Tough times

Hi Sleepy Cook

Tough times indeed and love your resolve to rise above your employer’s indifference- well done you. I’ve not been diagnosed very long but can well imagine the trauma of cancer can re emerge at anytime. I do know first hand the same thing happens with bereavement so I’m sure is not an usual, albeit horrible thing to have to go through. You got through the whole cancer diagnosis, treatment and back to work path - that is tough and you did it so you can and will beat these melt downs again and emerge stronger on the other side of them. Again your employers attitude won’t change until they have first hand experience of dealing with all the rubbish cancer throws at you. You are better than they are. Sending you strength. Take care MrT1

Hi and a very warm welcome to the online community

That's great news that you have been clear of throat cancer for 18 months but not good that your employer is giving you a hard time.

I can see that you've already joined our incredibly supportive head and neck cancer group and I'm sure you'll get lots of support when you feel ready to post there.

I'm not sure if you're aware but if you have cancer the law considers this a disability. This means you cannot be treated less favourably than other people (who do not have cancer) because you have cancer, or for reasons connected to the cancer. That would be discrimination. Your employer should make reasonable adjustments to allow you to return to work and continue working. If you click on the link I've created it will tell you what reasonable adjustments might mean to you.

The legal protection against discrimination does not end when your cancer treatment finishes. If you have been diagnosed with cancer in the past, you will continue to have legal protection against discrimination even when you no longer have cancer, also known as remission. You will also have protection if you move to another employer. You might find this information from Macmillan on cancer and employment rights helpful to have a look through. 

If you want to chat with someone at Macmillan about your current employment you could post in ask a work support adviser or phone the Support Line on 0808 808 0000. It's free to call and available every day from 8am to 8pm.

When you have a minute, it would be really useful if you could pop something about your journey so far into your profile as it really helps others when answering or looking for someone with a similar diagnosis. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. To do this click on your username and then select 'Profile'. You can amend it at any time and if you're not sure what to write you can take a look at mine by clicking on my username.

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