Yes, it is hard even though the oncologist at CHEO—I work in Quebec—wrote me a letter to give my employer. When it concerns my daughter, my employer will not approve my leave. That is why the doctor had to change my diagnosis to situational depression. The hospital still gives me a hard time.
In fact, I received another letter. I had to go to the doctor. I even had to see a doctor designated by the hospital to assess my situation and determine whether the hospital had grounds to dispute my leave. If the hospital does challenge my claim and I don't go back to work, I will lose my job. You always have to fight and it's extremely trying.
I am lucky to have disability insurance, but I still have to fight with my employer every month to justify my leave. It doesn't matter that the oncologist provided a detailed explanation indicating that Sabrina would have to undergo radiation treatment every day for eight weeks, on top of chemotherapy.