I must talk with boss about starting chemo, worried

sweetp6217

This may be the worst day in my workplace life. I need to share my ocho's plan with my manager including upcoming dates of treatment. I know the start date(s) available and the frequency, but don't know how to express possible side effects. My workplace is pretty liberal about taking breaks and lunches since it's less busy in the summer. There is also a student/intern so that helps. We also have our own private bathroom.

Here comes the difficult part. Annual reviews come this month, usually this week since the pay adjustments will be visible to each employee next Tuesday. I'm already losing sleep over my upcoming chemo (in 2 or 3 weeks), but I just read some posts where some employees were let go after the FMLA time expired. I think my plan is to not let disability begin too soon. I wish to have intermittent disability end after my lumpectomy. Also, work usual rejects requests if you don't give at least 30 days notice for "leave".

I do have a beautiful team of ladies, one of which will go to bat for me regarding doctor's orders, etc. The support there is amazing. Still, I'm more worried than I've ever been. Thoughts my fellow sisters?

Beatmon

Well, with FMLA in place they can't refuse your time off. It may be a pain for them to rearrange schedules, but nothing like all you are going through. There are ladies on here that are able to work, but chemo treats us all differently.

Best of luck with all of the upcoming crap...just remember this is one time in your life, you have to come first!!

ksusan

"Leave" and "urgent medical necessity" shouldn't be the same thing.

mistyeyes

I told my boss and signed up for FMLA. With FMLA they can't hold your absences against you. I actually worked all through chemo. I took off the day I had treatment (mine took 5 hours) , but the day after I was fine and went to work. I had them on a Thursday and noticed my worst day was Saturday and I was off that day. I was very tired, I went to bed right after work and stayed there all weekend. I did end up calling in a few times and went home early a few times. Actually, I think I should have taken off a little more than I did. You don't know how you will react to the chemo and what side effects you may have. It also depends on what type of work you do, my job is not physically active and mentally I would at times have a hard time, but I had great co-workers that helped.

You may find that your boss will be very understanding and your annual review should be for the whole year, not just this time. My annual review was not affected by my illness.

mircann

Legally , with FMLA they cannot just let you go after your FMLA expires...its discrimination, apply for State Disability if you still feel unwell and not up to working. I took off 3x state disability, the first time was 6.5 months as I had 5 monthsof chemo to complete and one surgery(and 2 other surgeries) and major emotional stress and fatigue to deal with the cancer...all with trying to care for a 2.5 year old.....talk to a Social Worker if you have one with your doctors office/insurance, they can help ( I am one by profession )...

Good luck,

Ann