the end of active treatment having finished chemo and radiotherapy will be completed in a week or so. My oncologist has said it will be 4-6 weeks before I begin to feel better, have more energy etc and has said I'm fine to have a holiday.

I'm planning on returning to school on a phased return around Easter. We would like to have a holiday somewhere warm and sunny before I go back to work, but I feel guilty about this.

I have had appointments and days in hospital during every school holiday since July.

I just feel so bad about going on holiday whilst still being off from work. Any other job you would have leave days you could add onto your sick time but in teaching it's not the same.

Definitely go!

I was on long term sick leave from school and near the end of it I taught a one day revision school for the OU (my DH took me there by car) and I nearly lost all my sick pay

Not really comparible though is it. You worked when you were off sick - I'm not surprised your employer wasn't happy. The OP is going on a holiday, recommended by her oncologist. Completely different

As long as you aren't going to be carrying out the same duties on holiday as you would abroad- ie teaching then absolutely go on holiday. You're signed off sick from your job, doesn't mean you have to stay at home until you go back- as the medical professional has said a holiday is fine from a health point of view enjoy.

Please please go !!!!!!!!!!
Nobody will think badly of you ....they will rejoice that you can do this
Enjoy xxxxxx

A holiday would probably even speed up your recovery regarding energy levels....

It used to be a standard thing, to go to the seaside for convalescence following a long illness. Go and enjoy!

Go and enjoy yourself. It will help your recovery.

My only advice would be to keep it off social media. Don't hide it from real friends, but you know there will be some busybody that judges you on it.

@Dontforgetyourbrolly

Off topic - your travel insurance will be through the roof ! But please don't feel guilty, go for it

It's actually not as bad as we thought!

Thank you for all your lovely messages!
I shall only be lying on a sunbed, no climbing mountains

My main worry is finding a sun hat to cover my small covering of hair on my head!

Go on holiday and do not feel one bit guilty

We've booked a holiday. Thanks for giving me the encouragement to go. I've drafted an email to my head which I'll send on Monday saying my oncologist has given me the go ahead to have a break and giving him a brief outline of where I am in my treatment just to keep him in the loop time wise.

I've also said I'm looking forward to having the support of Occupational Health to navigate my planned return to work and am looking forward to being back in the classroom with the children.