Hi Mike,

Thanks for writing to us.  You are definitely asking the right questions. The fact that you’re thinking carefully about what to disclose and when to your employer is very wise.

It sounds like you’re in a “wait and see” period right now.  You mentioned you don’t have a match yet and that the process to find one may take some time. Since there are still a few unknown answers at this point, it might be worth waiting until you have more definitive details about your transplant and recovery time before you approach HR/work.  Having more information and answers about your treatment may set the stage for a more effective and informed conversation with your employer—it will also help you make clear decisions about how much you want to share and with whom.  Knowing more details about the treatment program may help you to create an action plan which you and your employer can use to better navigate a way forward/workable solution. 

Before you approach your employer or colleagues, you’ll want to speak with your medical team about the ways in which your treatment and recovery might affect your job. I know your doctor said that you can expect to be out of work for a year, but does that leave the option for working from home (or even part-time) at some point (and do you have a job that could be done remotely)? You’ll want to discuss the following with your medical team: the timeline for your treatment, possible side effects you might experience, how they might impact your ability to do your work; and how to manage side effects while on the job. This way you’ll feel informed and prepared if/when presenting the situation to your employer. In addition, have you looked into all relevant company policies and benefits. It is helpful to know what you have access to thanks to your job, if there are any existing protocols you should follow, etc. Also, do you have access to a short or long term disability policy that might provide some income replacement?  

A great resource for these medical conversations are Cancer and Careers’ lists of questions to ask your healthcare team, which include questions on work and cancer.  You can download a copy here: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/resource/charts-and-checklists. Having a sheet with questions and space to jot down notes during meetings with your care providers will make it easier for you to recall what you talked about and then include anything you feel is relevant to conversations with your manager or HR department.

I think the following resources might be helpful to you:

• Article on Getting organized: https://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/at-work/where-to-start/getting-organized
  


• Articles on Sharing the News: https://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/at-work/where-to-start/sharing-the-news
  


• Disclosure, Privacy & Online Brand webinar: https://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/community/videos/bwc/2017-webinar-online


• I would also recommend you check out Imerman Angels website: https://imermanangels.org. They might be able to connect you with someone who had similar circumstances and could provide valuable insights.

I hope this is helpful. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us at cancerandcareers@cew.org or 646-929-8032.

Kind regards,

Nicole Franklin, MPH

Manager of Programs

Cancer and Careers