Listen and Learn: Tips for Balancing Work and Cancer

by Laura Mosiello
filed under Interview, Radio

Earlier this week I was interviewed by Genae Girard.  Genae is a young adult breast cancer survivor, author of “Off The Rack”, and creator of www.beyondtheboobietrap.com and www.screamingzebras.com. One of her goals is to provide women and breast cancer survivors with pertinent, necessary information on a wide array of topics. Her website includes archived interviews with experts on body image, lymphedema and dating after breast cancer.

I was happy to talk to Genae on the topic of work and cancer. We covered many areas of interest during the interview, from advice on how to handle mounting bills to different types of legislation that may be applicable for patients and survivors.

Click here to listen to the interview!

 

Young Adults Have Work Issues Too! (Also: i[2]y spotlight)

by Alice McKenney
filed under i[2]y, In the news, YA, Young Adult

For young adults with cancer, dealing with the difficulties of treatment is only one of many obstacles that they will face.  Often, young adults fall into a gray area - not necessarily old enough to be treated as adults, but too old to be seen as children.  This transitional phase is thrown even more out of whack when they are a new member of the workforce.  According to an article in the Scotsman that discusses a recent survey of YA survivors in the UK, "Of those who were in employment, 93 per cent said [that their work] had been affected, with four out of ten leaving their job and three in ten taking unpaid leave."

These numbers are astounding, and is one of the many reasons for the surge in YA resources in recent years.  Chief among these, the I'm Too Young For This Foundation (i[2]y) strives to address the unique needs of the young adult with cancer. i[2]y exists to ensure that every young adult affected by cancer is given access to the best age-appropriate support they are entitled to in order to get busy living at every stage of their survivorship. For more information, visit their website here: http://i2y.com/index.shtml

And if you live near NYC and are a YA cancer survivor, then come check out our brand new support group!

Yoga at Your Desk

by Kate Sweeney
filed under focus, relax, stress, yoga

Yoga is a great way to relax and regain focus. Studies have even shown it helps cancer patients sleep better and reduces fatigue. But between work and doctor's visits, it can be a struggle to find time to even leave your desk. Yoga Journal has come to the rescue with 6 stretches you can easily do at your desk. Below are some of our favorites, but you can find them all here: http://www.yogajournal.com/practice/231. The directions on the site are incredibly detailed, so even newbies can easily grasp the poses. And all but one can be done without even leaving your chair, so noone will even know you're taking your Om-moment.

 

Shoulder Rolls

This movement helps relieve tension in the upper back and shoulders.

Sitting upright, inhale as you lift your right shoulder to your ear. Exhale as you slowly roll your shoulder around and back, dropping it away from your ear. Continue these shoulder rolls three more times, alternating right and left. Now, inhale as you lift both shoulders up to the ears. Exhale as you release them. Repeat five times and then relax your shoulders.

Chair Twist

Twists are the antidote to sitting for long periods of time. After twisting, you will feel the release of all the muscles in your back (particularly in the middle back) that have been locked into position from sitting a long time.

Sit toward the front of a chair, then swivel your thighs toward the right side of the chair so you are sitting diagonally on the seat. Inhale and lift your right arm up to the ceiling. With an exhalation, move your arm to the back of the chair on the opposite side, taking hold of the chair back. Bring the left hand to the right knee or chair handle. Inhale and lengthen your spine. Exhale and twist to the right, pressing your right hand against the back of the chair to deepen the twist. Breathe into your rib cage. Consciously relax the muscles in your back and gently twist a little farther. Stay in the pose for 10 to 15 breaths. Return to your center with an exhalation and repeat on the opposite side.

Balancing Cancer and Careers Seminar, Seattle!

by Laura Mosiello
filed under Balancing Cancer and Careers seminar, Community Seminar, Seattle

On Wednesday, August 18th, the Cancer and Careers team traveled to Seattle, Washington for our Balancing Cancer and Careers Seminar at the Westin Hotel. This event was a huge success thanks to our collaborating partner, Genentech. We had a tremendous turnout of patients, survivors and healthcare providers, all of whom engaged and participated in an active discussion about cancer and employment.

This free, interactive seminar featured the expert advice of:

• Laura Mosiello, Senior Clinical Supervisor and Director of Programs, Cancer and Careers
• Dr. Julie Gralow, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, University of Washington School of Medicine
• Monica Fawzy, Esq., Cancer Legal Resource Center

Some of the audience members at the seminar

 

If you were present at the session or missed this event, please feel free to leave your questions and comments below and we will get back to you.

Cancer Organization Spotlight: CancerCare, Inc.

by Laura Mosiello
filed under Cancer Organization Spotlight, cancercare

CancerCare is a national nonprofit that provides free professional support services for anyone affected by cancer. Their programs include publications, financial support, online, face-to-face and telephone counseling, local events and Telephone Education Workshops.

As a social worker who previously ran their Women’s Cancers Program, I can’t emphasize enough what great services this organization has been providing for the cancer community for 66 years. They have a tremendous staff that is truly dedicated to helping cancer patients, survivors and caregivers manage the many facets of this disease.

For more information please visit: www.cancercare.org or call 1-800-813-HOPE (4673).

