ADVICE FROM WOMEN WHO KNOW

The following are well-earned tips and suggestions from our readers' personal experiences with cancer.

Including Your Coworkers

"My friends and coworkers had a "hat and scarf" party for me when my hair began to fall out. Everyone brought some kind of hat or scarf and an angel pin, and my friend who was the hostess put out cake and coffee. It was a great way for my coworkers to be part of the treatment instead of being afraid to approach me."

—Linda, New York

The Best Therapy

"I think that continuing to work was the best therapy that I have had during my cancer—continuing to work, taking my daughter to school, being as active with my daughter as I possibly can, and most importantly keeping myself as healthy as I can."

—Amy, California

A Time To Heal

"Do what is right for you and don't worry about demands placed on you by the workplace. This is a time for you to heal and deal with a major life change."

—Vicki, Northern California

Coworker Support

"Some days my work is not the best—I look terrible and am so tired I could fall asleep at my desk. However, my coworkers have supported me. They have given me the strength to come to work each day and to take one day at a time."

—Mary, Michigan

Preparing For Change

"My advice is to be completely honest with your boss and with your coworkers as much as possible. Let them know what your limitations/side effects/weaknesses might be. Prepare them for the changes in your appearance. Discuss with your boss how fatigue might affect your work and how everyone will deal with it."

—Linda, New York

Employer Support

"My employer and I put together a flexible schedule that would be helpful for me during chemo. Fortunately, I am able to continue to work full-time. I gave her the Living and Working with Cancer workbook to help any future employees that might have a more difficult time."

—Laura, Massachusetts

Record Keeping

"My advice is to keep a work diary of everything—conversations, meetings, tasks, time, comp time, appointments—just everything!"

—Renee, South Carolina

Work As Relief

"I wanted to get back to work when everyone told me to stay home for a while and take it easy. I found myself reading, sleeping, and wondering what was going to happen to my son if something should happen to me. I wanted to go to work and not think about it."

—Nicole, Illinois

Staying Healthy At Work

"My employer had a private meeting with my coworkers to discourage them from coming in to work sick. She handed out a reference sheet to help cut back on germ spread in the office. She also had a list of flu vaccines available in the area."

—Laura, Massachusetts

Missing Work

"Work was a good distraction for me. My bosses were flexible enough to let me go to radiation and not worry about it interfering with my work. I really only missed work on the day of surgery. I was not trying to be heroic—I felt good enough to go."

—Lyn, Connecticut

Conserving Energy

"Your health comes first. You are no good at work when you are exhausted. Judgement is clouded and mistakes are made. It is better to get through treatment, take the days off needed to feel better, then get back. If you feel as I do—that the office is crumbling without you (we all like to think that it does)—see if there is something you can do from home so you can do it when you have some energy."

—Nicole, Illinois