Return to Work Problems: Disability & FMLA

allmost60 said:

Added stress...
Hi Folks,
It just makes me angry when I hear stuff like this! The last thing you need is added stress worrying about your job. Employers need to realize that recovery from chemo takes time, and show some compassion. I'm so sorry you are going through this. let us know what happens. I'll keep you in my prayers. Love....Sue

Frustration
My employer told me the other day I can "petition" for an extension once my FMLA runs out. Maybe you can have your doctor write a letter setting forth your continued need for leave. I hope they would work with you but I do know some employers don't show any compassion or care at all. Good luck!

Honestly I think this country's FMLA policy is a joke, especially for dealing with major health issues.

Sadly, this is fairly common
After 30 years, the municipality for which I worked threatened to terminate me if I did not return to work. I had taken several months off, as my co-workers had donated sick leave to me. They were still ready to donate more when "HR" (I was more a resource than I was human to them) cut it off. I asked for light duty and was approved. Doctor authorized 20 hours per week. The city said that light duty was 40 hours per week. Huh? After some back and forth, I was good for 20 hours. Over the next few months, I increased that to 32 hours per week. The last week of May, 2010, I was given one week notice of termination. I managed to talk them into one more month and I retired. I consulted a labor attorney who advised that it was "legal" for them to do that. Sadly, I found out that once you demonstrate a defect, you are considered damaged goods and their efforts are to dispose of you. I was not offered any other position. Back in the 1980s, we used to have a "Personnel" department. At some point, that all changed to "Human Resources". I note that before, I was a considered a person, whereas after the change, I was only a "resource." I pulled the pin and bailed out, and have never looked back. I was worried about losing 40% of my pay, plus all medical and dental, but I have been taken care of via SS and Medicare. My worries were over nothing. I hope that you have a better experience, but don't be afraid to take the leap of faith, if that is what it comes down to.

Standard Fare
Folks,

I would say your experience is about npormal. My neighbor got NHL and was out a year in very serious condition. He went to return to work at a corporation where he had been the senior IT guy for 19 years, and they told him "Your position no longer exists." Not fired, not replaced. Just "Your position no longer exists, and, no, we have nothing else for you above introductory level."

When I tried to return to work in 2010 following chemo I was stonewalled and eventually just gave up. It was clear they wanted me gone, and the state where I live is "right to work," and the employment agencies all told me "tough luck," and that I had no legal recourse.

In 1987, following about a year out following a severe injury and rehab, same thing. When I attempted to return the response was, in effect, "Who are you?"

So, yes, I have had exacty your situation, twice.

max

.

Max Former Hodgkins Stage 3 said:

Standard Fare
Folks,

I would say your experience is about npormal. My neighbor got NHL and was out a year in very serious condition. He went to return to work at a corporation where he had been the senior IT guy for 19 years, and they told him "Your position no longer exists." Not fired, not replaced. Just "Your position no longer exists, and, no, we have nothing else for you above introductory level."

When I tried to return to work in 2010 following chemo I was stonewalled and eventually just gave up. It was clear they wanted me gone, and the state where I live is "right to work," and the employment agencies all told me "tough luck," and that I had no legal recourse.

In 1987, following about a year out following a severe injury and rehab, same thing. When I attempted to return the response was, in effect, "Who are you?"

So, yes, I have had exacty your situation, twice.

max

.

Hey max
Did you just change careers after chemo? I'm trying to figure out what to do after treatment. Hope all is well max

Max Former Hodgkins Stage 3 said:

Work
Aaron,

I changed careers after my severe auto crash injuries in 1986. I had been doing field engineering work on submarine weapons systems, but after 18 broken bones and having to re-learn how to walk, I could no longer crawl around on submarines. I went back to grad school and became a teacher briefly, and then got the cancer. I have been so weak since then that I can hardly do anythng, and have mostly just piddled with low paying stuff part time. Most people have no idea how extremely taxing teaching kids is. It was about the physically most demanding jopbs I ever had. This winter is already tearing me and my breathing up, and I may just totally quit everything soon. My lung damage is much worse any time the temp goes below 60 degrees or so, and when it gets much colder than that, I cannot go outside at all for more than a few minutes. Thankfully, my wife is a professional in a stable career, with insurance.

The key was my lung damage from the bleomycine. If I had not had that, I would be OK today, most likely. Around 90% do NOT get the lung problems, and you have avoided it, so the future should be relatively flexible for yo at your age, I would think and hope. Get well soon !

max

,

Ufortunaty it looks like
Ufortunaty it looks like I've got some level of lung damage. After seeing my lung function test from a few weeks ago my doc is suspending the bleo for at least one treatment. We are surely both very fortunate to have wives with good careers and insurance. Well Max, I'm 2/3rds of the way through treatment and I'm off to get a pet scan today so I will keep y'all posted. Have a great thanksgiving and be well my friend. Aaron