I think one of the primary issues would be your financial situations, unfair but true. How long can you afford to stay out, what kind of work benefits do you have, are you self employed and of course, how do you feel. I stayed out 5 months the first time, mandible resection, neck dissection and 35 radiation treatments. I was back for 15 months until I had a reoccurrence. If you can afford it, stay out until you feel recovered. If you need to work, get back as soon as you can without creating any health issues. I have an occasionally stressful government job with excellent benefits so my time tables may not always apply. I will say that going back to work was the best "treatment" I got!