"One of the good things that came out of my cancer was that I rethought my priorities and could put the things that were really important to me at the top." - Carole

"I needed to be in control of something since I had lost control of my health. In some ways, it was a relief (to be at work)." - Linda

The diagnosis can be a reminder that life is short and valuable. It prompted many women that we spoke with to rethink previous career choices and choose new paths, more in line with what mattered to them.

Pain and fatigue may affect your ability to work both within and outside of the home in the short and long term. The economic impact of not being able to return to and/or continue working, either inside or outside of the home, may be very stressful. This may the first time that you have been sick and unable to work. You may also be dealing with the question, "Who am I, if I cannot work?"

Seek as much support as you can in finding out what your options are. Job options will change, depending on whether you are in the diagnosis, treatment, recovery, or post-treatment phase.

Some workplaces may be very supportive of your needs as you are dealing with cancer. They may have both short term and long term disability plans. Your supporters may be able to help you cope with the details of finding out about these options and putting them in place.

Other workplaces may refuse to respond to what you need around your illness. This can be devastating, but you have rights. Some of the women we spoke to wished they had been better informed about their legal rights regarding job protection and accommodation for workers with illness or disabilities. You may want to call the Ontario Human Rights Commission or talk to a lawyer. Again, your supporters may be able to help with some of these inquiries.

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