telling your employer about your PC and when back to work driving, making sales calls?

I don't want the guys that report to me to know about my PC.  Is that common?  and when can I get back to driving to accounts and making sales calls in person?

I had similar hesitations.  Initially, I told no one.  But because I needed to arrange for surgery and time off to recuperate, I informed my boss and the Human Resources folks. Later, about three weeks before surgery, I let my co-workers and those I supervise know about it.  Naturally, those I told were concerned, but it had little impact on day-to-day work or in anyone's confidence in my abilities or mental state.  They held a little going-away party for me before I left for a month off.  It was very thoughtful, and helped me cope with the days ahead.

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Age 57  PSA 2.5  Gleason 5   Open Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy/Bilateral Nerve-sparing  6/21/06  Cancer confined to prostate  No further treatment

I have an office job and returned to work 12 days post-surgery for two-three hours per day the first week; half days the second week; three-quarter days the next week; then full time. I showed the effects of surgery until I was full time (I also walked a little slower than usual until about the fourth week). However, once I hit about 30 days out, no one could tell I ever had surgery. I didn't try long drives until the fourth week after surgery.

What I'm trying to tell you is you can't hide the fact you had surgery until after the fourth week of recovery when you look and feel normal again.

I have an office job and returned to work 12 days post-surgery for two-three hours per day the first week; half days the second week; three-quarter days the next week; then full time. I showed the effects of surgery until I was full time (I also walked a little slower than usual until about the fourth week). However, once I hit about 30 days out, no one could tell I ever had surgery. I didn't try long drives until the fourth week after surgery.

What I'm trying to tell you is you can't hide the fact you had surgery until after the fourth week of recovery when you look and feel normal again.

JJK,

my husband owns a business and told his employees about everything. he is usually a very private person so I was surprised he did, but he knew that was the best thing. he is the salesperson in his company so he didn't feel that he could be off for very long. and being a salesperson, he is very driven. he returned to work full-time 12 days post-surgery and has been going strong since. actually, the first week he would come home pale and tired, but wouldn't listen to anyone that he should be resting. fortunately, he drives locally and usually only has 30-40 minute trips. my BIL had radiation seed implants and didn't tell anyone at work about it. so I think it's your decision. best wishes to you. kat

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Husband Jeff 56 years old
diagnosed July 27, 2006
PSA 6.5
2 positive areas in biopsy, Gleason 3+3=6
Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy August 30, 2006

Hello JJK,

Who and when you tell of the PCa is a personal choice, but with rare exception if one person knows it won't be long before everyone finds out. People will also speculate on the cause of your absence, and that is not going to help your return.

Trying to schedule a date for your return to work is not going to be easy. There are many factors that will determine the length of your recovery; age, physical condition, and type of theropy you select.

I hope these suggestions will help you plan for your leave from work.

Glen

As Glen said (above), there are lots of factors that determine time to return to work, however the following is my experience.

The surgeon told me ahead of time that I would be back to work in 2-3 weeks.  I actually returned this past Monday (2-1/2 weeks post-op) and stayed for 6-7 hours per day.  I have an office job, but had no problem driving 45 minutes each way to work.  I expect to be full-time next week and would have no problem taking a longer business trip.

I didn't tell everyone in the company, but I was quite open with the people I know best plus with those above me.

Just my experience -

 

Friends,

I want to thank everyone who responded with helpful information. It sure beats trolling through Google for REAL information. I am a planner and thanks.

JJK
Age 54
Gleason 3+3
Surgeon first visit 10/10/06

JJK,
Since employers are forbidden to relay any employee information, you're pretty safe. The cat won't get out of the bag unless you let it out. Everyone gave pretty simple advise. A little vitiman B12, C and a simple B50 will keep that energy up through the day. Be well, Swim