Did you know there are 600 lymph nodes in the human body—and 35 different lymphomas? “Lymphoma is one word but many diseases,” said Robin Markowitz, CEO of Lymphoma Canada, at this year’s GIPC event. “The patient’s experience will vary accordingly.”
Lymphoma is the fifth most common cancer in Canada. But because it mimics other diseases, it can be hard to diagnose, she explained. And although there are many treatment options, relapses are very common.
What to do—and not to do
So how should you react when your employee tells you she has lymphoma? “A newly diagnosed patient, of course, is completely overwhelmed,” said Markowitz.
She suggests setting up a meeting with the patient, perhaps including a patient advocate, to discuss resources and support the patient can access. Also review issues such as caregiving responsibility, childcare, finances and insurance—and write everything down, she added.
Read: Support employees affected by cancer
What shouldn’t you do? Don’t tell her it’s going to be okay—you don’t know it will be—and resist the urge to share others’ cancer success stories, “because not everyone will have a great outcome,” Markowitz advised.
Privacy is also important: some patients want support from their colleagues, but others don’t even tell their families, she said. And while patients may feel guilty about their diagnosis and wonder if they could have prevented it, “with lymphoma, it is completely random,” Markowitz added.
Support from the employer plays a critical role in a patient’s recovery. “We strongly encourage accommodation,” she said. “It is a short-term accommodation, in many instances, for a long-term gain.”
Read: Employers can help workers cope with cancer
James’s story
Markowitz cited James, a 22-year-old engineer, as an example. He went from doctor to doctor before he was correctly diagnosed and was then hospitalized for two weeks. His employer visited him during his hospitalization. “He told us that was a turning point for him because he was so concerned about his career,” said Markowitz.
Although James had to have six weeks of radiation therapy—and often had to come in late as a result—he was able to work through it. “Psychologically, it was a great step up,” added Markowitz.
After nine months, James came back to work full time. “When patients do come back, recognize it is a milestone,” Markowitz encouraged.
Her recommendations: have a return-to-work meeting to ensure the patient is ready, and share access to post-treatment resources and support. Manage colleagues’ expectations about how quickly the employee will be able to get up to speed, and explain the importance of getting the flu vaccine and not coming to work sick.
Finally, don’t underestimate your role in the process. “Your contributions as an employer are invaluable,” she added.
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