Hooked up at the Onc

P_I_T_A
P_I_T_A Member Posts: 133
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Sittin here doing tx#4. Got some good/bad news. Bad news really isn't that bad, my white counts dropped somewhat. Probably why I had some problems this last round. But that brings about the good news. Doc is reducing my Oxi! Also, taking my 5-FU bolus out. I guess on the bad news side too, my job is not wanting to work with me around my treatments. I've been there over 9 years and they can't accomodate me for 3 months while I finish chemo? My job is 100% working on the computer, which is something I can do from the home. EEOC states cancer is a disability, but my company is not willing to change my status unless it's a permanent disability. Well, since there's always chance of reoccurance, I would say that's pretty permanent. It amazes me how ignorant some people are, especially HR personnel. It's almost as if you have to be rolling around in a wheelchair to be considered disabled.

-DJ

Comments

  • nudgie
    nudgie Member Posts: 1,478 Member
    I agree with
    Donna. Family Medical Leave Act is a federal regulation (FLMA) which gives each employee 12 weeks of leave within a year and you are guaranteed "a job" upon your return. It may not be your original position, but a position.

    I used it for my first surgery/leave duration in 2006 and then short term disability kicked in.

    If they let you go it could also be discrimation under "medical"
  • Shayenne
    Shayenne Member Posts: 2,342
    I don't think
    Your job can let you go because of that, can it? My hubby took a family leave, which you don't have to take all at once, but he had up to 90 days to take, and he would only take it the day of my treatments, and since it's a job that is seasonal, from March to November, he didn't even take all 90 days, but can't they do something like that? or are you out more then just a couple days for your treatments. I find it sad to be somewhere that long in a job, and they don't want to work around you.

    I hope this treatment goes well, my onc took that 5fu bolus shot away from me awhile ago, like my 5th treatment, because I got a mouth sore, and since then, I never had a mouth sore, she said it wouldn't be a big deal if she took it, and I sure didn't miss it ;)

    Will you be needing to get Neulasta or Neupogen shots for your WBC?

    Hugsss!
    ~Donna
  • P_I_T_A
    P_I_T_A Member Posts: 133
    Yes on the shot
    I'm gonna get white-cell booster shot on un-hook day. I got some mouth sores this time, probably why he's taking the bolus out. They gave me a prescription for that. I'm sure I could take leave. But I need the $$$, it would be unpaid. Told me I couldn't come of short-term dis unless it was without restrictions. I'm usually down and out Tues-Friday on hook-up week, semi-good rest of the time. Guess they view working at home a restriction, stupid really. Would think that would fall under 'reasonable accomodation'.

    -DJ
  • khl8
    khl8 Member Posts: 807
    FMLA
    Also fmla can be taken on an interment time as well, you have a total of 12 weeks, whether you use it by the day or the hour. You need to have the forms filled out by your doc, after you request them from HR. The downside is they don't technically have to pay you for it but they have to hold your job. Also, they have to accomidate any other issues that you have.
    kathy

    i got hooked up on a thursay and unhooked Fri. You can ask for a Friday hook upo and then have a home health nurse come on Sun to disconnect.
  • geotina
    geotina Member Posts: 2,111 Member
    Employer
    I am so sorry you are having difficulty with your employer, like having the big C isn't bad enough, worrisome enough, they have to add to your anxiety and emotional load. That being said, and while I am no expert, I have worked for lawyers for many, many years, but unfortunately know very little about employment law. My advise, I do urge you to have a legal consultation if you in any way, shape or form feel your job is in jeopardy due to your cancer. There are many local and federal laws/statutes on your side that you may not know about but your employer does and it is best to protect yourself if you feel in jeopardy. If you are getting a hard time at work and it is adding to your anxiety and emotional load, that is not good for your health and treatment. Employers don't like to hear those words and usually back off once they are on notice. They cannot fire you because you have cancer and have to have treatment. I'm sorry you are getting a hard time, it is just not right. Take care - Tina