In this reflective post, I delve into the intricate dance between my professional life and the challenges of undergoing treatment for Mantle Cell Lymphoma. Nestled in the heart of my career as an IT Manager at Sentry Insurance, Stevens Point, Wisconsin, this chapter of my journey unfolds.
During the watch and wait period before treatment, I maintained a full-time work schedule, using paid time off only for the essential quarterly office visits and PET scans. A seamless integration of work and health, it seemed.
The transition into treatment marked a notable shift. Still, during the first three rounds of induction therapy, I managed to navigate work commitments, setting aside only the 2 treatment days every 28 days—Thursday’s and Friday’s. These strategically chosen days allowed a four-day buffer for recovery, ensuring I returned to work with both vigor and productivity.
Even as lab tests became routine, I scheduled them smartly before my workday began. The delicate balance of maintaining a professional life while combating the challenges of treatment remained intact.
However, the landscape altered come round 4. Intensive treatments demanded a shift to inpatient care at UW Hospital, rendering me eligible for short-term disability during the three months of completing my treatment regimen. With 5 transfusions for platelets and red blood cells, it became clear—working was not feasible.
In this juncture, the robust health plan and the dedicated in-house Health Services team and my Director, at Sentry became my pillars of support. Recognizing my immunocompromised status, a consequence of lymphoma, my doctor advocated for a work accommodation during treatment: full-time remote work during periods of capability. A plea that found a compassionate ear with Holly in Health Services, HR representative Celene, and my director Rob, all of whom concurred on the accommodation.
Sentry, with its unwavering commitment to employee well-being and compassionate leadership exemplified by Holly, Celene, and Rob, became not just my workplace but a haven of support during these challenging times. Gratitude flows endlessly for their comprehensive benefit package and empathetic understanding of the intricacies of navigating work and health during my MCL journey.