I was 5 weeks into a new job when I found out I had breast cancer.
Still in my probationary period, I suddenly realised, having cancer was a full time job in itself. Drs appointments, MRI scans, PET scans, oncologist visits, biopsies, breast surgeon, breast care nurses, blood tests -all of this happening while holding down a full time job and looking after two young children.
My oncologist told me patients are actively encouraged to return to work if they can – mentally it is good for them. Financially, very few of us are in a position to stop work completely – its a necessity for some. I was lucky, my employer and my manager were very supportive and allowed me to work the way I needed too. There is so much employers can do to support their employees during this life changing time, which certainly helps towards positive outcomes. Here are some tips on how I navigated cancer in the workplace.
It’s all about flexibility.
Did you know stress is an active contributor to cancer?
What I found most interesting when speaking to other women with cancer, was the disparity in how some employers treated people with cancer. Giving cancer patients the freedom to work from home flexibly reduces stress levels and helps patients feel in control – which result in better outcomes.
10-4.
Chemo destroyed my ability to have a good nights sleep. Which meant I was slow and sluggish. Starting work slightly later allowed me to get into work without arriving exhausted. When the wig became involved – I just could not wear it for 8 hours a day – after 5 hours my head would feel like it was imploding. Reducing my hours or continuing working from home made all the difference.
It’s only a cold.
A simple cold for you means a trip to A&E for me and my lowered immune system. Already bombarded with germs from my children – being able to work from home helped me calm my anxiety and reduce the possibility of catching more illnesses.
A private room.
Making phone calls is a huge part of planning treatment. The amount of medical information you have to give the nurses is quite frankly embarrassing, I don’t want my colleagues to hear when I last had a period. Find a room – a space where calls can be made in private.
My brain doesn’t work.
Did you know the chemo creates cognitive changes in the brain? -The ability to retain information or concentrate greatly reduces. I asked a colleague to double check important work for me. By doing this, it doesn’t mean you have become incompetent. Don’t be too hard on yourself. It’s the chemo.
It’s ok to say “I’’m sorry”
Telling people you have cancer feels very weighty. When I did, the response was usually stories about a friend who had died of cancer, or had awful side effects, or who had 3 different types of cancer and miraculously survived. Sometimes, simply saying “I’m sorry you are going through this” is the right response.
Everyone going through cancer treatment has their own response, no two people feel the same. The most important thing is don’t compare cancers. Allow employees to make decisions that support their individual situation. Only with the right support will cancer patients be able to continue with their job – and return to work with positivity.
