Maintaining a Career After a Diagnosis: Where Do I Begin?
The most essential thing is that you do what is best for you and that you are aware of your work rights. If you have lung cancer and consider work, you are likely to have many questions. It’s also reasonable to be concerned about your ability to continue working and to be concerned about money, especially if you have a mortgage and/or others who rely on you financially.
Discuss your intentions to work or not work with your health care provider.
Your doctor cannot foresee how you will feel during treatment, but they can give you an idea of what to expect. Those with new diagnoses frequently have to begin therapy first, then evaluate if they can keep up with their obligations hereunder. Your doctor will be the best person to advise you on your unique treatment plan and any side effects that may compromise your ability to work. Your doctor may also advise you to minimize certain of your activities.
I Want to Work: What now?
Understand your rights and obligations at work.
This will assist you in planning your return and dealing with any obstacles. Determine whether your company has a formal “return to work” or disability management program.
Remember: you are not required by law to inform your employer that you have lung cancer.
In Europe some countries, like the Nordic countries, the Netherlands, Ireland, France, Belgium, and the United Kingdom, allow cancer patients to register as handicapped and so benefit from this law for their working rights, among other things. However, official protection is either non-existent or legally vague in other European countries. It may be more practicable for you to do so since your employer and coworkers may be able to help you and take your health into account. However, the decision is yours.
Informing your employer.
If you do decide to communicate about your cancer, meet with your employer and explain that you want to continue working while undergoing treatment. Be forthright about your therapy and the time away from work that it may necessitate. But keep in mind that your circumstances may alter, and you can only make educated guesses at this point.
Informing your coworkers.
It is up to you how open you are with your coworkers about your cancer. Before discussing your cancer with coworkers, you should consult with your doctor about how your disease and treatment plan may affect your job/ career. You may decide whether to disclose anything or how much you want to share based on your connection with your coworkers. Try not to feel obligated to discuss or explain your thoughts. Only you know what is best for you and your situation.
Some of your coworkers may respond to your cancer diagnosis and absences with sympathy and offers of assistance. Others may feel uneasy in your presence. Some people may be reminded of a loved one’s cancer experience. Some coworkers may be resentful that they had to take on more responsibilities on days when you needed to be off. Others may approach you with invasive inquiries about your health and treatment, or they may avoid you entirely. It’s also a good idea to consider ahead of time how you’ll manage other people’s reactions, as well as what and how much you’ll disclose.
Your medical staff can assist you.
Your medical team may be able to assist you in continuing to work. Anti-nausea medicine, for example, might be prescribed by your doctor. Alternatively, you might arrange treatments before your days off so that you can recuperate without missing work.
Physically adjusting to working.
When you have cancer or are through treatment, your body may react differently to routine activities. It may potentially take many months or more to recover from the following therapy. You may have fatigue, trouble thinking and remembering things, or other therapeutic side effects at times.
Here are a few things you can do:
- Take small breaks throughout the day or shift to keep your energy levels up.
- Make use of lists and alarms to help you remember your meetings or tasks.
- Discuss any issues with your supervisor that may help.
Cancer and treatment might alter your intentions to return to work.
Here are some workplace strategies for those undergoing treatment:
- If you need time to recuperate following your treatment, attempt to schedule your sessions around your requirements. For example, late in the day or just before the weekend to allow for recovery time.
- Consider working from home on certain days. This may help you feel less exhausted and allow you to take better care of yourself if you have issues.
- Having support at home might give you more energy for work. Certain everyday tasks can be delegated to friends and family members.
- You may inform coworkers about your position if you believe it is appropriate for you. They can be invaluable sources of assistance. They may even be able to assist you in devising strategies for better managing your job during this period.
- Keep your supervisor and, if relevant, coworkers informed of how well your new schedule or other modifications are working for you.
- Keep a record of your normal work schedule and responsibilities.
- When scheduling flex-time, changed chores, or time off, refer to it. Make a clear list of work responsibilities so that you can tell people to do things when you’re not in the office
Even if you are well prepared, returning to work might be difficult. To learn from the experiences of other cancer survivors, you may choose to speak with a counselor or join a support group.
I Am Unable to Work: What Can I Do?
Things to do if you are unable to work.
Many individuals establish acquaintances and socialize at work, and you may lose out on this aspect of your job. Stopping employment is a significant life adjustment, especially for a young adult. You may contact friends and relatives who can introduce you to new or preferred social activities.
You might also devote time to a particular interest, acquire a new skill or pastime, or volunteer. Adult education programs and volunteer opportunities at local municipal or county centers are usually available, allowing you to create new routines and relationships.
Cancer support groups provide both assistance and a means to give back. Online, you may also find a plethora of social activities and groups that can introduce you to new hobbies and individuals.
Financial aspect.
In most countries in the event that you are unable to work, you will be financially covered. There are also non-profit groups providing financial aid to cancer patients.