Inform or or conceal my diagnosis for job interviews?

It is a tough dilemma when you'll still need quite a few appointments going forward. I just got a new job, start on Monday actually, and didn't mention a thing to them. However, my situation is different in that I don't have active treatment going on, nor do I have obvious evidence of treatment to explain. I think, if I had been in active treatment, I would have mentioned that I would need time for appointments and for how long. That's just me, though, and I know that legally you don't have to say a thing.

You're right about alopecia, by the way. My nephew has alopecia universalis and there have been many times when out at dinner with my sister and her family that we've had to explain that he doesn't have cancer. People are very kind and would try to pay for our meal.

MissBee....this is such a difficult decision. It's commendable that you are so open and honest. However, many people just cannot deal with honesty, especially in areas that are uncomfortable such as illness. Also, there are still who equate cancer with death, which doesn't make you a dependable long term employee. If you will not be applying for company benefits where you would need to be totally upfront about your medical history, I would not reveal the breast cancer. Personally, I am always open but over the years it hasn't always been the best. Keep in mind ... you are not being dishonest, just not revealing. In a few years when you are well past your treatment, it will be another story. Bottom line is that you are a very wise woman and will make the right decision for you. Good luck.

Hey Ladies,

I also was job hunting while finishing up the AC portion of my chemotherapy reg. I wore a wig and makeup during my interview. Since being hired for a month now, I still wear makeup and a wig but will transition to not wearing wigs when I'm comfortable with my hair growth. Its been about a month now and this are going quite steady.

Also I made sure I went to my interview on my rest week from chemo when I felt like myself. I did not tell my employer anything about my cancer diagnosis. I did however let them know that every other Friday I have a "doctors appt" which is really infusion. My employer was okay with that since it won't be a regular thing. I really feel like them not knowing now is okay. Play it by ear though.

@Cathyhoo said it best, many people still equate cancer with death, it's just not true! It sucKS that people will look at you differently since revealing your diagnosis. I've had family members not know what to do besides hand me money, they weren't the least bit curious about the cancer!! They figured I needed money, sent it and never called to see how I was. People are people.

Balance: This is where it gets a bit sticky because everyone's diagnosis comes with a different treatment plan. @missbee if your treatment plan and SE take up your time, than think about how to use your sick and off days wisely now.

As for job duties: my current job is a full time outreach specialists with n nonprofit that increases senior citizen enrollment in mediciad and SNAP benefits, I'm on the phone all day, and get up once a hour to walk around the office to get my blood flowing.

I purposefully chose a job like that because physical exertion on a daily basis would kill me. I'm still finishing up chemo while working and have had serious bone pain from this Taxol. I can't imagine having to lift, bend, twist turn etc. Really think long and hard about your job duties in the long wrong run! If it's manageable, do it, but if not that's okay too! Look for something less demanding if need be.

Insurance: I'm currently still covered through mediciad but will be switching to my company's insurance plan in June during enrollment. As of now my income level is just below the maximum for making me not qualify for mediciad anymore so I will report my income to the state right when it's time for enrollment for my jobs insurance to kick in. At that time I will only be receiving aromatase inhibitors with ovarian suppression so I need coverage.

I hope my input helped! You'l'll do just fine. Happy healing!

MissBee,

You may want to check out the website "Cancer and Careers" http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en

Good luck