Discussing expectations with my employer

Taryn M. on November 6, 2014

Career Management, Image/Professionalism, Work/Life/Cancer Balance

Hello, my name is Morgan and I have completed treatment for Stage 2B lung cancer, which included removal of my left lung, and 4 chemo treatments. At 6 months post surgery my scans look good and I can start to resume my pre cancer life. I have been home through LTD insurance and my employer is still holding a job for me.

I am a Sr. Project Manager at a construction company, which specializes in renovations of government buildings. My job routinely exposes me to all types of demolition and drywall dust, fumes from glues and finishes, etc…. Approx 50% of my time was spent on the jobsite which typically involved climbing flights of stairs, walking long distances, etc……. As the manager of these multi million dollar projects, I was responsible for many details.

I am concerned that some of the aspects of my job will be too much for me, although do hope that my strength will continue to increase with time. I will remain somewhat impaired simply from having one lung. As such, I also believe I will have to be vigilant in protecting my remaining lung from irritants, etc..

I want to be clear with my employer on what to expect upon my return and had hoped the survivorship program at my hospital would assist, but they don’t work with lung cancer survivors. How do I explain things like chemo brain (umm I’m sorry but I may not remember what you tell me one minute to another) and who can I look to help me define temporary and permanent limitations/side effects? I don’t want to unduly frighten my employer but want expectations on both sides to be realistic  Thanks for any insight you can provide.


2 Comments

Image of Sarah Goodell

Sarah Goodell

Nov 6, 2014

Cancer and Careers Staff Comment:

Hi Morgan,

Thanks for reaching out, and congratulations on finishing treatment and being cleared to go back to work! I have sent your questions over to our career coaches who will be in touch soon.

In the meantime, here are some resources that I think could be helpful for you to take a look at if you haven't already:


  • Information on managing treatment side effects at work: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/at-work/Managing-Treatment-Side-Effects

  • Information on going back to work after cancer: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/at-work/Back-to-Work-After-Cancer

  • Information on keeping open communications with your employer and colleagues: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/at-work/Sharing-the-News/Keeping-Open-Communications 

I hope that this is helpful and we'll be in touch with more information soon.

Best,

Sarah, Associate Manager of Programs, Cancer and Careers

Image of Julie Jansen

Julie Jansen

Nov 8, 2014

Career Coach Comment:

Hi Morgan, Congratulations on finishing your treatment and for being able to move on with your life! 

The documents Sarah have recommended should provide some insight to you regarding your questions. Also, it makes sense to speak with your healthcare team about what you can expect so that you are well prepared to inform your employer.

 I agree that you don't want to make your employer nervous about your inability to do your job however I do think that a documented conversation with the appropriate person, your manager or HR is a good idea.

Definitely downplay everything and position it as a "just want to make you more aware" type conversation. Also, can you search on-line for lung cancer survivors who may be in a similar profession or at least can coach you on how to approach your employer?  As chemo brain is a given, I would definitely be proactive about incorporating different approaches for remembering things, such as taking notes when someone is talking and reviewing them regularly, where you may not have had to do this before.

Good luck Morgan!

Julie

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