Hi Ann,

I am so sorry that you are under such stress. I am glad that you have written to Cancer and Careers because you are right that your perspective is very skewed and understandably so!

First, your life and health are the most important thing for you to protect and nourish. This said, it is not a reasonable option to forego radiation.

Second, you don't mention who at work does know about your cancer treatment? Does your boss? Does HR? while I empathize with your deep desire to protect your privacy, I think it's important to let the key stakeholders at work know what is going on once you have a plan. While it seems as if five weeks of daily radiation is forever, it is actually a small chunk of time in the scheme of things. I agree with Rebecca that you should check out FMLA ASAP and see if this is a viable option for you.

Third, I believe that is is perfectly acceptable to have a reasonable conversation with your healthcare providers about respecting your time. Are they your only option where you live or is there another doctor/healthcare provider that would be more sensitive to your time?

Fourth, while I realize you don't have much time on your hands, I can sense your helpless feelings around your career. I really think that you might want to consider updating your resume and thinking about other career options for yourself for the future. I am not insinuating that you are going to lose your job, however if you do at some point, it is far better to feel more prepared. Regardless of your age, there are always work options out there for you, especially with your experience and intelligence.

As for looking as if you are putting in 110 percent, so much of work is acting and half the battle is putting a smile on your face and increasing your enthusiasm in meetings and with your colleagues, not so much the quality of your work (unless it's really poor of course).

Please write back and let us know how you are doing!

Take care,

Julie

And, I highly recommend discussing your scheduling concerns with your doctor and/or nurse rather than planning to give up the treatment altogether. Also, is it possible to find another healthcare team who you might feel is more understanding of your situation and respectful of your time?

Hi Ann,

I am the Director of Programs for Cancer and Careers. You might be able to use the Family and Medical Leave Act to accommodate your doctor's appointments. Though it is unpaid leave, it allows you to take time in increments as small as an hour. I suggest that you speak with someone at the Cancer Legal Resource Center, they are a nonprofit that provides pro-bono counseling on legal and insurance issues and they might have some advice about what to do about your insurance and benefits. We work very closely with them and their info is below.

I have alerted our coaches to your question for additional thoughts on the job search element.

Contact:

Toll Free: (866) THE-CLRC or (866) 843-2572

Phone: (213) 736-1455

TDD: (213) 736-8310

Fax: (213) 736-1428

Email: CLRC@LLS.edu

http://www.cancerlegalresourcecenter.org/

Best,

Rebecca

Thank you for your sound advice.

I did discuss my concerns with my doctor and have also found a different facility for radiation that has better hours. It is a little bit farther, but I have confidence in them and know they will be on time.