Cancer sent to USA

Hi

Sounds like they are doing the Oncotype DX test to ascertain if chemo will be beneficial. I had this done and the result came back that it was very low risk of returning ir spreading. My oncologist said it would be unethical to treat me with chemo as it would be of little benefit. 
Having a cancer diagnosis means that you have the rights protected by the disability discrimination laws. 

Hope this helps

Rachel

Hello WhizzyWoo, welcome. It sounds as though your cancer cells are being sent to California for Oncotype testing, which identifies how likely your specific cancer is to come back. This helps your medical team to decide whether you might need chemotherapy or not. The link below explains a little about the process but if you type Oncotype in the search box at the top of the page you'll find lots of posts from people who have had this test (I haven't as my cancer requires chemo anyway so the test wasn't necessary)

As you have now been diagnosed with cancer you are protected under the equality act so your employer must make reasonable adjustments to accommodate you and they would not be able to take disciplinary action against you for taking time off due to cancer/treatment. Speak to your nurse/medical team about getting signed off work for longer if you feel that you need to, and depending on your treatment plan you may need to be signed off for some time, for example if you need to have chemo. It can be pretty hard going and not everyone is able to work during the treatment. There's lots of information and support here so  any more questions just ask away, and good luck with your treatment.

www.macmillan.org.uk/.../tumour-profiling-tests-for-breast-cancer

Hi WhizzyWoo

Sorry you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, but equally welcome to the forum.  Great news that you have made a good recovery,

Here's a link about the Oncotype DX test and this will explain why it is being done.  I was diagnosed about 4.5 years ago and it was just beginning to be talked about then - but I didn't get offered it as it was still pretty new to the NHS I gather. (or maybe just in some hospitals then).

You will have no doubt got ER+ breast cancer and they would have given you a score out of 8 for recurrence.  This is another test for recurrence.

With regards to work - you are legally covered so 100% if anyone tries to put you on disciplinary action they will be in serious trouble...  With regards to whether you feel able to go back to work after a couple of weeks, that's up to you.  If you don't, then get a doctors note as there is nothing your employers can do against you and if you need more time, then take it.  You can go back to work and then if you do need chemo. you can get a sick note then - entirely up to you.  

Here's another link re work and cancer which I think you'll find informative - and perhaps give a copy to your employer too if they make any suggestions that it is too difficult for them to you be off work.

Kindest wishes, Lesley

Hi Whizzywoo I also had grade 3 BC and had it sent to America for the Oncotype test. My results were too high and they recommended chemo and radiotherapy as I was high risk. Chemo is offered and you don't have to take it, but I didn't want to risk it. My tumour was small and I also had a lumpectomy. If your results are low they may advise no chemo. I have now finished all my treatment and am now feeling a lot better.  Treatment is to prevent recurrence.

Good luck X

Thank you all for your responses it has put my mind at rest and I understand why they are doing it now. Last week I was told that it was a possibility that I would need chemotherapy so the testing is a good thing and hopefully I won’t need it. All the information about work was very helpful and I think that I will go in and discuss it properly with them.

I'm sure I have read that as a cancer patient you have the same rights as a disabled person with regards work. 

I hope everything works out for you. 

I has a large 6cm grade 3 tumour and was told after surgery it was more than likely I would need chemo but that they would do an Oncotype test to check if it was needed.

Took 4 weeks for results to come back but was worth the wait as it showed I would only benefit by 1% from chemo so straight onto radiotherapy.

The test saved me weeks of harsh treatment. Feel so lucky!

Thanks I do feel more reassured and after reading the links have more idea about what to ask when I see the oncologist on the 19th.

Hi there Whizzy

I am not sure what sector you work in. If it is unionised it might be worth joining whatever is the prevalent union. This can usually be done online. Then you would be able to have a rep. to act as your advocate in any dealings with the management, This substantially takes the pressure of you, as they can speak for you. 

Alternatively, I believe that McMillan give advice to cancer sufferers on this subject, so it could be worth giving them a call. I have posted links to information leaflets below, which can be downloaded. Another option could be to take along two printed copies of this to any meeting with management on the subject of your work absence due to cancer. Or, if you are doing this meeting by phone or remotely you could email them the link in advance, for their information, as it could be helpful for them.

You would be surprised at the number of managers who have scant knowledge on this subject.

https://www.macmillan.org.uk/_images/short-guide-rights-at-work_tcm9-309281.pdf 

https://www.macmillan.org.uk/_images/finding-the-words_tcm9-313290 

Also found help for employers: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/about-us/what-we-do/how-we-work/work-and-cancer?&infinity=ict2~net~gaw~ar~535268749569~kw~%2Bmacmillan%20%2Bat%20%2Bwork~mt~b~cmp~G_PS_MAW_UK_BND_Core_BM~ag~Macmillan+at+Work&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIwfnEt52q9QIVx-7tCh0B-As_EAAYASABEgKywPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds 

GOOD LUCK

All the best

WallyDug

Yes, I was shocked when they said it was being sent to the US. But glad it did, as it came back with a low score of 10 which meant I didn't have to have chemo, which was such a relief. I'm grateful that they do this now