Phased return

[Enigma52]

I'm 8 weeks post op, following a total abdominal hysterectomy and am back at work at the end of February

I work as a TA in a school and plan to speak with the Head prior to my return to discuss a phased return for a couple of weeks.

I feel physically stronger each day, but very fatigued.

I'm thinking about requesting to work mornings to begin with and build up from there? Im contracted to work 5 days.

I've also had a secondary breast cancer diagnosis at the same time as the hysterectomy. My breast nurse has put together a letter for my employer, outlining possible side effects of treatment ( I'm only 19 days in) and the need for a blood test every 3 weeks.

I feel well and want to get back
to my job. Just unsure how things will go, once I hit the ground running.

Anyone in a similar situation?

Managers, would you allow a phased return or reasonable adjustments even?

Thanks

I work in OH.
Usually if people have planned surgery to improve their medical condition, and stay off for the full recommended recovery time then we would expect them to be fit to just return as normal. So if surgeon says 6-8 week recovery they should expect you to be fully fit in 8 weeks and we wouldn't normally do a phased return in those circumstances (unless it was a very prolonged recovery eg 6 months after back surgery)

You have the added breast cancer diagnosis so there may be some ongoing restrictions in your specific case and related to how heavy your job is. In that case I would get your GP to write on your fit note the restrictions in hours or job tasks you need initially and then, along with letter from breast nurse, discuss that with your manager.

Good luck

If you have cancer then legally you are disabled and they have to make reasonable adjustments - but determining what is "reasonable" is key.

A phased return would be more sensible than "hitting the ground running". You want to build your strength in a sustainable way rather than doing too much too soon and ending up unwell/injured. It takes time to rebuild strength and stamina after that type of surgery.

Mornings seem a fair proposal. Maybe increasing by one lesson/period on alternate days each week until you're back to full time. Or something like that.

Eg week one 2/5 of the timetabled day every day.
Week two 3/5 on Mon/wed/Fri but 2/5 on Tue/Thu.
Week three 3/5 every day
Week four 4/5 m/w/f, 3/5 t/th
Week five 4/5 every day
Week six 5/5 m/w/f, 4/5 t/th
Week seven normal hours every day.

Etc. Obviously depends how your school structures the day and what they can accommodate. Or skip the alternating days if it's ok to go faster. Just don't overdo it and set yourself back.

Thanks for replying.
Regarding the cancer, no adjustments need to be made, other than to allow me to speak to the oncologist once a month by phone. Obviously if things become unstable and treatment has to change/ side effects kick in/ additional appointments to attend then i will have to resign. I had all that before the hysterectomy and although work were excellent, I felt so guilty.

Hysterectomy wise, I'm happy to fulfil my role. @equinoxprocess I like your idea, thanks. I will consider this when speaking to the Head.

Wow - your OH is really tough! Our OH - and just about every one I have come across - (a) treat people as individuals and look at their indivudual needs rather than blanket rules, and (b) would definitely consider a short period of a phased return after major surgery (which can impact on energy levels for months afterwards) and the shock of a serious additional diagnosis.

OP, if that is what you think you need then you should say so and explain it. If the school cannot accommodate the request then they would need to say so - sometimes it isn't possible to do. Then you need to decide whether you are fit for work at all and discuss that with your doctor if you need to.

@Neriah yes you are right.
For now, I've got date to return and shall be aiming to work my usual pattern. If that is not possible or school can't accommodate, then as you say, a conversation with the employer and GP needs to be had.

In truth, I have no idea how this diagnosis is going to affect me work wise.

That's sensible. Please don't push yourself to the limit. That has an impact on your bodies ability to fight, and you need those reserves for the cancer. Recovery rates from cancer are now so much better, but a close colleague of mine is on her third - and according to her consultant, last - cancer treatment. I'm sure you will understand what I mean there. We are all working hard to ensure that she doesn't work too hard. Her energy is needed for other things, and none of us are letting her give up anybody time soon. It's about balance.

Good luck with the treatment, and wishing you all the best. Do not EVER give up! I know it can be tough. But fight every inch of the journey, and allow yourself to REST!

Thankyou so much for your empathetic response @Neriah

The secondary diagnosis came out of no where. As far as I was aware, I was having a hysterectomy to remove a (different) cancerous mass

I do know what you mean; outcomes are better than ever, compared to 10/15/20 years ago and new treatments being rolled out all the time. But ( and I have been told this from the outset) that over time ( you know the rest too).

I will aim to strike the all important balance between work and rest. I also have the Head to speak with, so will see what he says.

Thanks again.