[chrisy]

Hi Jackie,

congratulations on that lovely remission!

I've had recurrences since being diagnosed Stage IV, but have been fortunate enough to have been able to "maintain" on therapies less toxic than the initial chemo.

I have continued to work throughout (except for a few months during chemo). Although my work is also demanding (and sometimes involves dealing with people who ACT like children) I do have a bit more flexibility in terms of my schedule, and that helps.

I can't imagine doing that and being a single mom!

It sounds like in your situation it may be difficult (but perhaps still possible) to avoid going in to work every day. Still, if your time at school is less intense, it may help if you are able to claim that time for yourself - rest, meditate, yoga, study up on potential "cures"...whatever... out of sight of those who are supposed to be working.

I've (with permission) done that at times when I just couldn't handle the full workload and it did help - the key (and the tricky part) was to fully disengage from "work mode" without guilt or interruption.

Kudos for recognizing that you need to back off a bit - and good luck to you finding a comfortable halfway point.

Chris