If I can work through my chemo, do I need a doctor's cert?

Question

I've just been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. I'm told the prognosis is excellent, everything on my side, but I'm going to need 6 rounds of chemo, every 3 weeks for 15 weeks, each lasting about 6 hours. I'll be in as a day patient for them so no overnight stays hopefully, and I'm wondering where I stand with work.

I've spoken to some people who've done the R-CHOP treatment and they've all said I may well be able to work through it if my job was light and I reacted okay, but that the side-effects and fatigue got worse with each cycle so I'd have to see how it goes.

Where do I stand legally on this? Do I have to provide my employer with a certificate, and if so is it from my GP or my oncologist? Even if I do need time off it'll be a few days here and then, not a prolonged period. I should have asked the doctor at the hospital but it didn't occur to me at the time.

Thanks
Dreamer
xx

I'm employed full-time and within the NHS, so there's no chance of being let go. I'm just wondering what way will least affect my "standing" as it were - I was due to go for promotion in January and a bundle of sickness won't look good. I'm considering taking a few days annual leave after each cycle just in case...

Answer 1

First of all go to your HR team at work and explain the situation. They will be very helpful and may even be able to alter / change your work patterns so you can cope even better.

If you are off work for less than a calendar week you can self certify, more than seven days and you need a doctor's note (from your GP). Some GPs will do a phone examination so you don't need go and visit.

Some companies have rules that if you have more than x periods of self certified sickness off within a certain time you will need a Drs certificate. Some companies arrange for you to see their Dr.

Also don't forget that cancer comes under the DDA so your employer has a number of legal responsibilities. This means that your promotion can't be turned down because of your cancer and neither can your employer sack you.

Good luck with your treatment.

Oh, I forgot to say accept all the help that is offered and don't put work first. You have to be first. However I did find that working took my mind off the bl**dy awfulness of it and my co-workers were mostly wonderful.

Answer 2

Hi,
legally, you need a sick note after 5 days absence, and your employer can consider repeated absence for the same cause as "one period" of sickness, so requiring a new note after each further absence. And your employer can also ask for a fit-to-work note to reassure themselves you are safe to be in the workplace. The note has to be from a medical professional, but not necessarily the one overseeing the treatment (so GP can do it).

My husband finished chemo a couple of months ago and worked part of the time in between each cycle. His work were very accepting of whatever felt right for him, but they did insist on having a fit-to-work note after each period of absence (chemo cycle).

You can get a can-not-work or a fit-to-work note from your oncologist after each chemo cycle, or from your GP.
Your oncologist and GP will both know the need for these notes....and with your attitude to work (wanting to go in as much as possible), will probably be encouraging you to take more time off than you plan! At least that was our experience. You'll see the oncologist (or one of his sidekicks) at each cycle, but you can ask the nurses for the certificate if you forget and they'll add it to the day's paperwork. Chemo units are VERY helpful to the mad patients :-)

Hubby talked to his GP, got to know him a bit, persuaded him that he wouldn't work TOO much, and after a few visits, reached an agreement that he could leave a note at the surgery reception asking for a fit-to-work or stay-off-work note for the appropriate duration whenever he liked. Then he picked it up the next day.

Good luck with the treatment!

Answer 3

I dont think you actually need something saying that you can still work, but they may very well let you go for loosing too much time. Hopefully your HR dept will be understanding. If you are full time you should have paid sick leave as well as things like fmla that they cannot deny you. If you are no considered full time, or are employed at will rather than a contract, you may be screwed.

Answer 4

It would depend on the employers way of handling things. I was able to get people to give me ideas on handling different situations. Then I went to personnel to see what else I needed to do and completed the forms. They suggested I take advantage of the Family Leave Act. I didn't have to do that, but I still may have to in the future.

Answer 5

I just got a sick note for 3 months, i did not want to work. but it's up to the individual, do whats right for you, good luck.

Answer 6

Best thing to do is to talk it over with your boss or your HR rep if your company has one.

Good luck and keep that positive outlook.

Answer 7

I have no idea sorry darlin just wanted to say goodluck, stay positive, an happy. lots of hugs to you xx

Answer 8

your not from helmshore are you?? just get a sick note. but more importantly concentrate on getting your treatment and getting better. prayers are sent to you.x x x x x