Hi Nancy,

Thank you so much for reaching out to Cancer and Careers. I'm so sorry to hear you're experiencing these challenges at work. Unfortunately, they are not uncommon following treatment, but that doesn't make it any less frustrating or upsetting. While I'm sure you are concerned about continuing your work, there are small modifications that you can implement on your own, along with more formal accommodations provided through work, that may alleviate some of the stress and challenges.

We offer guidance in regard to chemo brain symptoms via our article on Working with Chemo Brain article and our one-sheet on Ways to Counteract “Chemo Brain” at Work which is available for download or order in hardcopy. Additionally, it would be a good idea for you to check out the Job Accommodation Network (www.askjan.org) as they offer suggestions for accommodations specific to the symptoms being experience. A formal request for accommodations can also help protect you at work from discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act. I would recommend that you look further into the ADA to be familiarized with how the law applies to you and the protections available. You can find some basic information about legal rights in the Legal & Financial section of our website.  

Since your challenges has been formally documented in your file, you may want to consider having a conversation with your manager about your situation and exploring if there are ways you can collaborate to make sure work is done in a timely and correct manner, but that you are also able to get the support you need while you manage CRCI. If they understand your circumstance, they may be more inclined to work with you to figure out a plan that will work for everyone. While I can understand wanting to wait it out to see if it would get better, it may be a long road and by having an explanation for what’s going on, there will be less misunderstanding and false assumptions about your work (e.g., they wont think you’re being careless or less interested in work). The symptoms and long-lasting side effects of cancer and treatment are wide ranging, and many employers may not understand the full scope of the experience.

If you’d like to discuss this further or would like additional resources, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at cancerandcareers@cew.org.

Warm regards,

Nicole Jarvis, LMSW

Assistant Director of Programs

Cancer and Careers