Your ability to do your job may also be affected. This is usually temporary and continues throughout periods of active treatment. If you are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy, you may need to consider a reduced workday or a short-term leave of absence, depending on the type and degree of side effects you are experiencing. If the side effects are severe enough and your company has a short-term disability program, that may be an option until your treatments are completed. There are many kinds of options available and it will be important to talk with your employer, personnel department, or union representatives to see what arrangements can be made.
Most companies are cooperative and most patients return to active employment following treatment.
If your ability to do your job is permanently affected by your illness or treatment, you may be eligible for job retraining and counseling. It will be important to check out these options because work is a major part of our self-image. The return to a normal life following cancer treatment is essential to help you feel good about yourself. Rehabilitation services play a big part in helping you get your life back on track. The information provided through OncoLink should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease.