Work and breast cancer - seeking your input
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@brummie The only info that I had to provide to my Super scheme was medical. The time needed off work was stated by my doctors so again, no need for any information other than breast cancer treatment related.
And mine was 30 calendar days without working (although could be on paid sick leave) before super kicked in and then 75% less tax.0 -
My biggest issues, 2 weeks post-surgery is that I do not wish to return to work at all. I have used all of my sick leave-some prior to surgery after diagnosis and dealing emotionally with that and the rest-post surgery. I have also eaten into most of my annual leave now, so have little choice but to attempt to return to work. I did this yesterday with disastrous effects-I have a very large seroma on my breast post-surgery which is making not only my breast incredibly uncomfortable/painful, it has limited my movements of my arm, shoulder. My back also gets very sore and I am sure it is all associated. I was in such discomfort, I found it difficult to keep focus-as I am a Nurse I am limited by what pain relief I am able to take AND be able to work. I started out with a reasonably light day with a few gaps and still struggled to cope. I really don't feel ready to go back, but am limited in my choices.
I would also love further information about transitioning into another role-I am a Nurse as i@lrb_03, but unfortunately do not have the option in my current position for a Non-clinical role. I have been Nursing for 18yrs and to be honest I would like to move to something new. I had been looking at this prior to diagnosis and had been looking to re-train into something new. However to do this all costs money for training and also perhaps for me a significant drop in my income. I am not sure this is manageable now.
I am also worried about work. While I was away one of our nurses was made redundant because it was quiet-Will I be considered next as I have been unable to work for a period of time and then on my return yesterday am now having to have the day off today just to recover??
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Morning all,
And in particular @Chelley59, @kitkatb, @Brummie and @Mjheke - as you have quite
specific questions and maybe need some additional support. Would you be happy to
either call our Helpline or have one of the Helpline team call you directly -
so we can find out a bit more about each of your situations?We would then be able to direct you to the right people and supports? Our
Helpline also has cancer nurses and they can help you to understanding some
of the treatment specific concerns you have.You can either call 1800 500 258, send me @Daina_BCNA or @Giovanna_BCNA a private message or email directly to contact@bcna.org.au.
We look forward to hearing from you and helping where we can.
Cheers,
Daina
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Additionally info about when and who you have to tell in your workplace how to handle that process and how to deal with colleagues once they know I had some great reactions and some really stupid onesDaina_BCNA said:Hi all,
As part of the new workplace supports BCNA launched earlier this year, we're planning a 'Work and breast cancer' webinar and would appreciate your input.
- What topics would you like to see covered in this webinar about work? Legal rights and obligations especially about extended periods without pay I used all my sick and annual leave and then was without pay and that has consequences that leave you vulnerable to retrenchment
- What practical advice / tips would you give
someone who is currently making decisions about work following their diagnosis e.g. to work through treatment, take extended time off? Listen to your medical team and your own body - everyone reacts differently so you don’t know until you are there, be flexible - What practical advice / tips would you give someone who is returning to work? Take it easy if you can. I am currently working notionally 4 hours a day 4 days a week but slowly it is b3coming 5 hours 4 days hopefully once radiation is finished I will get closer to full days
- What do you wish you had known? No idea
- What did your employer / work colleagues do to support you through this time? Covered me while I was away and welcomed me back when I was ready but kept saying pace myself
- Do you see this webinar being for people who have been diagnosed or would you think it could benefit employers and colleagues? Both probably
Thank you for taking the time to read through this post and I look forward to your comments and feedback.
See you online!
Daina
- Read the news item for more information about the work and breast cancer project - https://www.bcna.org.au/news/2018/06/new-workplace-supports-for-people-affected-by-breast-cancer/
More information
- Visit the online hub for resources and information to support you in the workplace - www.bcna.org.au/work-and-breast-cancer
- If you have feedback about this project call me on 1800 500 258 or email dpatt@bcna.org.au.
