I'm glad you have a better understanding, and things are falling into place. The "N" stands for nodal, and 2b means more than one node is involved on the same side of the neck, and less than 6cm. Taking time off from work differs for everyone, few go though treatment working, some do, I didn't, and at some point may need to take a leave. You might want to look into your employee benefits for short term disability, for income for 26 weeks in a calendar year, and FMLA if they have 50 employees, and you are employed for a year full time, and about 1200 hours worked, which is 12 weeks of job protection. STD pays income through the state or your employer, and some have other compensation packages for tenure. After that is long term disability, if your employer has it. Not sure what else CA has, but I think it's something different than NY? I always say to look into it while you can, just in case needed, not while going through treament, so you won't need to tire yourself later on. I never went back to work after 5 days of treatment in 2009, unexpectedly, and was not fun to have others run around for me, calling work, submitting forms from the hospital, and getting misinformation. No matter how much liked, work is a business, and everyone needs to look out for their own best interest.