Janette's Story

Work was Janette’s life. For 28 years she worked for Marks & Spencer as a Visual Manager and she loved it. Janette had completed her treatment for breast cancer in 2005, but when the disease returned in 2015, she was forced to make one of the most heart-wrenching decisions of her life. Thankfully, it wasn’t a decision she faced alone.

It’s a cliché to say that cancer turns your life upside down, but it’s true. Dealing with the sudden reality that you have a life-threatening disease is already more than enough, but many people also face additional stress and difficult challenges when it comes to their working lives. That’s why Beatson Cancer Charity is so committed to funding the Specialist Health and Work Service.

Whether a patient is in work, returning to work or facing a difficult decision about their career, our Specialist Health and Work Service is here to support them. Dedicated case workers can help people with a variety of work-related issues, whether it’s advising on sick pay, helping someone find a new job or working with an employer on a return to work plan.

When Janette first met her specialist health and work advisor it was clear how much Janette’s job meant to her. “On that first day I was actually a wreck and I just cried and cried”, she explained.

During those initial meetings all her case worker could do was listen, provide reassurance and offer comforting words and guidance. It was important to give Janette time to come to terms with the fact that she might not be able to return to work.

When the time was right, her advisor sensitively spoke with Janette about whether she should go back to work and what that might mean. The option of retirement was also discussed and Janette was encouraged to think about other ways she could use her creative skills or to consider doing voluntary work. Every meeting was focused on helping Janette move forward positively and further discussion led to Janette’s decision to retire and look towards the future. 

Moving on

Janette’s colleagues organised a retirement party for her at Cross Basket Castle. They gave her presents, a card and a photo album filled with special memories of Christmas parties and nights out together. It was an emotional day for Janette, but it also helped her to move on.

The retirement party helped to give me closure. I could finally accept that I wasn’t a part of things anymore and I was OK with that. I’m just so grateful to Donna for being there for me throughout it all.

Janette passed away in May 2018 and her husband Stuart is grateful for the support that they both received from Beatson Cancer Charity Specialist Health and Work Service.

Stuarts employer suggested that he take time to be with Janette which gave him enormous relief knowing that he could take Janette to hospital, look after her when she wasn't well and help around the house which gave him a huge sense of relief.

Find out more about how our Specialist Health and Work Service can help you or complete a contact form.  Call them for more work-related issues Mon-Fri 9am- 4.30pm on 0141 212 0505.