Today is a low key, post chemo, chill at home day. Surprisingly, I still feel ok. No nausea so far and I can still eat. I notice my cheeks go bright red mid-morning. The same thing happened last week so it’s definitely a reaction, probably to the steroids. I make a note of it in my diary but it’s nothing really concerning, just an observation.

My Team Leader Mk calls from work and I give him the good news about my biopsy. He is very happy for me. He tells me he hadn’t been looking forward to our conversation as the future options he had researched for me were all a bit morbid. So was the prognosis, I remind him. Now though we are able to talk about my job with a more positive outlook. Mk tells me that the company is committed to supporting me through my cancer journey and I will receive as much sick leave as I need, including the last 3 weeks that I have had off as Annual Leave. He tells me that my health is of utmost importance so not to stress about work as that will not help my recovery. I decide to wait another week and then try to go back to work part time Monday-Wednesday doing email work only, so no phone work or lengthy applications. This should allow me to work at my own pace, how and when I can.

I am blown away by the generosity of my company. Not only did they actively support me last year through my back problems, surgery and recovery, but they are stepping up to do it again this year. I work hard and the job is very stressful but I feel extremely grateful and lucky to have landed the job that I have.