My job is requiring me to return to office full-time, 5x a week, from my current 100% remote status. I have Stage 4 cancer and asked my oncologist for a reasonable accommodation (RA) letter, but was told no. Suggestions on next steps?
I have Stage 4 cancer, undergoing treatments. While the treatments are keeping my cancer at bay so far, I was told initially that I am considered immunocompromised. I wouldn't mind going back in the office in a hybrid factor, as I don't mind going in a few days a week and being around coworkers. However, everyday seems like a lot, especially considering how fatigued I feel from time to time, and I'm concerned about being sickened easily.
I explained this to my oncologist in the hope of getting a RA letter, who denied the request, saying I wasn't immunocompromised enough to be considered for a hybrid RA, and she didn't want to get in trouble for writing a RA letter when she knew I was fine enough to travel, etc.
Thing is, I only traveled to visit my family on the other side of the country, and I got pneumonia last year during my treatments, as well as horribly sick a few times. I was under the impression that I was immunocompromised, and I was originally told my Stage 4 cancer was considered terminal (5-8 years lifespan with treatments expected) by the same oncologist.
I am mystified because I talked with my office's reasonable accommodations team, who agreed that Stage 4/terminal cancer was a valid reason to get a RA. My oncologist has always been supportive, so I'm a bit surprised by this.
Do you have any suggestions on best next steps? Another aspect is I'd be in an open space, not my own private cubicle, so I might be easily distracted and not be as productive. That's why I want a hybrid arrangement, so I can have a good balance (less transport, hence less chance of getting sick). I asked my supervisor about having my own office and they seemed unsure, because as everyone is returning, there really is no space. I doubt my oncologist would write a RA letter for that, as she seems to think I'm fine going back to office full time. (My supervisor is aware of my cancer. Not really much they can do — this is outside their control.)
I wish I had the opportunity to ask for another opinion/ask another doctor, but my insurance is a HMO so everything is centralized and linked—my chart has the oncologist notes saying 'no' to the RA, which all other doctors can easily view.
Thanks for any input you might be able to provide! |
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