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Work
I think everybody has to do what works for them. I took many years off from work when my children were young and I'm glad I had that special time with them. In spite of the fact that I am stage four, I haven't taken time off from work during the past 8 years except when I had surgery. I teach third grade. The students inspire me and I think working with them helps me to focus on them and keeps me from thinking negative scary thoughts. I even took two graduate courses this past spring. I have to admit, since I had to add Navelbine and Zometa to Herceptin, there have been days when I have felt fatigued and it was hard getting up so early and going into work. However, for me it is worth it and I feel that my students have a positve effect on my immune system. Next Wednesday they will dress up as the characters they chose for their biography speeches and give presentations to the parents. They will also recite two poems, "The Road not Taken", by Robert Frost and Ullysses by Alfred Lord Tennyson. They always bring tears to my eyes at the end when they shout, "to strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield." For me, it's living with cancer, but not having it consume my life. It is a very personal decision; everyone needs to do what works for them.
Best regards,
Barbara
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