Work issues..

Anxiousmama

Hello there.

 I haven't been on here in quite some time. I was diagnosed w/ BC back in May of 2009.  Stage 2, had lumpectomy, radiaion and am on tamoxifen. At that time, I worked a few hours a week at home, but was mostly a stay at home mom. Following treatment, I needed a fulltime job to help pay off the medical bills and to get myself health insurance, as hubby's company was trying to kick me off of theirs (well, I could stay on, but pay an extra $900 premium a month).

Fast forward to today, Im working fulltime, but hubby was laid off a few months ago. My current job situation does not know that I am a BC survivor. It's just never come up. I see my onc. every 3 months, but no one really asks what's going on... Went in for my regular (every 3 months still) visit w/ the oncocologist. Had some trouble getting off work for it this time around as we are understaffed. So, lucky me, the dr. found a "thickening" in the other breast and I'm having an ultrasound today. I've decided to call in sick today to avoid the hassle of getting my boss to let me have the time off again. But, if it comes out "bad," how much should I tell the office and when?

Trying to think good thoughts, but want to be prepared to handle this right at work as we cannot afford for me to lose my job right now. Any advice?

thefuzzylemon

You may have options that you don't even know about ... If you are comfortable, PM me with what your job title is, how long you have been there, how many employees the company has, if you are salaried or hourly ...

Otherwise, check out the EEOC, ADA and Civil Rights pages to start.  Tons of information.

You don't have to tell the office anything.  They are restricted to what they can ask and you only need to give them snip its....

ibcmets

AnxiousMama,

Don't know if you work for a large company or small company.  It could make a difference.

I would get complete medical info from your onc after biopsy & tests.  You may be able to take family leave or part-time disability if needed.  I would not say anything right now.  You do not want to have to be fighting for your rights with all of this going on.

 I continued to work for a short time until my tests results came back.  I then went on immediate leave and called the appropriate dept. to access my leave of abscence.  I was stage IV from the get go.

Best Wishes on your treatment.

Terri

Terri

ma111

Honesty is the best policy. There is a federal law that employers have to make reasonable accommodations for employees with cancer. I am sure they are aware of it. If it is bad, work with him as to the best time for you to take off. You do not have to tell him this is your second time!

purple32

You can be honest without divulging anything personal. This is precisely why we have HIPPA laws.

 Nobody at my job knows yet. I got a note from my PCP saying I needed time off for medical leave. If I end up needing a LOT more time off, I will look into FMLA. If I get ' lucky" , I will continue to use my own sick time as needed.

In the meantime, I will 'tell' at a time of my choosing- which quite possibly might be never. I am  a very private person , and I appreciate the laws in place to protect that.

Anxiousmama

Thanks all for the advice. Thankfully all the results came out fine. I will keep this all in mind  just in case.