Get Well Soon

Helping you make a speedy recovery after breast-conserving surgery

Planning for your return

Talk with your Occupational Health Service or GP to work out when and how is best for you to return to work. It is best to see your occupational health service once you have an idea of what your treatment plans are going to be, rather than waiting until all your treatment is finished. This allows you to discuss all the options with them and will help your employer plan for any adjustments that are needed while you recover. Cancer is considered a disability under the Equality Act; employers therefore have a duty to make reasonable adjustments to help you return to work.

Depending on the nature of your job, while you recover your full strength, you might want to ask your employer about returning to work on lighter duties, working from home, or working shorter hours at first. Most employers will be happy to accommodate your needs. Lighter duties might mean:

• Spending more time sitting, rather than standing for extended periods, or doing lots of walking.
• Doing work that is mostly paperwork, using a computer or telephone.
• Not carrying more than around 5 kg any significant distance.
• Avoiding tasks such as prolonged loading or unloading, packing or unpacking.

If you have an HR Department at work, they will be able to advise you regarding sick pay or any other benefit you may be entitled to during your time off. Alternatively, talk directly with your employer.

3 golden rules for a speedy recovery:

• Stay active.
• Keep a normal daily routine.
• Keep social contact with people.

Confidence

It will take you a little while to regain your full confidence when you go back to work. You may be slower than normal at first, so don’t take on too much responsibility too soon. Don’t be too hard on yourself about this - it’s perfectly normal and you’ll start to get back up to speed after a few days.