Hi there,
I just saw my oncologist today and we talked about returning to work (again). I completed chemo in March 2022 and am now on Niraparib. Currently my issues are sleep problems, tiredness, drowsiness (probably due to sleep problems, plus Niraparib) and anxiety about returning to work.
Anyway, I'm going to start using Melatonin, and found a great book on sleep at the cancer centre's patient library. I've started volunteering in my field (teaching adults) to help me prepare for returning to work. My doctor thinks that overall I'm doing well, and ready to return to work, but it's anxiety that's impacting my return to work. I've lost a lot of confidence with not working for a year. I decided to return to work in two weeks' time, with a gradual return to work.
I guess I'm anxious about handling the physical and cognitive demands of the job, and whether I still have the knowledge and skills.
I've been cautioned about returning to work too early, but I think there comes a point where you are (mostly) ready and just have to do it. The longer I put it off, the harder it gets.
Does anyone have any helpful insights on their return to work experience?