[Beacon Staff]

Weekly Poll - Telling Your Employer About Myeloma

by Beacon Staff on Wed Jun 20, 2012 9:24 am

This week’s poll is about whether you have told your employer about your multiple myeloma.

A few clarifications:

First, this poll is for people with symptomatic / active multiple myeloma (not MGUS or smoldering myeloma) who have been employed during or after their diagnosis.

Second, if you have had more than one employer since your diagnosis, vote "yes" if you told at least one of your employers. Feel free to describe in the comment section if you told one employer, such as your employer at the time of your diagnosis or treatment, but not another employer.

Third, if you are a caregiver or family member of a myeloma patient, feel free to answer on their behalf.

As always, feel free to post comments, thoughts, or feedback in the space below. They can be very useful to other readers.

In particular, why did you choose to tell or not tell your employer? Was not telling even an option, or was it too obvious that you were sick? What are the benefits of telling or not telling your employer about your cancer?

[lys2012]

Re: Weekly Poll - Telling Your Employer About Myeloma

by lys2012 on Thu Jun 21, 2012 11:02 pm

I kind had to tell my employer after I collapsed at work, went to the ER. Was admitted to the hospital for a few weeks of tests and emergency bone marrow biopsy, started chemo a few days later. I called in sick and told them I had cancer and didn't know when I would be back... crazy. Went back 18 months later.

[BuffaloPat]

Re: Weekly Poll - Telling Your Employer About Myeloma

by BuffaloPat on Tue Jun 26, 2012 10:29 am

My life became painfully transparent at the time of diagnosis since my employer and co-workers knew immediately. I had numerous days of arriving late, calling in sick, and finally being driven home by a co-worker and admitted to the hospital a couple days later. That was my last day of full time employment (9 years ago). I was immediately on "Family Leave" and utilizing the company disability benefit. I did not have the option of not telling. I have experimented since then, in my various adventures back into employment...sometimes I mention having had a serious health issue, and clarify that "now I'm well" ( to account for the gaps in my work history). My position now (in this economy) is to reveal none of it. Having multiple myeloma has altered my career/work life significantly.

[Christina]

Re: Weekly Poll - Telling Your Employer About Myeloma

by Christina on Tue Jun 26, 2012 10:34 am

I only work very part time at a branch library. Just considered extra help, so no need to say anything,as long as I am able to do my job.