Short term disability after cancer

windgirl · December 2016

Hi ladies,

I have worked for a large company for many years now and have a lot of pressures, deadlines, and long work hours. I've worked part time during chemo (my choice) and returned full time when getting radiation two years ago. I've worked the long hours (sometimes 70-80 hours per week) since then without any complaints or issues. For the past 6 months my work life has gotten worse due to additional projects and losing some team members, I feel pretty tired and beat up and cannot take care of myself in terms of resting, getting enough sleep, cooking/nutrition, and many more. I have a period of 3 months coming ahead which is our busiest time, and 2 am work nights are in the horizon. I really don't want to do this to my body, and have started looking for another job, but it takes time. I'm wondering if I explained this situation to my doctor, while I am not in active treatment, I would be eligible for short term disability (I have this short term disability insurance through work). Do you know of anyone who has gone through a similar situation and requested short term disability after their active treatment was completed? Would there be a medical reason to cite since I am in remission technically? My other option is to just resign and look for a job while unemployed but that would be a big burden financially with bills and insurance. Would love to hear your thoughts before I bring this up to my doctor. Thanks.

wendymk2016 · December 2016

I think you should definitely slow down your working schedule. You are overloaded and it is not good for your recovery.

Eating healthy, have enough sleep, maintain a regular based work out schedule, relax and enjoy everyday life. Those are the things that sound appropriate for us.

If this job brings you too much pressure, you should defnitely considering changing it.

windgirl · January 2017

thanks Wendy, my once said there isn't a medical something he can write for me, but I am requesting to work part time for a while, will see what happens, fingers crossed. Thanks for responding, take care

pajim · January 2017

Windgirl, how flexible is your boss? It may be time to go in and explain that you can't keep up this pace anymore. Either they need to get you some help or.. or..

You are going to make yourself sick with something else and they'll lose you altogether for some period of time.

If they have no flexibility then it's time to find a new job (I know you are looking. . .)

gardengypsy · January 2017

windgirl~

My DFCI oncs were supportive of at least 3-6 months of a post-treatment disability claim. The insurance company approved it without a hitch.

Unfortunately. I decided I was feeling better and decided not to do it. Yuuuge mistake. I know about the pressure; I am a teacher.

I spoke with my insurance company today. I am going to reapply now. The treatment we undergo takes years to recover from. Your onc is not being supportive and is probably "pinkified " as I call the myth around this disease.

Wishing you all the best.

lovesgreenthings · January 2017

windgirl, if you are still reading on this board, you could file an ADA accommodation request to work less hours due to your health condition. If you google Americans with Disabilities Act you will find information on how to write a letter to your supervisor, that will cover you for this. From an employer standpoint, once an employee files for ADA, they request proof. BC is proof enough. They must approve this or it could be a potential legal action on your part. Most employers comply. I see this all the time in my line of work and we comply. No employer wants to be caught up in an ADA lawsuit as they are viewed poorly and rarely win. Good luck!!

Short term disability after cancer

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