I have stage 4 cancer (metastasis to lungs).

Anonymous

August 11,2022 at 11:58PM UTC

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I have stage 4 cancer (metastasis to lungs). Am told I could possibly live a long time with this if we get the meds right. I started in stage 3 in Jan 2021 and stage 4 diagnosis came a year later. The two women with whom I share an office know and they are beautifully supportive. Corporate office doesn't know. And I plan to keep it that way.

I'm in commission sales. If they find out I'm sick, they will certainly be more vigilant about whether I'm getting the job done (I've continued full time work even though I might use flexible hours to accommodate chemo, appts, fatigue, etc. My boss will retire next year. And I've been counting on having the territory to myself. There's plenty of precedent in the company to justify my position. But if they think I'm sick now, they may insist I go on disability (but that means no commission, the bulk of my income). If they find out later, they may insist on replacing her with another salesperson to share the territory. And I've worked WAY too hard to let that happen. I deserve to be heir to the throne. I would have never taken the promotion to sales had I thought I'd have to share territory for the remainder of my years here. It's just not enough payoff for all my work-- past, present and future.

Company has all rights to do what they want. I'm an at will employee. I don't want a lawyer to save my job. I want a lawyer to save the incredible earning potential I'd have in taking all the territory to myself.

Am I obliged in any way to tell them I have Stage 4 cancer?

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AnonymousAugust 12,2022 at 12:54AM UTC
First off, why do you want a lawyer - it doesn't sound like anything has happened.
And you're right - "Company has all rights to do what they want." Pretty sure they can put anyone they want into any position they want to.
Second, you don't have to tell anyone anything you don't want to about your personal or medical issues. It's none of anyone's business but yours. I didn't even tell anyone when my husband died.
JYJAugust 12,2022 at 1:19AM UTC
You are not obligated to tell anyone anything about your health. You are clearly ready to kick ass. That’s all that matters. Now go get that territory!!!
Heather E. MillerAugust 12,2022 at 4:58AM UTC
I've always been a proponent of full disclosure... until I got sick. I felt like it was necessary to be open and honest with my employers about my health, and it has backfired every single time. I have some very bad days, but when I have good days I can work like I'm twenty again. It doesn't matter what my numbers are; they just look at the time I've missed and end up dismissing me. I know it may not seem right, but I'd hold out telling them about your diagnosis until the last minute possible. So many employers say that they are supportive of their employees, but when it comes to dealing with long term illnesses, they just prefer to cut their losses ahead of time. Just a note, I'm also in sales, so I truly understand your concern. I wish you the best of luck!
Crystal HowellAugust 12,2022 at 10:51AM UTC
Hippa laws protect you, google that.
Google a Dr. Cecerk she has done a lot with cancer patients, she was on the news, google hampton proton therapy they helped with stage 4 cancer
Google wrongful termination attorney for free consultation that specialize in human resources, you have more protections than you think. Sorry to hear and Great Luck to you. Keep quiet.
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistAugust 12,2022 at 4:26PM UTC
HIPAA laws do not necessarily apply. HIPAA laws are primarily to prevent healthcare providers from disclosing your personal health information. They can apply to employers not disclosing that info but not to you disclosing the info.
Lisa BlackwellAugust 12,2022 at 12:31PM UTC
I am so sorry for your situation. First and foremost you need to put your health first. Are you certain your leadership team will react defensively to you telling them or will they embody the culture your two confidants have displayed. I believe companies hire people who represent the top down culture so maybe they will help you instead of punish you for being sick. I respect your decision either way, maybe you could take a personal leave of absence while you are going through the toughest part of treatment. I will be praying for you friend.
AnonymousAugust 13,2022 at 11:40AM UTC
I had breast cancer a few years ago and went to radiation on my lunch break WHILE working OT to make up for the long lunch.
I had started the job in the past month at most.
I gave it my all.
I was fired because my colleague wanted MY job and went to my boss to say "cancer is unprofessional at the workplace". Said breast cancer is a choice. This is a woman spewing this crap - and she smoked!!!!
My boss knew what was up as I was diagnosed between accepting role and starting job.
I was fired. Ended up working out great as in Tennessee if you are in breast or cervical cancer treatment and meet specific income requirements - you get Tennessee Medicaid!!
I was on treatment five years and when I lost my job during Covid for a furlough, very convenient.
Plus the firm that fired me -- a hot mess!! I was auditing what I was asked to and it turned out she wasn't paying her union dues and I got yelled at despite this being a three year issue.
Your health comes first. If you aren't healthy, then the role you want won't matter!!!!
Lara Ivey KauchakAugust 12,2022 at 1:49PM UTC
No- you do not have to tell. However, if your health starts to affect your performance, you can be terminated. If you tell them about it before it affects your performance and get on FMLA, you will have some coverage to keep your job (and health care). Careful balance and timing.
SLTAugust 13,2022 at 11:33AM UTC
Id say no! As long as you can do the job -- which you arw doing great - you owe them nothing
Dr. Marian GryzloAugust 13,2022 at 1:52PM UTC
No! Reach out to Cancer and Careers, a national nonprofit based in NYC that can guide you and educate you. Good luck,