Jan (not her real name) is a female classroom teacher who works in an all-girls secondary school.  
 
At the time of contact with Jan, she had been off work for six weeks receiving treatment for breast cancer and was planning to return to work shortly. However, she had a number of fears concerning whether she would be able to cope.
 
Jan chose to explore her concerns via our Online Coaching service. Teacher Support  Scotland’s coach looked at Jan’s thoughts and feelings and explored her reasons for returning to school.  
 
Although she had minor concerns about her finances, Jan realised that her health was more important to her and that she probably wasn’t yet well enough to return to work. She decided to go back in September at the start of the new school year.   
 
Teacher Support Scotland’s coach suggested that Jan arrange a meeting with her Head to discuss her return and the support available for her return.   
 
Problems with self-image
 
On further discussion with her coach Jan admitted that she was also concerned about her image upon returning to work - she had lost her hair and had also had a breast removed. With support and guided exploration of her feelings, Jan realised that although she felt most people would be supportive, she was still very concerned about students whispering behind her back.   
 
Lack of confidence
 
Jan considered other options such as taking further sick leave or resigning, but did not feel that either were appropriate alternatives. With her coach’s help, Jan recognised that she was suffering from a lack of confidence due to the trauma she had undergone and that this was a natural response. Jan admitted feeling very self-conscious and explored ways of increasing her confidence.
 
Continued support
 
Jan still plans to return to school in September and continues to have regular email coaching sessions to help build her confidence, prior to her return to school.  
 
She is not sure she would have felt confident enough to return without the support of her coach.

Attached file(s):
• Returning_to_work_after_cancer.pdf