Boyce

[Margaret]

I wanted to let all of the people here, that are always looking out for us, know that Boyce's last day of work was yesterday. The timing was a bit unexpected but we knew it was coming. I don't mind posting about it, because we don't think we are going to pursue any legal options. As I told Joe, his boss is sadly very well connected and we both fear the battle could cost us the war if he alienates Boyce from the industry.

I don't feel that cancer stole this from us...this was a human choice and it is just sad that someone could not see how hard he tried to work during his treatments.

But Boyce is holding up well and in a good mood.

I wanted to post about this because having cancer creates so many changes in your life...changes that we sometimes forget to talk about. Boyce can't fly a lot because now he has DVT, he could not work 12 hour days because the chemo wore him out and he is going to have to miss time at work because he has more doctor's appt. than most.

The trick is, he wants to interview for a new position but can't tell them he has cancer, which is a shame. How does all this work going forward? Do you hide cancer from the world as if it carries shame?? Do you offer the information upfront and hope you are not judged by it?

The cancer is who we are now.

[Scott]

Margaret and Boyce, I hope this can be one of those cases where an unfair and frustrating situation works out to be an unexpected blessing.

The livestrong.org web site has practical information on cancer and employment issues at this link.

[k.strehle]

i truley hope that everything will work out for the best. i couldnt imagine being in your position. our prayers are with you.

kendall

[Jay68442]

Margaret and Boyce, sorry to hear the news.
I'm not sure what information I would provide to an employer regarding having had cancer. My cancer was so long ago that I never told an employer about it while interviewing. I really feel it has nothing to do with my qualifications anyway. Maybe the link Scott provided will have some better answers. Good Luck.

[TCLEFT]

Margaret,
I recall that Boyce has expertise in Resource Managent and Project Management. That has become a "Hot" job in the Pharma world. As you know I presently work for BMS. I had my two relapses in the two years I've worked here. Not only were they more than accomadating to me and my health issues in disabilty, flexibility, and believe it or not, support, they actually have approached me to tell my story for an ad campaign. I've kind of become a poster child for cisplatin and taxol. My thought is if Boyce was to target the Pharma industry in his job searches, he may find an environment more accomadating to his condition. It's just bad business to alienate any of your customers. Drug companies certainly don't want bad press, they get enough. Just a thought.
Love Y'all
Mark

[Already Bald]

Margaret and Boyce, I hope this can be one of those cases where an unfair and frustrating situation works out to be an unexpected blessing.

The livestrong.org web site has practical information on cancer and employment issues at this link.

Nicely put Scott- Change is often good, but always inevitable. Wishing Margaret and Boyce the best. You are too strong not to get through this.

What a great resourse the LAF Site is!

[Margaret]

Being that he worked for a division of United Health Care I figured having cancer would make him safe. Oh well. But pharma is hot and he has loads of experience. I hope he will find something soon.

[alamike]

I hate United Health Care. My insurance is through them and I am unable to go to UAB (one of the top cancer centers in the country) because the they do not have a contract so UHC will not cover me there. Seems that UHC puts profit over peoples well-being even when it comes to their employees. That is sad.

[Karen]

Margaret and Boyce,
Sorry that you have to deal with this!!! Margaret, I sent you a PM with NC jobs at my company (pharma).

[Mom]

It is interesting, I asked my husband once what was more difficult for him to overcome, cancer or the loss of his job. He said by far, it was the loss of his job. He felt he had a part in conrolling his cancer but could not control what people thought of him or the politics in the work place. The only time I have seen my husband depressed was over the loss of his job. However, I always felt that I would rather have him around pumping gas (and now those types of jobs aren't even available) than not having him around at all. I did go back to school and set myself on a career path that has provided well for us. Boyce will overcome this, just like his cancer. Dianne

[dadmo]

Margaret:
I know after cancer this should seem like a small issue but losing a job is awful. It never seems fair. I'm confident you guy's will end up on your feet.

[Fish]

Magaret:

I'm very sorry to hear this.

Regarding interviews, cancer is covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
It is illegal for an employer to ask about disabilities during an interview.

Title I of ADA lists these additional prohibited questions:
Have you ever been hospitalized? If so, for what condition?
Have you ever been treated by a psychiatrist or psychologist? If so, for what condition?
Is there any health-related reason that you may not be able to perform the job for which you are applying?
How many days were you absent from work because of illness last year?
Are you taking any prescribed drugs?
Have you ever been treated for drug addiction or alcoholism?

You can also see http://www.jobinterviewquestions.org...-questions.asp for more information.

After persons with disabilities are hired, employers are required by law to provide "reasonable accommadation". I think time off for medical appointments qualifies as "reasonable".

As always, best wishes.

[dannysbrother]

Margaret, Boyce,

I am very angry. I'm sorry if the point of this thread is to be positive and supportive, (both of which I am immensely in regards to both of you) but I am also enraged that this injustice is happening. This is an absolute disgrace. I understand certain reasons for not pursuing certain actions and I respect that there are more important things to be focused on right now, but there are LAWS in this country and it seems to me like Boyce's former employer is in direct violation of several that I can think of. My bet, without knowing the details is that he might have some legs to stand on. Perhaps it wouldn't hurt to simply have a consultation with 'someone' in order to explore just how strong those legs are and weigh the chances and benefits of a decision in your favor VS. cons of going through a legal ordeal. At least find out about the statute of limitations on these kinds of issues so that you have the option of taking some kind of action in the future. Companies have no right. Cancer survivors do.

I am sorry that your family is going through this. Boyce, you are amazing. I have no doubt that you will get through this and bring your talent, passion, skills and incredible spirit elsewhere.

The whole fam here is thinking about you and sending our love,
Mikey

[Sans rt1]

Margaret and Boyce -

I am so sorry about this. I am very upset with a Company like United HealthCare not going out of their way to accomodate an employee that has had to deal with cancer. Big corporations, I am constantly amazed at their shortsightedness - if they had accomodated Boyce, he would have been the most loyal employee for life. And if this plays out as these things usually do, in 6 months they will have a change in plans for that division, and go out and hire someone else with less experience, paying them more, and spend a year training him to do less than what Boyce was able to do while going through chemo. Their loss for certain.

Anyway, I pray that this turns into an opportunity - leading to something even better for the long run.

[Fed]

Margaret and Boyce,

In plain English, this really sucks and is quite infuriating, to say the least. The time is ripe, though, for moving forward, and as others have said, a change might be good.

The ideas on pharma set forth by Mark and Karen are actually excellent, and you guys should definitely take a good look at it as a potential option for employment. If I remember correctly, many great companies are in NC, and if there is one thing pharma does right is take care of their employees.

Hang tough, guys. We're with you all the way.