[Sheila]

Melanie
I am in awe of all you are doing...I worked when I was first diagnosed, didn't know life without the work...I decided to have reconstruction 1 1/2 years later, then ended up with mets...with mets came Herceptin (this was before Herceptin was given as protocol), which meant a trip to Chicago (170 miles R/T) every 3 weeks for Herceptin....and tests, and Dr. appt.'s.....my job was traveling as a nurse, I worked for a large construction company and worked mostly nuclear plants all over the country....I would only get home once a month. I had to make a decision on whether to stick with 1 oncologist, or play traveling oncologist, which made no sense to me...I felt like I was chosing between my life and my job. I chose my life! As stage IV, the company disability insurance mandated that I apply for Social Security Disability, so I di, and I was awarded it. I miss my job, I loved what I did, but I wouldn't trade my life now for anything....I say if you feel like working and it isn't too hard on you, go for it. My job entailed working 13 hour days 6 days a week...I know from the past 6 mos of Taxol, Avastin and Herceptin, I couldn't do it anymore....I get tired easily most of the time! Where do you go for treatments? I go to Rush as does Donna D on this site. Good luck with whatever you choose to do, and welcome to our group!