Hi Tony - missed your post somehow. regarding your question about taking time off - I was off for a week and decided to go back to work. My face was puffy and my mouth was full of stitches but I just wanted to get back to work and out of the house - it was October and it was rainy and cold - I'd never make it as a homemaker.
No guarantees for anyone with or without cancer - during or after you're done with treatment. Getting "back to normal" is just too simple for me - never considered myself normal anyway. My husband was supportive, my friends were there and just wanted to get back into the swing of things - different for everyone depending on the treatment. Do what works for you - Many of us are many years out and doing well - don't waste your time with the what ifs - just live, make sure you trust your medical team, keep your appts. and keep an open mind.