Q. My life just got turned upside down, I have breast cancer! I am OK telling my boss, but do I have to tell my team?
A. Don’t close down the possibility of being supported by colleagues and loved by your friends and family. Now is not the time to be solitary or secretive and given the incidence of breast cancer — one in eight women.
Here are a few questions to consider:
- Have you researched your condition and do you understand it?
- When diagnosed you are likely to go through the following stages: fear, anger, denial/isolation and acceptance. Where are you in the process? Note: It is OK to have a bad day.
- Are you accepting help and support? What specifically? From whom? [Note: you will be reluctant to lean heavily on one person—allow others to provide support.]
Let me share my own story. Its positive outcome may inspire you to deal openly in your work situation. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer I held a very public position and I, too, was reluctant to tell my boss and colleagues. A key role in Governor William Weld’s Cabinet became available right after my diagnosis and I wanted the opportunity. I threw my hat in the ring and disclosed —I have breast cancer. To my surprise and relief, Governor Weld did not “blink.” I became Secretary of Consumer Affairs for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and I never missed one day of work.
There may be days you do not feel like working. I was blessed not to have severe side effects. However, I have discovered that many men and women faced with major illness prefer to work. Work can be your lodestar, vs. succumbing to doctors’ visits as the central part of your day/week.
Now to your work:
- When are you most energetic? Match the task to your energy level.
- Are you delegating? What “stretch assignments” opportunities are you creating?
- What are you doing to stay visible and to keep your career on track?
I hope that the response from your boss and colleagues is as welcoming and surprising as what I experienced. Please know that I am sending positive energy your way and wish you a full and speedy recovery.