Join our Young Adult Support Group!

by Laura Mosiello
filed under Support Group, Young Adult

Young Adults with cancer face unique challenges throughout their cancer experience, especially in the realm of psychosocial needs. As others in their age group embrace social activities and the work world with full force, those diagnosed with cancer between the ages of 21-40 find themselves putting their lives on hold to focus on their cancer. This can sometimes cause a “disconnect” with peers. One patient I counseled described the lack of understanding by her friends as the “strappy sandal syndrome.” She was reduced to socks and pajamas while her friends went out in dresses and strappy sandals unable to relate to her cancer experience. In addition to the isolation one may feel among friends, the work world presents its own list of inherent challenges for Young Adults. Those just starting out in their career or picking up momentum are suddenly halted, trying to keep up and prove themselves.

If you are a Young Adult with cancer/survivor and want a safe place to connect with peers and discuss these issues, please join our Young Adult Support Group:

When: Starting Tuesday, September 21st.First and third Tuesdays of the month

Where: CEW, 286 Madison Ave., 19th floor (40th Street Entrance), NYC

Time: 6-7:30pm

For More Information/Sign Up Contact:
Laura Mosiello, LCSW-R
Cancer and Careers
646-929-8017
lmosiello@cew.org
 

Cancer and Careers' Media Blitz

by Rebecca Nellis
filed under ADA, Cancer Survivor, FMLA, Media Tour, Press, Radio, TV, YouTube

Last week CAC's Executive Director Kate Sweeney did a whirlwind satellite media tour all from a chair in a studio on West 42nd Street in NYC! 

Kate, along with survivor Tammy Zeller, spoke to 29 TV and radio stations across the country.  They chatted about everything from the emotional value of working during treatment to the two most important federal laws to be aware of (the ADA and FMLA) to how important it is for your healthcare team to know what your priorities are, including work if it is one of them. 
 
Tammy also brought the issue to life by telling her cancer story. She was diagnosed in 2008 with breast cancer, and did 20 rounds of intravenous chemotherapy, followed by radiation and then finally four months of oral chemotherapy.  Her workplace was incredibly supportive and apart from surgery and a sick day here or there she didn't miss any more work than normal, which is actually true across the spectrum.  Cancer survivors are no more likely to miss work than their healthy counterparts.  And, as she said, once she could pop a pill with breakfast at her desk and go on with her day, her treatment interfered even less with her life. 

I leave you with my favorite thing Tammy shared, which is the slogan "fake it till you feel it!" that she and her boss came up with to help her get through the bad days.    

See below for one of the TV spots that was aired!

Miami, FL Balancing Cancer and Careers seminar

by Alice McKenney
filed under Balancing Cancer and Careers seminar, Community Seminar, Miami

We're on the road again and will be making our first trip to Miami, FL  to host our Balancing Cancer and Careers seminar.  If you're in the area, join us for this free interactive and educational event!

• Laura Mosiello, LCSW-R, Program Director and Senior Clinical Supervisor Cancer and Careers, will provide practical advice and concrete solutions for employees affected by cancer.
• Dr. Caio Max Rocha-Lima, Professor of Medicine, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at University of Miami Miller School of Medicine will discuss the value of working through treatment.
• Joanna Morales, Esq., Cancer Legal Resource Center, will address patient rights in the workplace.

When:
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
6:30 PM
Refreshments will be provided.
Where:
The Westin Coral Gables
180 Aragon Avenue
Coral Gables, FL 33134
FREE valet parking will be provided.

RSVP:
(212) 445-8089 or
cancerandcareers@webershandwick.com

No tickets will be issued. Reservations for you and your guests will be held at the door.

The Balancing Cancer and Careers Seminar is a collaboration between Cancer and Careers, Genentech, the Cancer Support Community Greater Miami and the Young Survival Coalition Miami.

Annual Video Shoot

by Alice McKenney
filed under Beauty of Giving, luncheon, Video

Every year we put together a video that tells the story of someone balancing cancer and their job to highlight how important it is to support people working through treatment, it is then premiered at our annual Beauty of Giving fundraiser in December.  This year's video about Sue a YA survivor who worked the entire time she was in treatment is well underway, and recently we shot the raw footage with the film crew from Greener Media.  Check out some of the behind the scenes shots below!

Did you miss our video last year?  Watch it on YouTube here.

 

 

 

Want more pictures?  Then check out the Facebook photo album.

Balancing Cancer and Careers Seminar St. Louis!

by Laura Mosiello
filed under Balancing Cancer and Careers, CLRC, Community Seminar, St. Louis

This past Wednesday, July 21st, members of the Cancer and Careers team traveled to St. Louis for our Balancing Cancer and Careers Seminar at the Sheraton Clayton Plaza Hotel. This event was a collaboration among Cancer and Careers, Genentech, the Wellness Community of Greater St. Louis, the Cancer Support Community and the Young Survival Coalition.

This free, interactive seminar featured the expert advice of:

• Kate Sweeney, Executive Director, Cancer and Careers
• Dr. Steven Sorscher, Oncology Division, Washington University Medical Center
• Joanna Morales, Esq., Director, Cancer Legal Resource Center

The night was a tremendous success as panelists and participants exchanged information and stories surrounding the delicate balance of cancer and employment.

If you were present at the session or missed this event, please feel free to leave your questions and comments below and we will get back to you.
 

Kate Sweeney addressing the room

 

Our panel taking Q&A