New Diagnosis

Sharon Boyd
Sharon Boyd Member Posts: 4
in Uterine/Endometrial Cancer #1
I am 38 years old. I have no children. I just found out I have adenocarcinoma level 1 in my uterus. I will see my oncologist Monday for the first time. I am worried about losing time at work. I am a third grade teacher.

What questions should I ask?

Comments

  • norma2
    norma2 Member Posts: 479
    #2
    Questions
    Hi! Sharon,
    You might want to ask for a referral to a gynecologist/oncologist. Getting lots of information can help you make the most informed decisions. I recommend writing down the questions and taking notes. Ask for printed information or books that may help. Take a trusted friend with you. I know I miss some of the answers to questions at times. Having someone there for support may help. This can be a daunting experience, my dear. Getting as much support as possible may make the journey easier.
    Many of us have worked through surgery, chemo, radiation, etc. How soon you can return to work is relative to your general health and how you tolerate the surgery and treatment.
    Many employers will work with you to accommodate your needs. You probably cannot lift anything after surgery for quite a while. Planning ahead will help. It depends on the extent of the surgery, if indeed you need surgery.

    People on this site can help. There is a wealth of information here. Let us know how you are doing. Once you post here we are kind of looking to see how you fare. Sharing your experience if you feel comfortable doing so may help another person to not feel so alone. Norma
  • Sharon Boyd
    Sharon Boyd Member Posts: 4
    #3
    norma2 said:

    Questions
    Hi! Sharon,
    You might want to ask for a referral to a gynecologist/oncologist. Getting lots of information can help you make the most informed decisions. I recommend writing down the questions and taking notes. Ask for printed information or books that may help. Take a trusted friend with you. I know I miss some of the answers to questions at times. Having someone there for support may help. This can be a daunting experience, my dear. Getting as much support as possible may make the journey easier.
    Many of us have worked through surgery, chemo, radiation, etc. How soon you can return to work is relative to your general health and how you tolerate the surgery and treatment.
    Many employers will work with you to accommodate your needs. You probably cannot lift anything after surgery for quite a while. Planning ahead will help. It depends on the extent of the surgery, if indeed you need surgery.

    People on this site can help. There is a wealth of information here. Let us know how you are doing. Once you post here we are kind of looking to see how you fare. Sharing your experience if you feel comfortable doing so may help another person to not feel so alone. Norma

    Questions
    Thanks Norma. That helps put it in perspective some.
  • kkstef
    kkstef Member Posts: 688 Member
    #4
    Sharon
    I am so sorry to hear
    Sharon

    I am so sorry to hear about your diagnosis and the need to join this discussion group, but you have come to a supportive, knowledgeable place.

    Please check out a posting I did a bit ago.... it is titled: "What to do when you're new to all this, a response from Karen, taken from another thread." It is close to the bottom of page 2 topics.

    Keep asking any questions that come to mind....lots of gals here who have a great deal of knowledge and experience.

    Best to you!
    Karen
  • Northwoodsgirl
    Northwoodsgirl Member Posts: 571
    #5
    Questions
    Sharon, I am sorry that you have received this diagnosis. This discussion board is an excellent place to ask questions. Your oncologist will tell you what the 'standard" treatment protocol is based on your stage and grade of cancer. You will likely meet with a nurse practitioner who will also answer questions for you. You will want to know what your treatment plan is and what options you have. You will learn much from this site so please keep us posted on how you are doing.
    Lori
  • Fayard
    Fayard Member Posts: 438 Member
    #6
    Help
    Hi Sharon,

    I am a teacher as well. I was diagnosed last November, had surgery in December, and finished chemo in July.
    I stayed home all that time.

    Hopefully, your personal and sick days roll over to the following year, and you have not taken many yet. Also, I was able to file for CATASTROPHE LEAVE. Talk to the person in charge of personnel in your school site or in district office. You will have to donate at least one day to this bank, CATASTROPHE, and then be able to apply for 20 consecutive days with full pay per illness. You are allowed to do it for up to 40 days per illness.
    That is how it worked for me.

    Where are you from?
  • Sharon Boyd
    Sharon Boyd Member Posts: 4
    #7
    Fayard said:

    Help
    Hi Sharon,

    I am a teacher as well. I was diagnosed last November, had surgery in December, and finished chemo in July.
    I stayed home all that time.

    Hopefully, your personal and sick days roll over to the following year, and you have not taken many yet. Also, I was able to file for CATASTROPHE LEAVE. Talk to the person in charge of personnel in your school site or in district office. You will have to donate at least one day to this bank, CATASTROPHE, and then be able to apply for 20 consecutive days with full pay per illness. You are allowed to do it for up to 40 days per illness.
    That is how it worked for me.

    Where are you from?

    From
    Hey,

    I am from Southern California. I have 20 sick days available to me and then I can take another 5 months with reduced pay. (Sub pay is taken out.) The union can also solicit donations of sick leave time.

    Hopefully it won't come to that.


    Thanks for the info.

    Sharon
  • Sharon Boyd
    Sharon Boyd Member Posts: 4
    #8
    kkstef said:

    Sharon
    I am so sorry to hear
    Sharon

    I am so sorry to hear about your diagnosis and the need to join this discussion group, but you have come to a supportive, knowledgeable place.

    Please check out a posting I did a bit ago.... it is titled: "What to do when you're new to all this, a response from Karen, taken from another thread." It is close to the bottom of page 2 topics.

    Keep asking any questions that come to mind....lots of gals here who have a great deal of knowledge and experience.

    Best to you!
    Karen

    Thanks
    Thank you that helps.
  • Fayard
    Fayard Member Posts: 438 Member
    #9
    Sharon Boyd said:

    From
    Hey,

    I am from Southern California. I have 20 sick days available to me and then I can take another 5 months with reduced pay. (Sub pay is taken out.) The union can also solicit donations of sick leave time.

    Hopefully it won't come to that.


    Thanks for the info.

    Sharon

    Where in California
    How about Catastrophic leave?
    I live in San Diego, and work fro the San Diego Unified School District.

    I had surgery in December 23, and I could not go back t work until now, new school year.
    I filled out the paper work for catastrophic leave, and as I mentioned previously there was only one or maybe 2 months wit half payment.

    If this is a possibility for you, then you can have up to 40 consecutive days with full payment for you chemo. If for any any reason, something else comes up like bowel obstruction for instance, then that would be another illness and another 40 consecutive days.

    Again, talk to HR in your district.

    How is everything going? Did you see the oncologist?
    Surgery?

    I hope it works out for you, since you do not need anymore stress.

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