5 tips for working with metastatic breast cancer
Many people continue to work after a metastatic breast cancer diagnosis. Sometimes it’s out of financial necessity, loyalty to a job, or simply a desire for normalcy.
However, it can be a challenge to balance the demands of work with the physical and emotional toll of living with metastatic breast cancer.
From the community: “I was diagnosed 15 months ago with stage 4. Went back to work 9 months ago and loving it. I feel 'normal' when I'm there. Plus if I don't work and do what I've always done then in my mind the cancer has won. I plan to be around for a long time yet so within reason still planning ahead.” - Inspire member
Here are five tips to help manage the impact of a metastatic breast cancer diagnosis on your work life.
1. Tell your employer.
For some, sharing the news with their employer is the most stressful first step.
You may have serious concerns:
Will I be fired?
Will they be supportive of my treatment?
What if I need to change my schedule?
Legally, the Americans with Disabilities Act protects you from unlawful termination due to your cancer. However, you may undergo metastatic breast cancer treatment that could potentially affect your work schedule, energy level, and productivity.
Trying to keep it a secret – or scrambling to keep up with an intense workload – can rob you of the energy you need to fight your cancer.
Telling your supervisor and your employer’s HR department can help you manage expectations around productivity and time off. It may also make it easier to ask for flexibility you might need later.
Meet with your supervisor privately. Be honest about your health needs and emphasize your commitment to your job. If you don’t plan on telling colleagues, make that clear to your supervisor.
2. Ask for what you need.
No matter how strong you are while undergoing metastatic breast cancer treatment, there’s a limit to human capabilities.
Maybe you’re experiencing afternoon fatigue and would like to change your hours to begin your workday earlier.
Or perhaps you’d like to be relocated to a workspace closer to the bathroom.
Or maybe you simply can’t be on your feet for very long.
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, employers are required to make “reasonable accommodations” for employees with disabilities.
Cancer is considered a disability.
Since you’ve already told your immediate supervisor and your employer about your metastatic breast cancer, you should be open about the adjustments you need to effectively do your job.
Don’t wait until you’re already struggling or falling behind on work. Start keeping a work diary and track your energy levels, any instances when treatment affects your work, and how you feel throughout the day.
Note any times you wished you had a certain accommodation. This will give you the information you need to request specific accommodations.
3. Prepare for absences due to treatment.
Even if you’re feeling strong and your metastatic breast cancer is well-maintained, there may be times when you need to take a few days – or longer – off.
Prepare for this in advance to ensure your employer and colleagues aren’t left scrambling.
Keep detailed notes about current and upcoming projects you’re working on. Be sure to include the names and contact information of others who are involved in that project.
Write up a detailed description of your job, including your daily/weekly/monthly responsibilities.
Make a list of the colleagues, departments, or outside organizations you work with most closely. Include contact information (e.g., email addresses, phone numbers).
Upload any files or documentation that are important to your job to a shared drive, or make and keep copies of important documents.
4. Consult with your healthcare team.
Metastatic breast cancer treatments can change over time. It’s important to tell your doctor that you’re continuing to work. Other information to include:
the type of work you do
the activity level involved in your work
your typical work hours
any other useful information, such as if travel is required
If new metastatic breast cancer treatments are recommended, be sure to ask:
specific side effects you may experience
if treatment(s) can be scheduled around your work
any foreseeable absences
5. Recognize when it’s time to make a change.
There may come a time when juggling work, your health, family, and other commitments become too much. Even if your metastatic breast cancer is stable, priorities can shift. It’s important to recognize that and give yourself the space to make a change.
From the community: “...I worked for 5 years with Stage 4, once they put me on IV chemo, I resigned after 3 months. Plus my job was very physical, I was an occupational therapist. It required a lot of bending, on feet all day, doing therapy on patients. Now I definitely feel like I made the right decision. Best of luck to you!” - Inspire member
If you’re thinking about stopping work, here are some steps to take:
Research short- and long-term disability options.
Find out about disability or early retirement options offered by your employer.
Research whether you qualify for job-protected leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
Consider meeting with a financial planner.
Consider whether you want this time off to be temporary or permanent.
Find out what impact there may be on employment benefits, such as pensions.
Taking care of yourself while living with metastatic breast cancer can be as important as the treatments themselves. Do what feels right for you and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
For more information and guidance, visit the following:
Your state’s Department of Labor
From the community: “I worked for nearly four years after diagnosis, but I have to say that I didn't experience a lot of acute pain except for a limited period of about 3 weeks, when I was on [pain] patches. A lot of the more common aches and pains, I was able to address with [OTC pain relievers] or with topical solutions if it was caused by things like joint pain, mouth sores or rashes. And I enjoyed work, because it kept me active and gave me a reason to get up and get dressed in the morning; I was afraid to quit or even take a long break, because I kept on wondering if I'd ever be able to get back on the horse, so to speak. That being said, I had an office job with work-from-home privileges, flexible hours and very understanding managers, so I was able to fit it around treatments, appointments, bad vs better days, etc. I finally stopped working at the end of June, but it was the fatigue that did me in, rather than the pain.” - Inspire member
Sources
Working During Cancer Treatment. American Cancer Society. May 2019.
Breast cancer and employment. Breast Cancer Now.
At Work. Cancer and Careers.
A Guide to Disability Rights Laws. U.S. Department of Justice. February 2020.
Disclaimer
Member comments are lightly edited for length and to remove identifying information but are otherwise reproduced as they appear in the community as part of public posts.
This content is for general informational purposes only and does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of any organization or individual. The content should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider about any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
