Hi Aimee,

Thanks for writing to us.

Encountering difficulties with memory and concentration (also known as “chemo brain”) can arise during and after treatment, but there are some steps you can take to minimize the impact. I would recommend reading this article about working with chemo brain for useful tips: https://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/at-work/where-to-start/managing-treatment-side-effects/working-with-chemo-brain. 

Additionally, modifying your schedule as a reasonable accommodation under the ADA (or a similar state law) or using the FMLA to either create a more flexible schedule or to take time off to rest could be another helpful option. Telecommuting part-time or full-time can help eliminate a draining commute or allow you to lie down more often than you would be able at the office. If set up in the right way, it can be a great way to conserve some energy and reduce overall stress — which often leads to improved focus and greater productivity. You didn’t mention if there’s a certain time of day that has more of an impact on how you feel or what your commute is like but asking for a more flexible schedule with varying start and end times of the workday might be another possibility.  It wouldn’t mean working fewer hours - just distributing them differently.

Also, you might consider whether your physical work space could be changed/adjusted to improve your circumstance (like moving to a quieter area of the office) or if there are other practical solutions that might help. If you’re doing a lot of tasks outside of your job description (most of us pick up all kinds of extra projects and tasks), would it be possible to scale back on some of those and/or delegate them? Having a colleague double-check your work could also be helpful, since they might be able to catch any possible mistakes.

I’ve reached out to one of our career coaches to offer some additional insights, but in the meantime, the following resources might be of interest:

• Workplace Transitions for People Touched by Cancer: workplacetransitions.org(an eToolkit for managers
  


• Managing Your Treatment Side Effects: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/at-work/where-to-start/managing-treatment-side-effects/work-and-your-treatment
  


• Setting Professional Boundaries: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/at-work/back-to-work-after-cancer/setting-professional-boundaries
  

• Working Through Treatment Webinar: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/community/videos/bwc/2016-webinar-treatment
  

• Managing long-term Stress webinar: https://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/community/videos/bwc/stress
  

I hope that this is helpful. Please reach out to us at cancerandcareers@cew.org or 646-929-8032 if you have any additional questions.

Kind regards,

Nicole Franklin, MPH

Manager of Programs

Cancer and Careers 

Hi, Aimee,

I hear you loud and clear. HR is a field that requires focus and a strong detail orientation, especially when you operate as a generalist as you do.  Doing so with what we call Chemo Brain is a true career challenge.

In her post above, Nicole shared most of what I would recommend as steps to reduce stress and create an environment in which you can concentrate.  As a fellow survivor and HR professional I wholeheartedly support her recommendations. Especially check into accommodations of a changed schedule or telework, or even a more quiet environment to bolster your focus as you recover.

From the survivor perspective, I can say that Chemo brain does eventually clear.  But it is really important to talk with your treatment team about possible other ways to mitigate the foggy brain, and restore your energy and focus.  Rest is a HUGE one, and so is stress reduction.  Yoga and  meditation work for some, and paying special attention to your nutrition also help a lot. Ask your oncology team for a referral to a nutritionist who specializes in post cancer care, and that may be a good way to feed that healthy brain and body of yours.

One thing that I can say, is that you have proven to yourself that you are strong and flexible.  You moved across country, worked to start a small business, lost your investment and still found yourself a good job, all just before you received your cancer diagnosis.   There is a strain of resilience in you that no one can deny.  Yet, with all those life stressors at once, it is no wonder you find yourself tired and a bit more than burned out.

Be kind to yourself, Aimee.  Confide in a good friend or counselor about your fears and your sense of uncertainty.  That  sense of being off balance can come from your circumstances, but many of us find it takes a while to regain our confidence in ourselves and our world after cancer surprises us and steals that sense of stability.

You will make it back... whether to the job you currently hold, or to another that feels like a better fit once you are fully recovered.  Give yourself time and care and seek out the support you need to thrive. You may just find that your example as a professional in HR who is managing through cancer recovery, is a gift to others in your organization who may be going through similar circumstances.

Warmest blessings to you, Aimee,

Kathy Flora, Career Coach, C+C

I was diagnosed with stage 3 Cancer 3 months after retiring as a Correctional officer . I then went on to work for a security firm that fired me when I had to have surgery to take my port out. Which is the surgery you have after you are done with your chemo. I would like to know how to proceed with a suit against both of my previous employers. I have called several attorney but due to the companies in which I worked for, no one will touch the case for fear of retaliation form both employers please help how do I proceed.

