Five tips for returning to work after treatment

Going back to work after treatment was a big deal for me. I had so many questions and scenarios running through my mind, which kept triggering my anxiety. The main question at the front of my mind was, ‘Will I be able to cope?’

I wanted to share what I learnt with others going back to work after breast cancer treatment, so I put together my top tips.

1. There’s no right or wrong time to return to work

I’m not sure if you can ever be 100% certain that you’re ready to return to work, and for some people the decision will take longer than for others. There’s no right or wrong when it comes to deciding whether to return to work, but the longer you leave it, the harder it may feel.

If you’re ready, it can’t hurt to consider taking on things that will get you a little more tired or challenge you. Your body may take a while to recover from fatigue, which is one of the biggest hurdles to recovery.

2. Talk to your employer to come up with a realistic plan

If you've made the decision to work, or are thinking about it, speaking to your manager or employer about a realistic return-to-work plan should be the next step.

If you are applying for a new job, you might like to think about hours and flexibility.

If you a planning on returning to an existing job, a phased return (which is a gradual return to work after an extended absence) may be the best way to ease yourself back in.

Consider discussing start times, extra breaks, having equipment closer to you, time off for hospital appointments, and what you can do if you’re almost falling asleep because of fatigue.

I’ve been really lucky with my employers. They have been very flexible, and even though I've only been back for a short time, I’ve changed my work pattern three times.

I take extra tea breaks just to get up off my chair and reboot my brain. For me, ‘chemo brain’ has been the most annoying part about being back. As I’m forgetful, we've agreed that any more challenging duties can be introduced slowly.

3. Pace yourself and remember it’s not a race

Depending on your job, you may be tempted to jump back in at the deep end and do everything you used to do before. Doing too much is not advisable at the best of times, let alone after cancer treatment.

Pace yourself, get a notepad and make a little to-do list. When you start crossing things off, as small as they may be, the sense of achievement feels great!

When I first got back to the HR office I work in, I spent my first week walking around catching up with people. That was my task.

Talking is tiring work and during my first week I was going home exhausted. I learnt to keep the conversations short and sweet and started focusing on office tasks.

It’s up to you how much you want people to know, so saying ‘Can we talk about this another time?’ won’t be frowned upon. In fact, people are really understanding, so don't be afraid to stop the conversation if it gets too much.

4. Plan lunch dates with your colleagues

Planning lunch dates with your colleagues may help you rebuild working relationships and also help them understand the support you need. Everyone has a different personality, so a one-to-one lunch may work brilliantly with one colleague, but not others.

Your colleagues may or may not have an understanding of what you went through in the last few months, and they may have questions they wish to ask to get a deeper understanding.

I remember taking one of my colleagues out for lunch and it was lovely. I told her all about ‘chemo brain’, and apologised in advance if anything went wrong. The conversation was great and my anxiety started to settle.

It’s always difficult to try and prove your capability to people after cancer because they just assume you’re going to be slow and forgetful, which may be the case for a while, but don't be disheartened. Your team will understand.

5. Enjoy it and don't forget to breathe

You've decided, or are deciding, to go back to work for a reason. It may be because you love the independence it gives you. You’ll be earning money again, and waking up to have something to do, even if it’s just for a few hours.

It may take a few weeks, but you will enjoy it again. And if you don't, there’s always that career change you may have thought about for years. Anything is possible.

Kaz writes her own blog, Wigs for Heroes. Read her personal experience on going back to work.