Earning a living to support a family is the main reason people continue working. But Marks is among many medical professionals who say that working is also important to a cancer patient's emotional well-being, especially those who have always been active. Joyce Herschl, director of the Cancer Institute's social work services who has worked with cancer patients for 19 years, always encourages patients to work and maintain as normal a life as possible during treatment. Parry said when he's working, he doesn't even feel sick. Agresta said work connects him to the world and helps him remain involved.
Work is great therapy.
It takes your mind off things. Johnston began treatment in August and completed the cycle in January. He experienced nausea and some fatigue, but the symptoms were helped by medication. Johnston, who plans to retire in June, said he felt fortunate that his cancer was caught early and advises people over 50 to have a colonoscopy, a procedure that enables doctors to view the interior lining of the large intestine. There are no guarantees in this world, but if you catch it early the prognosis is good.