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I don't know if this really quite fits in topic but being "fit" for work is an issue for me. I have accessed the health care plan options and my workplace is very good about allowing me time for various appointments, but it does get expensive and 5 subsidised visits a year is just not enough. I see a psychologist which is really important to address both my "mood" and also my ability to deal with the very real cognitive impairment from diagnosis and chemo. Dealing with this has a very real flow-on to my efficiency at work. The other major issue for me has been ongoing access to specialist physio services and to a specialist exercise programme both for general recovery and fitness, and to deal with cording. As my job has a large manual labour component (lifting, climbing, standing for long periods), this is really important and these are, of course, all expensive services. (I have been doing Encore this term which is great but there are real logistical issues for me and others with accessing this as availability is very limited.) I would like it to be recognised that recovery after treatment is important, not just for the individual, but that it has a very real economic impact to our society. And while we're at it, while the current health care plans are obviously not enough, it would be really great if more people were even aware that these existed! I knew about the mental health care plan but it was only a chance conversation with the nurse at my GP clinic (as a result of a bungled appointment) that made me aware that I could get one for physio.3
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Oh! I just remembered! Lack of sleep is something that affects many of us from time of diagnosis and seems resistant to most things, and seems to have a lot of factors involved.0
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I came ' out' to my boss yesterday. We'd had a staff meeting discussing a restructure which thankfully doesn't affect me unless I take advantage of some new opportunities.
Anyway, I was helping with an installation after the meeting and when I was asked how I was enjoying the job, the conversation took a turn where it seemed an OK time to tell them. I've been there nearly six months and perhaps I should have held my tongue in light of the chance of applying for one of the new positions, but it felt good to get it off my chest, so to speak.4 -
I'm sure that you have proven yourself (has it really been 6 months?!) and I know that I have always felt better when things are straight up. Now you don't have to feel like you need to skulk or whatever-the-word-is-that-I'm-looking-for.0
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I was unfortunately on Long Service Leave when I was recalled for assessment at BreastScreen and hence given my diagnosis. All my individual days investigations etc were unable to be claimed as sick leave. Once I had my surgery and had a certificate for a month I talked to pay office about changing LSL to sick leave. They told me it could not be done. I called my union and chatted with them. We decided I would put the submission in to my manager and if my employer still said no, then the union would get involved. I could NOT believe that approval from management was needed for this and that it was not covered in the award. I work for a hospital (35+ years) and had at least 18 months of sick leave. I feel very aggrieved when I think of the many times I have given above and beyond at work in hours and commitment and yet feel I need to plead to use the sick leave i have EARNED. The change was eventually granted but I feel it was done grudgingly.0
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That is absolutely disgusting behaviour form the hospital, 'specially putting you under so much more stress & pressure than you needed @Anjke - specially given your long tenure with the hospital & as you say 'working above & beyond' during that time!
Even if you get sick on 'regular' holidays, you can get a Drs Certificate & 'reclaim' those days from your sick leave i.e. your holiday 'days' are reimbursed!!
I am glad they 'reconsidered' ...... but - did they explain fully why they reckoned it didn't relate to Long Service Leave as well?
Take care & all the best xxx0 -
While I am still going through treatment and have been off work for 9 months now ( 6 mths chemo, surgery , radio next) I have mets, I have used up all my rec and sick leave and now on unpaid leave. My employer ( work for state) has been very good.
Preferring for me to recover as much as possible before attempting to return to work. My contract is part time but I was doing full time hours, which I definitely will not be returning to.
I have applied for my super , when I was required to reveal my diagnosis , I was instead sent the "terminal illness " form, which I can only claim If I am going to die in the next 2 years ( I don't know neither does anyone else) .the total disability doesn't cover Cancer treatment.(apparently, again Dr's reluctant to complete form as outcome unknown.
So while I would very much like to have my financial freedom back, it looks like it won't be for a while , so mentally my brain at the moment , with Tamoxifen and Xgeva on board is like mush, my aches and pains make my job difficult I work with the public ( stand all day) and have to be NICE all the time, (don't feel like been nice) and it's mentally demanding.
So I have to extend my unpaid leave yet again while I have radio ( chest and hip) , then I suppose re-access .
My employer will hold my position for maximum 12 mths ......
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Most super funds will not release money under the financial hardship provisions until you have been recieving Centrelink payments for 6 months. Being on unpaid leave doesn't qualify according to my fund, but I gather they are all set up slightly differently. Early release on compassionate grounds is a different story, you dont have to be palliative, you can apply for medical expenses, but if you want to that make sure what the conditions are, some funds will only cover unpaid/overdue accounts.
It's worth having a conversation with them and asking for a copy of their business rules regarding early release. I got told some shameful lies when I first set off down that track, so make sure you keep track of who you are talking to, and don't be shy of asking for copies of the recordings of conversations if you get conflicting advice.0
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