[Mary Jo]

Hi Melanie,

First off, let me say I applaud you and your stamina and all you are trying to do. No one can answer you specifically as to when you shouldn't work etc. because we are all different in that respect.

My own experience is that I did continue to work part time throughout my dose dense A/C and dose dense taxol and herceptin, with herceptin being every 3 weeks for 1 year. I always had chemo on a Wed.(every other) and would take off every Thurs and Fri following a chemo round. I was almost always ready to go back to work on Monday. That is not to say everyday was great or that occasionally I didn't have to take a day or two additionally off. However, that being said, I work 20 hours a week on my job having every Wed. off always. This schedule worked for me and I was able to hold up through it.

I believe your body will dictate to you what you can take and tell you when enough is enough. I believe you will know. For some of us staying actively involved in life is what we need to cope with the disease and it's treatments and for others it's too much to keep up the pace of before. It depends on the job, your physical stamina, how the chemo affects you physically etc.

So, I pray you good health and stamina throughout your treatment. I pray you will know IF you feel you need to take a break from work and that the transition will be acceptable to you if need be.

Take care of yourself. You're the only YOU there is.

May God's Peace surround you today,

Mary Jo