New job (questions over questions)

[Martin]

Hi All,

in two weeks from Friday I will be moving out-of-state to start a new job and I am already in a major 'what-else-do-I-need-to-do-before-I-forget-it'-mode. Getting especially antsy about my follow-up appointments.

Things happen to work out so I get a fresh set of labs, CT Scan and oncologist visit done the week prior. Because I will be flying back & forth from Wichita to Boston for approx. 6 weeks, I will likely also be able to get another set of bloodwork done with me current oncologist here in MA.

'Orientation session' regarding my new health insurance is set for 1 week after my start date. After that, I will be trying to replace my current batallion of doctors with new ones.
My question is: at what point is it advisable to bring up my cancer history?
My 2-year mark will be 3/15/07, so there are still several months worth of appointments for me to keep, before there is a bit of a slowdown.

I know that I would not run into any kind of hard feelings at my new workplace and I actually get along great with the HR Director, whom I am dealing with frequently to organize our relocation, etc..
Also, does anybody know if either Indiana or Sloane Kettering have posted their surveillance/follow-up regimen online somewhere?
I'd like to know what to expect/request from my new oncologist ...

I have also posted an IVF question elsewhere. Just briefly, as follow up to that post. We went to see the fertility specialist. My wife will be going through a battery of tests soon and he seems to think that we may be able to have her move to Kansas at about the end of the year. He would get pinned down on a treatment until he has seen the results of the tests, though.

Thanks already ahead of time. Any opinions are welcome, as always!

- Martin

[MRM]

I haven't switched insurance since my diagnosis, but I'm not sure you have to bring up your cancer history at all with your employer, especially if you are no longer activly being treated, except for surveillance. Your medical history is very private and your employer has no right to know your past. Generally, employer-sponsored insurance must cover existing conditions.

The Testicular Cancer Resource Center at tcrc.acor.org lists preferred protocols, but most oncologists will be familar with them or the National Cancer Institute's schedule, which is a little more conservative than Indiana's.

[Mom]

You really are under no obligation to discuss your health with your new employer and I would advise you not to. You have a right to privacy. In some cases, in order to enroll in a new insurance plan you have to fill out a questionnaire. These questionnaires should go directly to the insurance carrier or broker and not through the employer. You are not covered under FMLA because you are a new employee but hopefully you will be able to take time off for your testing using sick or personal time.

[Martin]

Hi,

I came to the same conclusion during the course of the day. Guess that means ... again ... that I should not post message late in the evening and think things over one more time, instead.

I suppose I feel uncomfortable going into a new employment situation where I want to impress with excellent performance, but at the same time need this extra time off, on a regular basis ... and not present a reason for it.

Not sure what FMLA is, but I am sure nobody will complain when I come in an hour or two late in the morning, if I make up the time after hours. CT-Scans or X-Rays can probably be scheduled for the weekend anyway.

Thanks for the heads up on the follow-up protocols.

Martin

[Scott]

Not sure what FMLA is, but I am sure nobody will complain when I come in an hour or two late in the morning, if I make up the time after hours.

FMLA = Family and Medical Leave Act

[Fish]

Hi Martin:

I agree that you are under no obligation to tell you new employer about your medical history. Also, keep in mind that cancer is covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act, and therefore you would have certain rights and protections.

Best wishes.

[MRM]

It should be easy to get a doctor's note for the days you arrive late due to CTs and X-rays. There would be no reason for it to include the diagnosis.

[jimbo]

Hi All,

in two weeks from Friday I will be moving out-of-state to start a new job and I am already in a major 'what-else-do-I-need-to-do-before-I-forget-it'-mode. Getting especially antsy about my follow-up appointments.

Things happen to work out so I get a fresh set of labs, CT Scan and oncologist visit done the week prior. Because I will be flying back & forth from Wichita to Boston for approx. 6 weeks, I will likely also be able to get another set of bloodwork done with me current oncologist here in MA.

'Orientation session' regarding my new health insurance is set for 1 week after my start date. After that, I will be trying to replace my current batallion of doctors with new ones.
My question is: at what point is it advisable to bring up my cancer history?
My 2-year mark will be 3/15/07, so there are still several months worth of appointments for me to keep, before there is a bit of a slowdown.

I know that I would not run into any kind of hard feelings at my new workplace and I actually get along great with the HR Director, whom I am dealing with frequently to organize our relocation, etc..
Also, does anybody know if either Indiana or Sloane Kettering have posted their surveillance/follow-up regimen online somewhere?
I'd like to know what to expect/request from my new oncologist ...

I have also posted an IVF question elsewhere. Just briefly, as follow up to that post. We went to see the fertility specialist. My wife will be going through a battery of tests soon and he seems to think that we may be able to have her move to Kansas at about the end of the year. He would get pinned down on a treatment until he has seen the results of the tests, though.

Thanks already ahead of time. Any opinions are welcome, as always!

- Martin

Hi, Jim here, you should be upfront about your cancer, but be upbeat about it portraying to those that it is just routine so they understand that it really isn't a problem, as you can probably deal with most tests/doctor visits outside of work if need be. As for insurance, I had changed insurance as well during follow-up tests due to job layoff with Lucent Technologies, and it had no effect on payments to hospitals/doctors/test centers with new insurance. Best of luck to you & have a great day! Jim Fiscus, now age 41, Sept. 2001 seminoma cancer survivor originally from Pittsburgh, PA, now living in London, England, postal code N20 0TH.

[mk6439]

Re: follow-up protocols -- I don't know if Sloan has posted its follow up protocol anywhere, but my husband's doc at Sloan has him on a follow up protocol (after 4 x EP) that is more aggressive than the nccn guidelines. He's getting blood, chest, x-ray, visit every month for the first year and CTs every 3 months.

[Larry B.]

Same boat here

Martin,

I can give you all the advice from personal experience. I to changed jobs, and relocated recently. I move from Memphis, to Upstate NY (where I am originally from) after Chemo treatments and a clean report. 1st, as far your cancer goes, say nothing to your employer. You may have to disclose on your Life insurance, and Disabilty insurance, but not health insurance. You are protected by the HIPPA regulations. Did your Dr. reffer yoo to a specailist in your new location? I don't know what protocall suits you because I dont know your history. I am sure you will get good care where you are going.

[JimmyDean]

as long as you can perform the essential functions of the job, an employer can NOT ask you about past illnesses or health issues.