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Still working
I feel as if I have been lucky with my job of teaching third graders. I never took any time off for my inititial treatment; AC with T in 98, but had to take a month in June for my first brain surgery in June 04. Even during that month I was busy writing report cards and went to my students' final performance. After that, at the end of June I had to pack up my classroom. I only took a week for a second brain surgery and then two weeks off for the third brain surgery. I feel very supported by my staff, principal, students, administrators and parents. I arrive at school around seven and don't leave most days before 5:00 or later, except on the day when I have my treatment. I also have work to do in the evening and weekends. I spent most of my December break writing report cards. We are expected to write long narratives. In addition, I take two to three weeks during the end of the summer getting my classroom ready for the school year.
My job is exhausting, but also rewarding. I feel that it gives me a purpose other than my day to day activites. As long as I can continue to make a difference in a child's life and win praise from some of their parents, it makes since for me to continue as long as I can.
In spite of my choice to continue working, I honor and respect those of you who find this impossible or need to work part time. We all experince our work, treatment and life differently. I also had the luxury to take off 11 years years from work when my children were young.
I feel very fortunate to be on the Herceptin MCC DM1 trial, which seems to be working for me. Nevertheless, I dislike the requirement of all those frequent scans , and it is a pain to have to have treatment every week.
Best wishes to everyone,
Barbara H.
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