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We had cancer (teacher and education advisor)

	Amber (Adviser PSHE and Citizenship, primary and secondary schools) tells us how she and Delia (primary school headteacher) from Hertfordshire had cancer and how colleagues and parents were supportive from the start.

Delia had a lumpectomy four years ago, I had a mastectomy two-and-a-half. We both live on our own and although we found it tough, we were both overwhelmed by the compassion and empathy of others that surrounded us. Delia's governors were particularly thoughtful and after she returned to school full-time she had the afternoons free to attend radiotherapy and was excused from evening meetings during that time.

All the staff were informed in confidence but Delia decided not to inform the parents. Instead she wrote to them saying she would be undergoing surgery, would be away from school for a substantial time and her Deputy would be in charge. She felt that as a headteacher she didn’t want to talk about it widely. Today she does, and naturally over time many parents have found out and are unfailingly supportive.

Although officially on sick leave, while recuperating Delia didn’t shut herself off from school completely. She often popped in and went back for major events such as the farewell to the Year Sixes. Her Deputy brought the unopened SATS results to her at home so that they could open them together.


	No one ever put any pressure on me to return to work before I was ready.

My managers and colleagues likewise were brilliant – totally supportive. No one ever put any pressure on me to return to work before I was ready, and they were so welcoming and encouraging after the six month ordeal of the operation and chemo. Likewise I had the flexibility to attend my radiotherapy sessions, which fortunately coincided with the summer holidays, so my workload was much lighter.

I am also hugely appreciative of the support from Marian, my Macmillan nurse, who was a source of huge comfort and wisdom on mornings when it all seemed too bleak.

Delia and I both recognise that we now can go through long stretches of the day without thinking about cancer – and that is a real joy. For a long time after my mastectomy, I felt having had cancer was the most important thing about me. It occupied much of my thoughts and focus. But, gradually and quietly, those fears and feelings of panic have now receded.