Graduation Date
12-2012
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department or Program
Education
Department or Program Chair
Elizabeth Truesdell PhD
First Reader
Madalienne F. Peters, EdD
Abstract
Returning to work after cancer treatment provides its own set of challenges. The purpose of this research paper is to inform cancer survivors of the reality of returning to work after treatment. From personal experience and hearing others’ stories; I am convinced that getting back to a “normal” life is a large part of the recovery from cancer. Returning to work can be the conclusion to a very long battle and reassures survivors, that they truly have beaten the beast. The literature revealed that it takes time for the body to follow the head and heart when it comes to recovery. A case study approach was used in gathering and interpreting data following my recovery from cancer. Findings indicated that following chemotherapy treatments, returning to work takes a long period of time for one to learn how to function close to or at the level prior to the diagnosis. In conclusion, it is important for a cancer survivor to talk about the journey. This provides the all-important venue for one’s return to normalcy.