Scared to death!

[tccancercop]

Well my embryonal carcinoma is back with an AFP of 102 now and cat scan showing two growths in the upper back between the spine and chest. Lungs and everything else (abdominal lymph nodes clear). I go tuesday to cleveland clinic to see the oncologist. I will have to do more chemo. I'm scared and in pain. My upper back is burning and feel pressure in the center of my chest. I'm taking darvacet now. I'm only 24 and will end up losing my job, my hair again, and a potential g/f! I have really went downhill the last three weeks!!

[dadmo]

tccancercop:
I'm really sorry to hear about this further set back. Just don't give in, you're up to the challange and your worth it.

[indiana9]

You will be fine in the long run as you will ultimately be cured of testicular cancer. Take it one day at a time and focus on just taking care of yourself and getting well. You are 24 so you will have lots of time to find a new job and if need be, a new girlfriend once you get this cancer monkey off your back once and for all. BTW, if you are working full time and have benefits, you should have short term disability, and it is illegal to fire someone because they are off work on disability. Good luck and please post updates on how you are doing.
Brian

[Scott]

I'd be scared, too, but you're strong enough to get through this. As they say, "Courage is not about never being afraid; it's going on despite your fear."

[Josh1982]

Hey bro sorry to hear the bad news. I'm 23 and just got done going through all that ****. The good news is your young and that makes a huge difference. The thing with chick, man you don't want a girl who would leave you hanging becasue you have cancer again. When I first got diagnosed I dropped my chick at the time. If it doesn't work out think of the gult you would have if you have to brake up with her someday and she stuck by you through cancer. The most important thing is to sustain a good attitude. As hard as it may be, and as difficult as life has been so far for you, you have to find things to be thankful for. Thank god there's potential cures. If you don't pray nows the time, if you do...well your in good hands. Good luck to you bro and hang in there. Remember someday you'll look back on these times and find a respect for yourself for facing what you did at this age, the way you did.

[Chris'Mom]

I'm reading your post this morning and thinking of my own 21 year old son who went thru 4 e/p....take it one day at a time...remember it is curable, and keep us posted....thinking of you...Mary Ellen

[Don]

Your job--- They really can't fire you because of a medical issue.. If they due ---jobs are a dime a dozen---your young enough were anyone will hire you when your ready to go back to work..

Your hair-- You know as well as I that it will grow back pretty quickly...

Your girlfreind-- If she is not willing to stand by yourside while your ill it's better you find out know rather then after you exchange wedding vows...you know the part where they say "in sickness and in health".

The important thing is that you start treatment ASAP .. It's going to take a little bit of time but you Can and Will beat this.. Your life can't be replaced.. everything else your worried about can... Good Luck Cop! DON

[Fish]

Sorry to hear about your recurrence. But remember many guys have had a recurrence and been completely cured. Just try to keep thinking positively. Regarding your job, you should be protected under the Family and Medical Leave Act, unless your job is exempted for some reason. All you should have to do is inform your employer that you are invoking your rights under this act. Firing someone for being sick is reprehensible. Also, I'm not sure, and if any knows please post -- I though cancer was also covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act because of the misconception of employers that patients could not perform their duties.

As Don says your hair will grow back -- mine will not . And I agree on the g/f issue as well.

I wish you all the best, thoughts and prayers.

Jim

[dadmo]

Fish:
Yes cancer patients are protedted under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Heres a link http://www.eeoc.gov/facts/cancer.html

[Fish]

Thanks Dadmo, very good information for everyone to read.

[Scott]

Agreed. Dadmo, would you mind cross-posting this in the Research Library?

[Mom]

I posted this last September. It deals with the ADA and it specifically mentions that TC falls under the ADA. I haven't read Dadmo's link and it is probably in there but this cuts to the quick.

The following excerpts in part came from a newsletter published by our company's HR counsel.

"The EEOC has issued a new publication answering questions about people with cancer under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The full text may be found at: http://www.eeoc.gov/facts/cancer/html. Of the one million Americans diagnosed with cancer each year, nearly 40% are working-age adults. Nearly 10 million Americans have a history of cancer. The EEOC wanted to clarify how the ADA applied to those workers. The following practical tips highlight the contents of the new publication; however, there is a lot more information in the full version.

1. When is cancer a disability? When it limits one or more of a person's major life activities. For example, an employee who undergoes chemotherapy and surgery for testicular cancer who then becomes sterile is "an individual with a disability" because he is substantially limited in the major life activity of reproduction. (emphasis added) Also covered is when the disability was substantially limiting in the past. An employee hospitalized after treatment including chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant, has a record of disability. Finally, even if the cancer does not affect a person's major life activities, but the employer treats the employee as if it does, the employee is covered. For example, an applicant's genetic profile reveals an increased susceptibility to colon cancer, but he does not currently have colon cancer. The employer cannot withdraw an offer of employment just becasue the person may, in the future, develop cancer.

2. May an employer ask a job applicant about cancer or treatment?
3. What if the applicant voluntarily reveals that he/she has or had cancer?
4. May an employer explain to other employes that a co-worker is allowed to do something not generally permitted (i.e. work at home) because he/she has cancer?
5. If an employee has lost a lot of weight and other employees are afriad he/she is HIV positive or has AIDS, can the employer reveal that the employee has cancer?
6. What accommodations are required?

I can't put all of the answers up. I don't have a scanner and wouldn't know what to do with it if I had one. I thought this would be interesting to you because it specifically mentions TC. Please take a look at the website. I don't know how to do the "link" thing either. Dianne

[tccancercop]

Unfortunately, I believe my position is exempt from these protections. I'm a police officer, on probation for one year. I have 6 months to go before I'm off probation. And you can be let go at any time for any reason while on probation! My chief has been good so far about it. . . but I can't miss a bunch of work. I only have about two weeks of comp time built up. .

[Apache]

hang tough TC cancer cop! don't sweat the girl thing. heck, my girlfriend has chronic myelogenous leukemia, takes 600mg of Gleevec a day, and probably needs a transplant very soon. we help each other, keeping our spirits up and a positive attitude. if she can't be a solid foundation for you, then focus on doing what you can to get well. take it sun up to sun down and keep the faith.

[dadmo]

tccancercop:
Don't be so sure you're not protected. No state or municipalty has the authority to override federal law. It needs to be checked but even on probation it seems you should be covered. You may want to speak with your local PBA.