Returning to Work after Cancer

Question: I was diagnosed with breast cancer some months ago, and recently my doctor has given me th enecessary approval to return to work after taking extended sick leave. While I feel much better now and really wish to get back to work, I am a bit apprehensive about fitting back into my role.

Response: The decision to return to work reflects tenacity and inner strength. Going back to work is not an option for every cancer survivor. Taking advantage of the opportunity can be beneficial for your mental well-being as you take pride in your contributions and achievements at work. It might even help boost your self-esteem, as you see your life is so much more than cancer.

Work schedules

It is natural to feel some anxiety having been away from work for a long period.  Planning your return is key to reducing stress. Planning will help ensure that you are ready for, and comfortable with the transition. Reach out to your supervisor to arrange an in-person or telephone meeting so you can discuss the date of your return and details of your workload. Creative scheduling options such as part-time hours, job sharing, or telecommuting (working from home) can help you transition successfully back to work. Additionally, negotiate for flex time that will allow you to leave for medical appointments and unpaid medical leave in the eventuality that you need it. It is best to finalise these accommodations at the onset rather than an ad hoc basis. This shows a level of professionalism on your part and helps the company get a total picture of your needs.

Acclimatising to the Workplace

Human beings are social creatures. Social interactions at the work can provide a source of energy as you rekindle relationships, and according to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, a sense of belonging. Planning to return to work therefore, should include how you are going to treat with your first social interactions at work. As a cancer survivor, only you can decide how much to share with colleagues about your experience.

Some colleagues may be confused about why you left or concerned about how your return will affect their jobs. As you prepare for how you will interact with your colleagues, bear in mind that you should keep your conversations light and positive. This should make your colleagues more comfortable and help you to better connect with them. Be cautious of having negative conversations that have the potential of changing your mood and outlook for the worse. If you colleagues ask invasive questions that make you feel uncomfortable, just be frank and briefly indicate in a friendly tone that you’re not up to answering those questions right now. Remember you are not obligated to answer any personal questions and should set boundaries around what you are comfortable answering.

Successful transition

There are women who have successfully transitioned back to work after cancer treatment. I have the privilege of knowing an attorney who, to me, personifies the tenacity of a woman, a cancer fighter, striving in her career. I personally admire her strength, beauty and grace. I decided to tap into Keisha’s experience as someone who has walked the journey you are embarking upon. Having honest conversations with her manager about her battle was crucial, as during those conversations her limitations sank into her.

She was also gracious to share first-hand advice that I believe would help address some of your concerns:

While you are eager to get back to work, you should bear in mind that you may have to make some adjustments on the job as you may not be as quick as you used to be. This may be due to side effects from the medication.

 Embrace technology quickly. Depending on your job, you don’t have to be physically at work to get work done. You can negotiate to work from home on some days and use Skype or Zoom to attend virtual meetings and have discussions with your manager and team. This will reduce the stress of sitting for hours in traffic in getting to and from the office and you can work from the comfort of your home.

 Review your company’s dress code and other codes of conduct to establish, within limit, if you need to request an exemption as your physical needs may be contrary to company policy. For example, my friend could not wear closed-toe shoes due to sensitivity in her foot because of numbness.

Your decision to resume to work must be applauded. Returning to work after cancer treatment is not always easy. But, with careful planning and openness, resuming work can offer a renewed sense of normalcy that routine brings. Though many of us may find routine to be boring and tedious, to many cancer warriors like yourself, it is a great way of take back control of your lives. It’s your way of exclaiming, “look out world, here I come!”

This article first appeared in the ASK AFETT column on 27 September, 2018 in the Newsday Newspaper.

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