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Navigating Work and Life While Managing Breast Cancer


When cancer enters your life, it feels like a sudden storm, disrupting every aspect of your existence with its demands and emotional toll. Yet, despite the overwhelming nature of such a diagnosis, it doesn't have to completely define your existence. Maintaining some semblance of normal life, be it through work, relationships, or hobbies, can be a source of strength and continuity.

However, everyone's experience with cancer is uniquely theirs. While some might find their daily routines and priorities wholly transformed, others, like myself, strive to weave treatment into an existing tapestry of responsibilities. The role of a support system, mental health resources, and personal perspective cannot be understated in navigating these challenges.

My own journey took a dramatic turn right before my surgery for breast cancer, requiring me to step back from a demanding job as Head of Delivery at the Greater London Authority. It wasn't just about taking time off; my role demanded a level of consistency and predictability that my treatment schedule couldn't accommodate. Thankfully, a capable colleague stepped in during my absence, but departing from my professional world was a tough pill to swallow.

I missed the hustle of my job, the camaraderie of my team, and the sense of purpose my work bestowed upon me. Six to eight weeks later, the desire to reclaim a part of my old life grew irresistible. Reaching out to my boss, I found not just support but encouragement. Together, we crafted a feasible plan that would allow me to work half-days when I felt up to it in a different role; focusing on less demanding project work and offering strategic guidance.

Returning to work, even in a limited capacity, became my lifeline. It offered me something to focus on beyond the endless cycle of doctor's appointments and treatment sessions. Importantly, it restored a piece of normalcy I desperately craved. My boss's understanding that I should take all the time I needed inadvertently gave me the freedom to feel in control again. While I know this approach isn't suitable for everyone, for me, engaging in work, even minimally, was pivotal in rebuilding my resilience and self-esteem during a time when cancer seemed to have stripped so much away.

As treatments concluded and I transitioned back to full-time employment, the balance between maintaining my health and meeting career demands felt like walking a tightrope. Facing daily realities like lymphoedema, which I hadn't anticipated, served as a stark reminder of the ordeal I had endured. Fatigue became another frequent challenger, forcing me to master the art of pacing myself amidst work duties and health management.

Initially hesitant, I eventually embraced the concept of a "workplace adjustment passport." This tool offered at the GLA transformed how I interacted with my workplace; no longer did I need to repeatedly justify my condition and needs. It paved the way for clear, effective communication about my diagnosis, ongoing treatment, and necessary accommodations.

What began as a simple document evolved into a robust tool for advocacy and support within my workplace. Simple adjustments made through the passport; like having a none working day a week, flexible hours for medical appointments or regular short breaks… enabled me to continue contributing meaningfully without risking my health.

Going through cancer treatment is challenging enough on its own, but adding work into the mix creates an entirely new set of struggles. For me, navigating the demands of treatment while trying to maintain some sense of normalcy in my career was overwhelming. Flexibility became essential, not just to manage side effects and appointments, but to hold onto a sense of dignity, confidence, and control over my own life.

I know that everyone’s experience is different. Some workplaces are incredibly supportive, while others make things even harder. Some people choose to keep working through treatment, while others step away to focus on healing.

If you’ve been through this, I’d love to hear from you. How did you balance work and treatment? Did you have supportive colleagues or managers? Were you able to adjust your schedule or workload? Or did you face challenges that made it even more difficult?

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