I was diagnosed 10 months ago and am healthy and well controlled on Imatinib. I haven’t worked since Mid March but would like to return. I cannot possibly keep 2 m away from people as I am an optometrist. Now that there is ppe including goggles I think I should be ok to return . Any one got any advice or any other healthcare professionals out there still working?
thanks Judith
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Should I work during this lockdown
If you are in the UK you are in the high risk group which says we must shield for min 3 months (Although medically we are at no greater risk weve just been put in that group because we have Leukemia not CML perse). Meaning an employer wouldn't allow you to return for risk of becoming ill. I am working but from home but it depends on your type of work. I am a programmer so it's possible.
Hi I've been diagnosed 18 months now and I'm self employed as a motorcycle mechanic. I've had no choice but to go to work during this lockdown even if it's just to sit in an empty workshop. The reason for this, is that I've got a neighbour that has made mine and my family's lives hell. After she'd found out that I'd been diagnosed ( a year after my brother had died of leukaemia, I may add ) she said to my face "I hope you hurry up and die of cancer". Her entertainment is making as much noise as possible by stamping on her floor (my ceiling) all day, playing loud music and encouraging her son to make as much noise as he can. Lockdown is my worst nightmare, so even though I'm putting my health at risk, I'm going out to save my sanity.
My other half has CML and received the NHS letter but he's still working. He's been in MMR for eight years with a BRC-ABL of 0.001% and when we spoke to his consultant she said he was low risk and therefore it was his judgement call whether to work or not. I think if you're newly diagnosed, you should probably be more cautious, but see what your consultant says.