next »

[figee]

Great that you're lightening your load as much as possible.  Remember that the world won't stop spinning if you don't get everything done - do as much as you can.

And do stay now you're here.  This forum is a very supportive place.

[mdwlark]

<Hug and warm thoughts sent your way>

My son just completed what we hope will be his last chemotherapy treatment for lymphoma at the end of September.  I remember being where you are now, and, as a mom, being scared to death.  We made it to the other end of this long process.  You will too.  There is renewed life, healing, and new beginnings awaiting.

Your attitude is wonderful.  Everyone's experience with chemo is different.  It is harder for some than others.   Everyone can count on some rough times. There may or may not be some visible indications that you are going through chemo.  My son cut back his work hours, but continued to work part-time.  His employer was very kind and understanding and scheduled him around his chemo treatments.  A co-worker of mine also had lymphoma this year.  She chose to go on medical disability leave, is back to work full-time now.  Sounds like your dean and chair will work with you.   

If it would be helpful, PM me anytime.  You will receive much love and support from around the globe on the fora anytime you want to post.   

[see_wolf]

Just another thought... if you have small classes and hands on type of work, you may want to ask your students to avoid you when they are truly sick.  Yes, some may take advantage of a little cold or sniffle to stay out of class, but those infectious with the flu or pneumonia need to stay away.

Best wishes to a quick recovery!

[mdwlark]

Just another thought... if you have small classes and hands on type of work, you may want to ask your students to avoid you when they are truly sick.  Yes, some may take advantage of a little cold or sniffle to stay out of class, but those infectious with the flu or pneumonia need to stay away.

Best wishes to a quick recovery!

Yes!!!!   There may be times that your immune system will get really depressed from the chemo.   During the course of chemo, the doctors occasionally administer other drugs which stimulate the bone marrow to rebuild your immune system and occasionally they suspend chemo for a week if necessary to allow your body to rebuild immunity.   

[dr_coffee]

yes.  stay. 

This is a warm and supportive place.

Like a virtual warm scarf on a cold day.

Let us warm you up, my dear.

[maries]

Back in college I had a professor in a situation very similar to yours.  He told the whole class exactly what was going on, and then said that if we had no argument, he'd like to end the class right away and just let us have a final grade based on whatever grades we had gotten so far.  It was pretty close to the end of the semester, though, so all it really meant was we didn't have to take a final.  Everyone was just fine with that, and if there were any complaints I didn't hear them.  He was a well-liked professor, and mostly people were just concerned about him.  No one had a problem with him telling us, and no one was creeped out or upset that he didn't finish out the semester.

[philonthemarket]

I had to go through surgery and chemo for the last two years (Thyroid Cancer) while teaching online. I would tell my online students I have health issues that will require hospitalization from time to time. I also told them when I would not be available to respond to emails and our general questions forum. I had a policy that if I wasn't available and they had a question that prevented them from finishing an assignment, they would not be penalized for failing to finish the work. I thought that this policy would be abused, but it never was.

One thing that cancer has taught me is that one must do one's best to enjoy life everyday, even when it hurts. Best wishes.