I am taking FMLA to care for my father who is terminal with kidney cancer. I had to have his doctor submit documents (test results, etc) and fill out forms to be sent to headquarters (I work for the gov't) for evaluation. I was told it may not be approved, and had to wait over a week. I have been in my job for 5 years. It was approved, but it was evaluated by a team at headquarters.

I am not an expert in this, but I think the law is that you have to work at the company for a year before they are required to give you FMLA. I am sure your doctor will sign the papers.

I agree with ChristinaArmas' advice. My FMLA wasn't approved because of the time I worked in between radiation and my first breast reconstruction which was on FMLA. Now Months later, they won't approve FMLA but they did put me on Non-FMLA approval time off and basically. I think that just means an approved sick leave.

Take the paperwork to your oncologist they may help. FMLA is tricky. Keep up the work. Stay perky.

Your employer has ZERO right to even know why you are trying to take a benefit; it's illegal for them to even ask you. HR does need to know, but that is all. I worked all through chemo, but took FMLA for Radiation, 6 weeks. I was also at that job about 6 yrs, so a bit different. Do you have any sick/vacay time to dip into? Otherwise, can you just wait until you are eligible?