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cancer journey

Why I’m Grateful For FMLA

February 9, 2023 by Diane Leave a Comment

This post may contain affiliate links, and I will be compensated (at no extra cost to you) when you make a purchase by clicking on my links.

Image of female physician standing in operating room

First, I apologize for disappearing on you for the past two-plus weeks. You were correct if you guessed it was because of my cancer journey.

My problems started with a plummeting hemoglobin, resulting in extreme fatigue. I didn’t even have enough energy to work on my blog. Thankfully, I received two units of blood, and my hemoglobin has now improved significantly. Once again, I’m so very grateful to all of you blood donors out there!

Next, I developed a pleural effusion (excessive fluid around my lung). This led to significant shortness of breath and even less energy to work on my blog. I ended up needing a thoracentesis where they drained 1800 cc of fluid from my left lung. (That’s nearly the amount of a 2-liter soda bottle!)

A dear friend was with me during my blood transfusions, and my daughter took time off from work to be with me during and after the thoracentesis. I can’t imagine how lonely and scary some of these cancer treatments would be if I had nobody to be with me.

That leads me to today’s topic. I want to be sure all of you are aware of the FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act). This law could affect you, your co-workers, or your residents’ family members.

What is FMLA?

Years ago, I remember several sad situations where a family member couldn’t be with one of our seriously ill or dying residents for fear of losing their job. The FMLA came about in response to these and other work/life balance concerns.

Signed into law in 1993, the FMLA provides unpaid leave for specific family and medical events while providing job protection. These include:

  • birth of a baby
  • adoption
  • need to help care for a seriously ill family member
  • serious personal health problem

How do I qualify for FMLA?

Be aware that several specific regulations cover eligibility for FMLA. For example, an employee must have worked for the employer for at least 12 months. Also, the employer must have at least 50 employees within a 75-mile radius. Therefore, it’s important to talk with your HR department to be sure you follow all the rules and preserve your rights.

How long does FMLA last?

FMLA provides up to 12 weeks of job-protected unpaid leave per year. However, the 12 weeks don’t always need to be taken at one time. My daughter has taken a few shorter periods of FMLA to help me when I’ve gone through particularly difficult situations with my cancer treatments.

Again, thank you for your patience during this challenging time. My posts might be spotty over the next month or so while I work to get my cancer symptoms under control. In the meantime, I hope you’ll come back and catch up on articles you haven’t had an opportunity to read in the past.

Filed Under: Did You Know? Tagged With: cancer journey

Sad And Unexpected News

January 12, 2023 by Diane Leave a Comment

 

Image of young and older women hugging.

Most of you know I’ve been battling metastatic breast cancer for nearly two years. Earlier this week, we received the shocking news that my sister also has breast cancer. Linda is one year older than me and my only sibling.

The main reason this came as such a shock is that I had genetic testing done after my diagnosis. They looked at genes for over 100 types of cancer, and not a single one showed a mutation that would put me (or my family) at an increased risk for cancer. While statistics show one in eight women will develop breast cancer during their lifetime, I never in a million years imagined it would strike both my sister and me.

[Read more…] about Sad And Unexpected News

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: cancer journey

How You Can Help Fight Cancer

November 14, 2022 by Diane Leave a Comment

Images of marathon runners.

Update: Ryan finished the Philadelphia Marathon today. Thanks so much to everyone who donated to the American Association for Cancer Research. You helped both Ryan and his team exceed their fundraising goals!

Original Post: Many of you know I’ve been battling metastatic breast cancer since March 2021. (You can read more of my story in the “Cancer Journey” tab.)

In November, my son Ryan will run the Philadelphia Marathon to help raise money for the American Association for Cancer Research. If you’re able, I would love to have you join him by becoming a donor. Please visit Ryan’s marathon page for all the details.

Thank you so much for your support!

Filed Under: Opportunities Tagged With: cancer journey

Good News And Bad News

October 9, 2022 by Diane Leave a Comment

I’m so excited to let you know that the nursing home where I used to volunteer will reopen its doors on Thursday. Nearly three years have passed since a fire destroyed most of the building.

We’re all eager to explore this new state-of-the-art senior care community. And it will be such a joy to hear life echoing through the hallways once again.

My plan was to dive right in as a volunteer and come up with lots of fresh adventures to share with my readers. Unfortunately, this is not to be—at least not yet.

[Read more…] about Good News And Bad News

Filed Under: In The News Tagged With: cancer journey

2 More Lessons From My Cancer Journey

September 16, 2022 by Diane Leave a Comment

This post may contain affiliate links, and I will be compensated (at no extra cost to you) when you make a purchase by clicking on my links. 

Breast cancer ribbon surrounded by pink heart.

After being diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer last year, I promised to share what I learn along the way. (You can find my story in the cancer journey tab on the sidebar.) Today I have two more lessons I believe you’ll find helpful.

1. Be careful what you suggest

Over the past several months, a few people have shared advice on how they believe I should manage my cancer treatment side effects. I know they mean well. They see me hurting, and they want to make things better.

[Read more…] about 2 More Lessons From My Cancer Journey

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: cancer journey

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