In this section, you'll find firsthand accounts from women, their employers and co-workers, caregivers, family, and friends — people who've been there and know what really helped.
Ask for help at work
Submitted by
Hawth
of OR
Diagnosis: Ovarian Cancer
Age Range: 18-30
Relation to Patient: Patient
I had a huge freelance project that I finished THE DAY BEFORE SURGERY! When I think of this now I cant believe myself. I was really sick, could barely
walk, couldn't eat and was extremely scared. So I did what I needed to do,
and the people I was working for understood. It's simple. You call them and
say, "I am sick. I have cancer, can you please help me." They will help you.
Simple as that. This is key, if you cant ask for help you will have a
horrible time with cancer. If you can ask for help the cancer will still be
a big bummer but you can share it.
People helped around the house. I had a cleaning lady and kept her thought
my treatments even though sometimes I felt like I was in her way. She would
help with extra stuff like lifting things upstairs for me. (my surgery was
abdominal = no lifting)
I had someone drive me to and from treatments and office visits until I had
my strength back. And work was very flexible. They knew I would be in and
out going to the doctor and they respected that.
