Angie,
I am one of those who DIDN'T work through treatment. I was too sick, in too much pain, drugged and too fatigued to even think about it (not to mention depressed). By the way, I "only" had radiation and chemotherapy - no surgery. I did lose 60 lbs. Since I am a consultant, talking is key and my voice and throat was wiped out for a very long time, making it impossible to negotiate with clients or the FDA. Because I spent a lot of time in bed, all of my muscles atrophied and they are still trying to make a comeback 14 months post Tx. I still have some fatigue effects. I am still 30 lbs lighter than I was.

I understand that the recovery from the surgery is about 3-4 weeks - it's the radiation part that gets complicated. The general rule for recovery from radiation is 1 month for every week of radiation.

I am not trying to discourage you here, just give a little balance because not all of us are able to work in the immediate post Tx and nobody presented that view (well, except Joanna). And I am almost 10 years older than your brother so age may be a factor as well.