Best to you this New Year, "A",

I understand that recovery from the blow to your retirement life dealt by your cancer diagnosis must have thrown you for quite a loop.  And, losing your position in security was another blow.  My hope is that as you read this, you have found your equilibrium in this new state of normal so that you can think through your options clearly. This is a situation that can be challenging, but your steady, practical background and experience will serve you well now, so recall your innate strengths and rally them to your cause now.

My background is in career coaching, not the law, so I won't venture to give you legal advice.  But, I can understand that your peace of mind going forward may depend on getting professional guidance from someone well versed in the law and its impact on your personal situation. To that end, I am going to refer you to one of our resource partners, Triage Cancer, an organization that can provide you with a referral to good legal advice.  Here is the URL for that organization: https://www.triagecancer.org

Please do reach out to the professionals in this organization to get a referral.

In the meantime, I encourage you to look forward. To assess what you are capable of doing, what energizes you, and how you want to spend your time in the future.  Whether you continue to work full-time, part-time or retire on your pension and / or social security, be sure not to sell yourself short. You are still the capable, responsible and skilled individual you were before the cancer diagnosis. It may have changed your perspective or even your physical being, but perhaps walking through this trial has also given you a view of the world and your work that may help you find your next best fit.

I wish you continued health, and a life of love and purpose.

Blessings this new year!

Kathy Flora, Career Coach

My name is Pam I will be 58 years old in Feb. . I have had a really tough time. I have worked at this company for 22 years. I'm really picked on now because I can no longer keep up. I'm wondering. If you can help me to find a sit down job. I'm at a loss of what to do. I have nuropathy in both of my feet and I'm in so much pain? I would appreciate and advice and help you could please give me.

Thank-You,
Pam

I too am a working professional that has battled with Breast cancer for 10 years. I rallied after a few years, work hard and was in the best shape of my life 5 years later the fog did lift, I’m a gardener and run a landscape maintenance company, I love what I do and have had 35 years in a phisycal labor job, At 5,5 years I again developed Mbc lung and bone Mets -neg bone and + lung. 2 years of chemo, 2 years later I am still struggling to even be half the person I was. Can’t do my job ,my company is financially in trouble. 80000 out of pocket in the last 4 years for treatment, can’t even imagine the 10 year cost, I probably could be retired, I’m 57 now I’m out of money, I can hardly function day to day. This is not my life, I’ve given it every thing I can to get back to some kind of normal, usually you get your money back for a job done poorly. Have stop thinking iit is going to get better, cut all doctors appointments, just doing chemo drugs and blood draws every 2 months and you know after 10 years with the same doctor and canceling all my appointment for financial reasons you would think they just might reach out with some options, but I work for a living and there is no help out there for us! Take our money give us hope totally change our lives and cut us loose. I doubt this helps you much , I feel for you, they offer you a cure but at what cost, a life that isn’t yours. They should walk in our shoes!,,,,

Hi Pam,

Thanks for writing to us. I’m so sorry to hear that you’re having such a challenging time at work in addition to managing some difficult side effects. A little more detail would allow us to provide you with the most useful thoughts and guidance. Would you be able to answer some of the following questions?

• What type of work are you currently doing (your field of work and position)?

• If there was a way to make your work situation more manageable, would you have any interest in continuing to work for your current company?

• If not, are you interested in staying in your current field of work or would you like to pursue something completely different? 

• Are you currently in treatment, or pre/post treatment? (This is valuable information since it could help determine how you approach your job search and the interview process) 

In the meantime, I would recommend reviewing the following resources:

• Managing Your Treatment Side Effects: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/at-work/where-to-start/managing-treatment-side-effects/work-and-your-treatment
  

• Job Search Toolkit (2^nd Edition): http://www.cancerandcareers.org/publication_orders/new (features advice on improving resumes, cover letters; interview and networking tips and other useful tools to help you during a job search) 

• Job Search webinar recording: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/community/videos/bwc/job-search
  

• Article on job-hunting after cancer treatment: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/looking-for-work/exploring-your-options/job-hunting-after-cancer-treatment
  

We look forward to hearing back from you!

Kind regards,

Nicole Franklin, MPH

Senior Manager of Programs

Cancer and Careers