Very few cancer patients have the luxury to give up their daytime job to solely focus on their recovery. Medical bills can be exuberant, and your spirit very low. Except for these facts, it is suggested that continuing your work can in actual fact help you ‘escape’ from your worries. Although you’ll have to make some adjustments, there shouldn’t be major changes, and work can carry on pretty much as before. As long as you know what to expect, communicate these expectations with your employer and colleagues, life at the ‘salt mine’ will continue smoothly.

After surgery, the recovery period will mainly depend on the region of the operation. Ask your surgeon to explain your time off in a letter to your employer. If your recovery period is prolonged by difficulty in driving, your surgeon can give you a suggested time as to when you can resume work, but with the aid of a shared ride. One of your colleagues might be able to assist you with this.

The main ‘problem’ regarding cancer and work, is most probably the therapy you’ll receive. Chemotherapy, hormone therapy and immunotherapy will most definitely influence your work ability. The constant tiredness, nausea, mouth sores, hot flushes, and even hair loss and weight gain/loss will influence your performance, and your mood. Expect to sometimes be fatigued, irritable, teary, stressed, dizzy, impatient, emotional and with some extent of memory loss. These are the reasons why your employer AND colleagues should be made aware of your condition. It is the responsibility of your employer or human resource manager to explain these conditions to your colleagues. Some people do not understand cancer, and might feel that you get an unnecessary pampered attitude from your boss if you periodically get time off. Also be aware that the day your therapy stops, is not necessarily the day your symptoms will stop. Again, depending on the region of the cancer, and the aggressiveness of the therapy – it might take up to 8months for you to feel your old self again.

It will be a good idea to always take two-to three days off after receiving chemotherapy. Nausea usually strikes at day two after chemo, and can continue for 48hours. For most patients it will be almost impossible to produce a normal days’ work under these conditions. Diarise and plan your work activities around your therapies. Discuss the possibility to work from home during this time with your employer. (A little work done is much better than none!!) Communicate with your colleagues, and organise to shift important meetings or deadlines to them. If you spend much time typing or writing, bear in mind that certain cancer therapies can cause numbness and pins-and-needles in your arms and hands which will influence your ability to work. If you experience difficulty conveying the influences of your symptoms to your employer, ask your oncologist to write him/her a detailed letter.

Remember – you have the law on your side. Any employer discriminating against you because of your illness will be going up against the Disability Discrimination Act. Although it has been noted that almost all employers understand the circumstances of cancer patients, it is always good to know that your interests are secured. What patients should be aware of is that you HAVE to disclose your condition, or else gamble with your benefits. Under the Disability Discrimination Act, your employer is forced to make reasonable adjustments for you. Discuss these adjustments with him/her, and come to an agreement as soon as possible!
These adjustments should cover modification of your job description, flexi time, extra breaks, adjustment regarding targets, and gradual return to normal working hours. From your side you should demonstrate your commitment to your job, keep notes of hours worked, and notify your employer of therapy- or doctors’ appointments well ahead of time. You have to make your employer aware from the start that sometimes there can be short notices affecting the original plans. These may occur due to sudden change of therapy given – something only your oncologist will decide on. Remember to take travelling time to-and-from appointments into account. Be assured that you may not be demoted or be made redundant. If you get discriminated against by your employer and/or colleagues - make notes with dates/times of victimizing actions.

You might not get paid for time off, but can be sure that your job is secure, and that is important. Your recovery should be your main concern. Keep stress levels down by eating balanced, making time for meditation or massages, and avoid ill people and crowds. Your white blood cells will be at their lowest whilst receiving cancer therapy – so keep yourself away from the burdens of other illnesses.