I'm so sorry Tamara. Take the disability if you need to, it is money to help you get through it. I hope everything works out for you.

The most important thing is your well being - health. If you need to rest you, eventually you will have to rest. You are in this to win it. You beat cancer mentally.
As I first responder I would come into contact w patients frequently that were battling cancer, I would listen to their stories and see their strengths. I thought I was being supportive by telling them “ you are strong” you got this. It wasn’t until I received my first diagnosis that I realized that was a not nice thing to say. It was like a dismissal. Right now things seem up in turmoil for you. I am very sorry you are dealing w this. Believe me I can totally relate.
Cancer has a way of magnifying our lives. Our Nature is to hold on to what we feel is important to us. Coming to terms is a hard pill to swallow.
I used to get worked up over up coming scans. Like you I was healthy and always took care of myself. Then one day my baby sister said to me “why are you getting worked up over something you can’t control” ? Bottom line you are going to do whatever you got to do to beat this right? Focus on that. Cruise control.
Accepting this isn't easy, I know I can’t do it alone. With prayers, family, friends, a awesome medical team, and the people here its doable. There are resources to help. Speak w your oncologist Nurse Navigator they know resources to help.
Most importantly you must communicate your struggles. Otherwise they can’t help.
You will be in my prayer’s 🙏🏻

I hope you feel better soon. Re: work, is FMLA an option? Under FMLA you can't be fired for having to take off as needed.

Sending ...

Thank you for sharing and expressing your vulnerability. I think you should consider your situation as two separate problems. Instead of wondering how to be ill, and work, first work out how you cope with your illness so you can recover. Once you know what your body needs then take those needs to your employer and negotiate. You might come to an agreement that you can work part time and or on varying duties. Or you might determine that you must go on disability.
Ultimately, your physical health and mental health impact your future. Please consider figuring out what you need specifically then work out how you can achieve that. All the best.