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Working Thru It

A cancer diagnosis doesn't mean that your work life comes to a halt, but it will require some adjustments. From the ins and outs of managing side effects to the secrets of traveling with cancer, these tips will help you work through treatment. Taking time away from the office? We've got information on working from home, returning to work, and rethinking career goals and priorities.

Ask Us Anything...
Question: I've just learned that I have lymphoma. I will need several months of chemotherapy. My doctor says my prognosis is excellent and that I can continue to work, even during treatment. Would it be better if I take time off from work and concentrate on getting well? Answers: Dr. Ruth ...

ADVICE FROM WOMEN WHO KNOW
Well-earned tips and suggestions from our readers' personal experiences with cancer.

HANDLING DISCRIMINATION AT WORK
If you are working and feel you have encountered discrimination, there are steps you can take prior to legal action.

JOB HUNTING AFTER CANCER TREATMENT
When your cancer treatment is finished, and you're eager to get back to work, you can begin to feel anxious and alone. That's especially true if you have left your former job and you're looking for a new one.

KEEPING OPEN COMMUNICATIONS
Regular communication will help prevent your co-workers and supervisors from questioning your value and productivity as a staff member. Everyone will need reassurance that you're still part of the team. A lack of communication can result in confusion and anxiety - or even mistrust and suspicion - ...

RE-ENTERING THE WORKFORCE
If you are reentering the work force after an absence due to cancer, you will need some tips on how to avoid discrimination.

RETURNING TO WORK
After your medical leave is over, gear up for the next challenge: making your re-entry to your job as comfortable as possible. For cancer survivors, returning to work often brings mixed emotions: relief, trepidation, hope -- and perhaps awkwardness. Even if you are sure you're ready to return, you ...

SELF-EMPLOYED, WITH CANCER
Being self-employed is itself a feat, as any of the more than 14 million Americans who are their own bosses can attest. Add to the mix a diagnosis of cancer, and the days can seem suddenly overwhelming. If you've just gotten a diagnosis of cancer, and you're self-employed, here is a game plan for ...

TAKING TIME OFF
At this point, everyone at work who needs to know about your cancer diagnosis probably does. Now you need a game plan for taking time off successfully. Here are some points to consider, depending on how much time you have before starting treatment: Look at the Workload Consider the workload. ...

TRAVELING WITH CANCER
Throughout your experience with cancer you will have reason to travel, perhaps for treatment itself, and probably for work and pleasure too. The good news is that many cancer patients are able to travel comfortably and safely as long as they take proper precautions and use common sense. Here are ...

WHAT'S NEXT: BACK TO WORK AFTER CANCER, WHAT DO YOU NEED TO KNOW?
Once your cancer treatment is complete or nearing completion and you've been cleared to return to work, at least part-time, more challenges await. Here, what you need to know about how your cancer history may affect you on the job and how to take full advantage of the protections afforded you under...

WORK AND YOUR DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
Before you approach colleagues, talk to your doctor specifically about how your illness can affect your career. Here are a few helpful tips to smooth the process: Tell your doctor exactly what your job is and any unique circumstances you'll be coping with. Let your doctor know that it's ...

WORKING THROUGH TREATMENT
If you plan to continue working while undergoing treatment, you can make the process easier for yourself - as well as your employer and co-workers - through planning, preparation and communication. Systemic chemotherapy for cancer treatment has always been associated with intravenous (IV) delivery. ...

Working with Chemo Brain
How to cope when "chemo brain" slows you down at work