i had no choice but to tell my employers that i had some things coming up that would require me to have time off work (lap/ovarian drilling) - and then follow up appointments after that - i've swapped supervisor several times since the initial surgery (july 2005) and each supervisor has then had to be told due to the flexibility needed, sometimes at short notice, to get to appointments (i live about an hour from the clinic). i ended up having a conversation with the site supervisor so that it was out in the open as to what was going on. he's not exactly known for being the best person to help out with things, so i was extremely intimidated, but instead of copping flack, he asked about the process, whether leave was a possibility to reduce impact on work - and then sat with me for over an hour trying to understand the process and then help me with working out a work schedule that is appropriate and flexible for accomodating treatment. i now have a group of supervisors that know what is going on, and i can approach any of them if my own supervisor isn't available, so that i can alter my schedule to meet appointments.

it's not exactly ideal having so many people know what we're going through, but i don't regret telling them because i know i have their support.

as for family - my bro/sil and parents know - but that's about it! i'd prefer not to share with too many people family wise - don't want people to be feeling uncomfy at family get togethers