3 ms·

I am just recovering from cancer myself so a few thoughts from having just gone through something similar. 1. Get all your information first. Just because it

by 51Cards 11y ago

I am just recovering from cancer myself so a few thoughts from having just gone through something similar. 1. Get all your information first. Just because it's been deemed cancerous doesn't clarify what's ahead. It could range from intensive treatment, down to rather localized surgery. Talk to your specialists about the specifics and you'll know what you're in for. 2. Cover yourself foremost. I understand the altruistic desire to not affect those around you but you do need to take care of yourself. Ultimately that has to be your top priority. That said don't assume you would just be a burden on a team. Once you get all your details you may find you could still contribute during treatment. 3. Don't panic, that will only stress you and make things worse. We still call cancer "The big C" but in reality the outlook varies widely and many are completely treatable. Once you have all your information lined up you'll feel better. My email address is in my profile if there is any way I can help further or if you just want to talk. All my best. Edit: In retrospect these should be 3, 1, 2 in order of priority.

allworknoplay 11y ago
These sound right to me. I had cancer my senior year of college; not the same at all but also in a position of trying to hold all my classes together, not let potential employers find out, etc. Four months of treatment and I was done; I sincerely hope you're as lucky. Whether you are or not, though, it's true don't panic and cover your ass are critical. Fortunately we live in an era of obamacare, though, as well as regs about covering prexisting conditions. A hitch in what the top commenter said is that you may not in fact be able to keep your job through treatment. I had three week rotations, where the first five days of each rotation (sat - weds) were sitting in the hospital all day hooked up to an IV, and it's not a reasonable work environment. Obviously gather all the information, but I'd say get ready to get the cobra if you can't hold it down at work with whatever scheduling arrangements the hospital can make, and if that runs out on you you'll still be able to pay for something that will cover you.
- x0x0 11y ago
  Almost all cancer diagnoses protect you under the ADA and you are entitled to reasonable accommodations. What is reasonable or feasible can vary widely, but reasonable employers should attempt to work around such diagnoses. If you were to be fired or retaliated against, consult an employment lawyer.

by 51Cards 11y ago

allworknoplay 11y ago

These sound right to me. I had cancer my senior year of college; not the same at all but also in a position of trying to hold all my classes together, not let potential employers find out, etc. Four months of treatment and I was done; I sincerely hope you're as lucky. Whether you are or not, though, it's true don't panic and cover your ass are critical. Fortunately we live in an era of obamacare, though, as well as regs about covering prexisting conditions. A hitch in what the top commenter said is that you may not in fact be able to keep your job through treatment. I had three week rotations, where the first five days of each rotation (sat - weds) were sitting in the hospital all day hooked up to an IV, and it's not a reasonable work environment. Obviously gather all the information, but I'd say get ready to get the cobra if you can't hold it down at work with whatever scheduling arrangements the hospital can make, and if that runs out on you you'll still be able to pay for something that will cover you.

x0x0 11y ago
Almost all cancer diagnoses protect you under the ADA and you are entitled to reasonable accommodations. What is reasonable or feasible can vary widely, but reasonable employers should attempt to work around such diagnoses. If you were to be fired or retaliated against, consult an employment lawyer.