Dear Happyshopper and all,
Here are a few thoughts about cancer and workplace.
I believe most of us experience issues at workplace. I don't think they are related to our capability and efficiency to perform the job, but to the misconceptions and attitudes that society has about disability, sickness and cancer, which are deeply rooted on employers and, unfortunately on us. Obviously, the treatment, the medication and the dx have a huge impact, both physical and mental. Probably most of us, to a certain degree become disable after cancer but I don’t believe that that it, I think that most of big employer, and NHS for sure it is can make adjustments, but of course, it’s easier to bully cancer patients out of work place, because it’s very easy to believe that now, of course we can’t deliverer as before and somehow, after cancer we are useless, when I fact what is useless are the regulations, policies and employment law which don’t reflect at all human condition: sickness, accidents, death and so on. They are address as, if it was an audacity to get sick or to have and accident, and of course, it seemed as an individual problem. Are they really an individual problem? Are they really such an exceptional circumstances, that it should be expected for the individuals who suffered them to be outraised and taken the burden of their situation themselves, or are these circumstances just a part of life?
Well, cancer has been the most horrible think that has happened to me, but I don’t feel a victim of it. I got cancer because I am human and, unfortunately, I am vulnerable to illnesses and accidents and so on. What I am really a victim of is of the social attitudes towards disability, which made my employers, for instance, to have an easy ride when they are trying to get ride of me.
I understand, because I am suffering this situation myself, how difficult is to get through it and getting our voice heard and fight for our rights, I understand the fear of a recurrence because of the stress, the fatigue and all, because I experience that myself. But I think my dignity is very important and, if we really want a change on this, we need to start to organize ourselves instead to accept others people prejudices.
Happyshopper why should you feel guilty of your employer pestering you and not wanting to make adjustments for you? Are there many people at your workplace needing adjustments so, it is really difficult for your employer to support and maintain yours?
For my own situation, I have use ACAS, CAB, Mary Ward legal centre and Disability Law Canter for advice. I have even written to my MP. If you are a member of a Union maybe, they can support you.
I wish you the best and as I said, I really believe we need to organize ourselves because we experience very similar problems. As individuals is very little what we can do but, if we get together on a pressure group or a union, I think we have a better chance to make our voices heard and become meaningful.
Xx Happynipple
